blockbuster

Blockbuster originally referred to a large bomb that would destroy an entire city block during World War II but is now common usage, for an impactful movie that is a huge financial success, usually with a box-office of more than $200 million (the new benchmark by the early 2000s, after the original mark was $100 million) upon release in North America. Ticket lines for blockbusters literally go around the "block." Also known as a "box-office hit." Term may also refer to a costly film that must be exceptionally popular to recoup its expenses and make a profit. The opposite of a blockbuster is a "bomb," "flop," or "turkey." See "all-time box-office bombs/flops."