If you’re looking for a movie that you can definitely cheer up with, or just a classic and interesting movie to re-watch, you should check out the genre of “bread and butter movies.”
These movies aren’t necessarily award-winning films with big budgets that feature the brightest stars. Rather, “bread and butter” films are little gems you can enjoy from the comfort of your living room—easy to watch films that are simply fun without being too over-the-top or complex.
These films often focus on a theme that is popular among viewers: nostalgia. Many bread and butter films feature scenes of an iconic diner, local soda shop, or vintage car from the mid-20th century as symbols that bring us back to simpler times. They often include upbeat music and colorful costumes that capture the essence of a timeless era.
No matter if you’re hoping for a romantic comedy or an old school western, bread and butter movies have something to offer every viewer. You can count on them to provide clever banter between well-defined characters (often played by recognizable but low-key actors) as they go through quirky adventures. They might not get your pulse racing, but they make us laugh while reminding us of time when life was simpler.
If you’re in need of a reliable go-to movie, consider exploring the world of bread and butter films. Whether you want something light hearted and laugh-out-loud funny, or an old school throw back with an action packed twist—these kinds of films will give great stories without getting too complex or deep.
The notion of a “bread and butter movie” is one that has been used to describe a popular and easily understandable movie, with broad commercial appeal. But what is it that makes a film fit this description?
Simply put, it is usually an adaptation of a familiar or well-loved story. It often features beloved characters from novels, plays, or comic books, and centers around positive and heroic themes. These movies usually boast star-studded casts and feature big-budget production values that appeal to both families and teenage audiences. Oftentimes these creations are produced by major studios in the hopes of turning a large profit at the box office.
From Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” to Marvel’s “Avengers: Endgame”, these movies have continue to be immensely successful. For instance, “Avengers: Endgame” became the fastest ever movie to break the billion dollar mark, making it one of the most successful bread and butter movies to date.
It should also be noted that not all bread and butter movies fall under the family-friendly umbrellas mentioned before — horror films can also fit this definition. Films like “The Exorcist”, for example, have smashed box office records because of their broad market appeal and recognizable tropes that attract moviegoers of all ages (albeit for different reasons).
Given their strong storytelling features and close ties to audience nostalgia, it is not surprising that movies with these characteristics tend to dominate box offices. They will likely remain popular among cinemagoers for years to come, as filmmakers take advantage of their well-worn formulas for maximum returns on investments.