“Jaws” changed more than director Steven Spielberg’s career.
The 1975 thriller turned summer into blockbuster season. The now-iconic film showed studios how eager young audiences were to spend their vacations in air-conditioned theaters. That was especially true for films that gave them a roller coaster ride for their price of admission.
Think “Star Wars,” “Jurassic Park” and, more recently, “Top Gun: Maverick.”
Spielberg’s film did just that. Then … and now.
The film’s 50th anniversary re-release will end up in second place at the U.S. box office this weekend, according to initial estimates. That’s a stunning figure for a film that’s been viewed countless times over the decades, a thriller featuring a mechanical shark that misbehaved badly on set.
No CGI? No problem.
The film is estimated to bring in $9.7 million over the four-day holiday weekend, according to Deadline.com. That’s less than what returning box office champ “Weapons” will earn on 200+ more screens ($12 million), but not far off.
“Jaws” should squeak by “Caught Stealing,” the new Darren Aronofsky crime caper in its opening weekend. The ’70s classic crushed “new” remakes “The Toxic Avenger” ($2.2 million) and “The Roses” ($7.35 million) in their debut frames.
Hollywood is increasingly turning to classic films to boost box office totals. And, for the most part, it’s working. Recent re-releases like “Hocus Pocus” and “Coraline” have done well with modern audiences, and more classic re-releases are on the way.
Expect 1985’s “Back to the Future” to get a 40th anniversary release later this year.
Head Back To The Future, again. Robert Zemeckis’ classic returns to theaters October 31. Get your tickets! https://t.co/53fnR7WbaL pic.twitter.com/8g2TWW9fcO
— Universal Pictures (@UniversalPics) August 29, 2025
And why not?
The films in question allow a new generation to see some of the best stories ever committed to celluloid. Generations of movie fans can experience them anew on the big screen, where they belong.
And, compared to too many modern films, these classics still stand tall.