Changing audience preferences in the film industry with the pandemic

This study aims to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the film industry. Based on a dataset of 961 Hollywood films released between 2007 and 2023, the research compares three periods (pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic) through variables such as film genres, production budgets, audience and critic scores, opening weekend revenues, and total revenue-to-budget ratios. Employing quantitative research methods, the study uses ANOVA, Chi-Square, correlation, and regression analyses to examine significant differences and relationships. The analyses reveal that post-pandemic film returns on investment declined compared to the pre-pandemic era. Genre distribution shifted, with an increase in action and adventure films and a decrease in comedies and animations. Notably, both audience and critic scores significantly increased in the post-pandemic period. According to regression analysis, opening weekend revenue and audience scores significantly predict box office success, while critic scores showed no statistically significant effect. The findings suggest that the pandemic caused not just a temporary disruption but a structural transformation in the film industry. This study statistically demonstrates that the post-pandemic period marks a new phase for the industry and offers original contributions to the literature regarding changes in audience behavior and shifts in production strategies.