Revealed: See Each State's Favorite Summer Blockbuster on the Map!
A Preply study uncovered America's favorite summer flicks, with "Grease" leading in ten states and "Gremlins" popular in eight. The survey also highlighted regional favorites like "Jaws" and "Forrest Gump," alongside distinct state-specific choices, while confirming action and sci-fi as the top genres for summer moviegoers.
Summer is synonymous with movies, especially action and sci-fi blockbusters, but a recent study by Preply delved into what moviegoers consider their all-time favorite summer flicks, uncovering a mix of nostalgic classics and modern hits across various states. While new releases consistently draw crowds, there's a unique sentiment attached to cherished films that viewers return to year after year, irrespective of knowing the outcome. The study aimed to identify both contemporary and timeless favorites, asking which films truly resonate with audiences nationwide.
Topping the charts as the most beloved summer movie, "Grease" (1978) captured the hearts of audiences in ten states. This musical about 1950s teenage romance, featuring the iconic theme song by Frankie Valli, demonstrated broad appeal, being chosen by states such as Arizona in the Southwest, Minnesota and Wisconsin in the Midwest, and Southern states including Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Its widespread popularity highlights its enduring legacy as a summer classic.
Another film with significant reach was "Gremlins," securing its place as the best summer movie in eight states. This 1984 horror-comedy, known for its quirky rules regarding the care of a Gremlin, resonated with movie fans from Nevada in the West to Pennsylvania in the East. The challenge of adhering to the "no feeding after midnight" rule adds a layer of memorable lore to the film, making it a distinctive summer choice.
Regional preferences also emerged distinctly within the study. Despite its theme of a shark terrorizing a coastal community, the 1975 thriller "Jaws" proved to be a popular choice in the Northeast, specifically in Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Similarly, "Forrest Gump," starring Tom Hanks as an Alabama man navigating key historical events from the 1950s to the 1980s, unsurprisingly found strong favor in Southern states like Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina, reflecting a regional connection to its narrative.
Beyond the multi-state favorites, several films achieved "singular sensation" status, being the top pick in only one state despite their significant box office success. Michigan exclusively favored the 1980s time-travel classic "Back to the Future," involving a teenager and a DeLorean. Washington stood alone in its preference for "Die Hard," an action-packed film where Bruce Willis's John McClane saves a Christmas party from terrorists, remarkably making it a summer favorite in that state. Aliens also made their mark, with "Men in Black" being a favorite in Florida and "Aliens" in New Mexico. Dinosaurs captivated Hawaii, which was the only state to select "Jurassic World" as its top summer movie, showcasing the diverse cinematic tastes across the country.
When examining overall genre preferences, the Preply survey of 1,000 people revealed a clear inclination towards action and sci-fi films during the summer. An overwhelming 69% of respondents expressed enjoyment in watching action movies in theaters, while 53% favored sci-fi films. This reinforces the long-standing tradition of summer being a prime season for blockbuster releases within these thrilling genres, aligning with audience expectations for high-energy cinematic experiences.