tentpole movie

An allusion to the manner in which a supporting tentpole holds up the structure of a tent.

• "United Artists hasn't prospered in recent years, so a box office hit from its tentpole movie franchise is essential."
• "Just coincidentally, it also provides the opportunity for the sorts of extravagant computerized effects that create tentpole movie attractions these days."
• "The tentpole movie is an attraction popular and exploitable enough to prop up the entire moviegoing tent for several weeks or even months."
• "“We've never seen a high-profile film—a film of this budget, a tentpole movie with this box office potential—leak in any form this early,” he said."
• "Variety is reporting that del Toro will direct the flick with Watson cast as its titular Beauty. . . . So we’re thinking big tentpole movie versus introverted indie."

• tentpole film

• blockbuster