2008: The Birth of Modern Blockbuster Architecture
How 2008 fundamentally altered superhero narrative prestige and launched multi-billion dollar franchise universes.
$1.006B
The Dark Knight Worldwide Box Office
8
Oscars Won by Slumdog Millionaire
IMAX
First Mainstream Feature shot with IMAX 70mm
The Dark Knight and Auteur Prestige
Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight shattered the distinction between high art and superhero blockbusters. Featuring Heath Ledger's iconic, posthumous Oscar-winning performance as the Joker, the film set new artistic benchmarks for urban crime thrillers.
Marvel Cinematic Universe Genesis
May 2008 marked the release of Jon Favreau's Iron Man starring Robert Downey Jr., laying the narrative foundation for the Marvel Cinematic Universe—the highest-grossing film franchise in global history.