mockbuster
Cheap imitation movie
A mockbuster is a low-budget film produced to capitalize on a major studio release, typically with a similar title and premise: When the studio announced their dragon epic, a mockbuster appeared within weeks.
The term blends "mock" with "blockbuster," suggesting both imitation and inferior quality.
Production companies like The Asylum specialize in these films, timing releases to coincide with theatrical premieres and benefit from confused consumers or curious viewers.
Costing relatively little
- shoestringCord for footwear
- microbudgetExtremely limited funding
- cheapLow in price
- B-movieLow-budget, low-quality film
independent · guerrilla · no-frills · bare-bones · DIY · rushed · quickie · schlock
Unauthorized replica product
- ripoffFraudulent overcharge
- copycatOne who mimics another
- cloneGenetically identical organism
- direct-to-videoReleased only for home
cash-in · exploitation · tie-in · lookalike · soundalike · coattails · bandwagon · opportunistic
Comic exaggerated imitation
- lampoonHarsh public mockery
- send-upMocking imitation of something
- takeoffDeparture or parody
- pasticheImitative artistic tribute
satire · caricature · comedy · farce · burlesque · tongue-in-cheek · self-aware · campy
Licensed business operation
- sequelContinuation of prior work
- tentpoleCentral shelter support
- HollywoodAmerican film industry center
- studioCreative professional's workspace
superhero · animated · CGI · box-office · theatrical · mainstream · hit · phenomenon
low-budget
Costing relatively little
- shoestringCord for footwear
- microbudgetExtremely limited funding
- cheapLow in price
B-movie · independent · guerrilla · no-frills · bare-bones · DIY · rushed · quickie · schlock · exploitation
knockoff
Unauthorized replica product
direct-to-video · cash-in · exploitation · tie-in · lookalike · soundalike · coattails · bandwagon · opportunistic · derivative
spoof
Comic exaggerated imitation
pastiche · satire · caricature · comedy · farce · burlesque · tongue-in-cheek · self-aware · campy · intentional
franchise
Licensed business operation
- sequelContinuation of prior work
- tentpoleCentral shelter support
- HollywoodAmerican film industry center
studio · superhero · animated · CGI · box-office · theatrical · mainstream · hit · phenomenon · anticipation
- B-moviesB-movie, exploitation film, exploitation films, cult film, cult classic
- low-budget filmsB-movie, low budget, made-for-TV, TV movie, bargain bin
mockbusterblockbuster
Enormously successful entertainment property
original film · the real thing · source material · genuine article · tentpole film
mockbusterprestige film
Movie aiming for awards
theatrical release · critical darling · Oscar bait · summer blockbuster
mockbusterblockbuster
Enormously successful entertainment property
original · genuine article · the real thing · authentic · franchise film
block, bust, mock, mocking, mockery, busted, busts, mocked, busting