When compared to major feature films, a B-movie is a film made on a relatively low budget. The B-movie genre encompasses a wide range of films, from cheesy science fiction to taut modern thrillers, and some critics believe that the term “B-movie” is used too loosely. In any case, you should be able to find many examples of B-movies at your local video store, and a number of modern B-movie producers also release their work online, allowing visitors to download or stream their films.
The letter “B” in “B-movie” refers to the B-traditional movie’s position on double feature marquees. B-movies were originally created to fill the second slot in a double feature, giving theatergoers the feeling that they were getting their money’s worth. A B-movie would be made with lesser-known actors and with significantly less money, resulting in a film that would generate a consistent return on investment due to its pairing with a major feature film.
Hollywood studios struck block booking deals with theaters during the Golden Age of Hollywood, requiring theaters to buy the studio’s entire output for a season. As a result of block booking, cinemas received coveted features alongside B-movies, with prices ranging from flat fees to a percentage of the take, depending on the film. Despite the fact that block booking is no longer legal, some studios continue to persuade theaters to buy specific sets of films in order to maximize profits.
As films became longer, the double feature tradition began to fade in the 1950s, but the B-movie thrived. B-movies appeared in a variety of genres, including Westerns, science fiction, thrillers, horror, fantasy, exploitation, and mystery, and the term came to be used more broadly to refer to any low-budget film. The B-movie became known for its campy style, wooden acting, and shabsets and costumes, giving it its own distinct look and feel.
Many actors and actresses began their careers in B-movies, and others went on to have successful careers in the genre. B-movies have also served as a proving ground for aspiring directors, producers, and other film industry professionals, with some even going on to become major hits. A number of B-movies have also become cult classics, with fans drawn in the cheesiness of the films.
Low-budget films that lack the sobriety of independent films are now referred to as B-movies some. Some people enjoy working on such projects, seeing a B-movie as an opportunity to be silly and have a good time, despite the fact that such films can be serious in their own right.