8. The Superhero Bubble Will Finally Burst
Marvel StudiosThe comic book movie has reigned supreme as the most popular genre of the 21st Century, and it is a trend that shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon with Captain America: The Winter Soldier, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and X-Men: Days of Future Past currently the three highest-grossing movies of 2014, combining for over $2bn in box office receipts. However, one day the superhero bubble will definitely burst when audiences grow tired of the constant barrage of page-to-screen adaptations bombarding the multiplex. Just not for a while yet. The genre is becoming ubiquitous almost to the point of saturation. Since the year 2000 we have already seen seven X-Men features, five Spider-Man movies, and three apiece for Batman and Iron Man. In an effort to capitalize on the power of brand recognition Superman, Spider-Man, The Hulk, The Punisher, and The Fantastic Four have all been rebooted only a few years after hitting screens, while the other studios look to emulate the success of the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe. Yes, there have been a number of comic book movies that have tanked at the box office but the ones that do massive business are the ones keeping the genre afloat. The derision aimed at The Amazing Spider-Man 2 hasn't stopped the movie earning over $700m worldwide, with two sequels and two spin-offs announced last year. The seemingly-standalone Man of Steel has now served as the catalyst for the DC Cinematic Universe, with recent rumors indicating that Warner Bros. has no less than seven movies planned through to May 2018. Not to be outdone, Marvel Studios have their movies mapped out right up until 2028! Hollywood is always looking for the next big cinematic trend, and eventually the comic book movie will run its course and be replaced by something else as the go-to option for studio blockbusters.