The History of Cinema: The 2020s

Disruption, Resilience, and the Reimagining of Cinema

The 2020s have emerged as one of the most turbulent and transformative periods in the history of cinema across the United States and United Kingdom. At Anthony Hamilton Productions, we see this era as a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and creative ingenuity of filmmakers and audiences alike. The challenges and innovations of the 2020s are redefining what it means to make, share, and experience film.

The COVID-19 Pandemic: Shocks, Shutdowns, and Survival

The decade began with the unprecedented global disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cinemas shuttered, productions halted, and box office revenues plummeted to historic lows. Studios scrambled to adapt, postponing releases or shifting them to streaming platforms as traditional exhibition became impossible or severely restricted. Thousands of industry professionals faced uncertainty, while audiences turned to at-home viewing as the new norm.

The pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital and remote workflows. Filmmakers, editors, and visual effects artists collaborated from home, and virtual production technologies, like LED volume stages and real-time rendering, became essential for maintaining safety and efficiency. The crisis exposed vulnerabilities in the industry’s reliance on tentpole blockbusters and the traditional “windowing” system separating theatrical, home video, and streaming releases.

Streaming subscriptions surged, and platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+ became the primary sources of new content for millions. The simultaneous or “day-and-date” release of major films on streaming and in theatres sparked fierce debates about the future of exhibition, revenue sharing, and the cultural significance of the communal cinema experience.

Hybrid Release Models and the Redefinition of Theatrical Cinema

As cinemas gradually reopened, the industry faced a new landscape defined by hybrid release models and shifting audience expectations. Blockbusters like ‘No Time to Die’ (2021), ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ (2021), and ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ (2022) proved that audiences would still turn out for major event films, but overall attendance remained below pre-pandemic levels, especially for mid-budget and independent releases.

Studios experimented with shortened theatrical windows, premium video-on-demand (PVOD), and exclusive streaming premieres. The economics of these models remain in flux, with ongoing debates about how to balance the interests of studios, exhibitors, filmmakers, and audiences. The closure of smaller and independent cinemas accelerated, raising concerns about access, diversity, and the survival of local film cultures.

In the UK, the British Film Institute and other organisations provided emergency funding and support to sustain the exhibition sector and independent filmmakers. The resilience of the UK’s production infrastructure, combined with generous tax incentives and world-class talent, enabled a rapid recovery in film and television production, positioning the country as a hub for major international projects.

Streaming's Ascendancy and the Battle for Content

The 2020s have seen the consolidation of streaming as the dominant force in film distribution and consumption. Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and HBO Max compete for subscribers with massive investments in original films and series, global expansion, and aggressive acquisition strategies. The “streaming wars” have driven up production budgets and talent deals, while also fragmenting the market and raising questions about long-term profitability and sustainability.

For filmmakers, streaming platforms offer creative freedom, global reach, and the ability to bypass traditional gatekeepers. High-profile directors such as Martin Scorsese (‘The Irishman’), Jane Campion (‘The Power of the Dog’), and Sam Mendes (‘Empire of Light’) have embraced streaming as a viable outlet for ambitious, auteur-driven projects. Yet concerns persist about discoverability in vast digital libraries, the lack of transparency in viewership data, and the impact of algorithm-driven curation on artistic diversity.

British cinema has benefited from the streaming boom through co-productions, talent deals, and the global popularity of British series and films. Productions like ‘The Crown’, ‘Sex Education’, and ‘Enola Holmes’ have showcased British talent and storytelling to worldwide audiences, while also raising questions about the preservation of national identity and cultural specificity in an increasingly globalised market.

Artistic Innovation, Representation, and Social Change

The 2020s have been marked by ongoing debates about representation, inclusion, and social responsibility in both American and British cinema. Movements such as Black Lives Matter, #MeToo, and campaigns for disability and LGBTQ+ rights have driven industry-wide efforts to increase diversity on screen and behind the camera. Studios, festivals, and awards bodies have implemented new standards and initiatives to promote equity, access, and accountability.

Films like ‘Nomadland’ (2020), ‘CODA’ (2021), ‘Promising Young Woman’ (2020), and ‘Rocks’ (2020, UK) have received critical acclaim and major awards for their authentic portrayals of marginalised communities and innovative storytelling. The success of international films such as ‘Parasite’ (2019) and ‘Drive My Car’ (2021) has further challenged the dominance of English-language cinema and expanded the horizons of global audiences.

Technological innovation continues to reshape filmmaking. Virtual production, artificial intelligence, and real-time rendering are enabling new forms of visual storytelling, while advances in sound, colour grading, and post-production are enhancing the sensory impact of films. Social media, TikTok, and other digital platforms are blurring the boundaries between professional and amateur, mainstream and niche, and are now essential tools for marketing, fan engagement, and even short-form filmmaking.

The Future of Cinema: Challenges and Opportunities

As the 2020s progress, the film industries of the US and UK face a complex and uncertain future. Recovery from the pandemic remains uneven, with ongoing challenges related to public health, economic instability, and changing audience behaviours. The rise of streaming and the decline of traditional exhibition have forced a rethinking of business models, creative strategies, and the very definition of cinematic success.

Yet, this decade also offers unprecedented opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and global reach. The democratisation of filmmaking tools, the expansion of distribution platforms, and the growing demand for diverse and authentic stories are empowering new voices and reshaping the cultural landscape. The resilience and adaptability of filmmakers, exhibitors, and audiences suggest that cinema will continue to evolve and thrive, even as its forms and meanings change.

In the UK, the continued support of the British Film Institute, public funding, and a vibrant creative community ensure that British cinema remains a vital force in the global industry. The country’s role as a production hub for international projects, combined with the success of homegrown talent, positions the UK to play a leading role in the next chapter of cinematic history.

The Enduring Power of Cinema

The 2020s have already proven to be a decade of disruption, adaptation, and reinvention for cinema in the United States and United Kingdom. The challenges of the pandemic, the rise of streaming, and the ongoing debates about representation and identity have forced the industry to confront its past and imagine new futures. As filmmakers, audiences, and institutions continue to navigate this rapidly changing landscape, the enduring power of cinema to entertain, inspire, and provoke remains undiminished.

At Anthony Hamilton Productions, we are energised by the spirit of the 2020s, confident in our commitment to transparency, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of cinematic excellence.

Join Our Network: Help Shape the Next Era of Film

Are you inspired by the resilience and innovation of the 2020s? Do you believe in the power of creative partnership and authentic storytelling? Join our network at Anthony Hamilton Productions. Together, we can honour the pioneers of the past while shaping the future of film.

Connect with us today and become part of a welcoming, dynamic, and confident community dedicated to storytelling, creativity, and the next great era of cinema.