# tentpole movie

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/tentpole-movie
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A major motion picture which is expensive to produce but expected to generate significant revenue for its studio and investors.

## Examples

- The studio hopes their new tentpole movie makes a lot of money.
- Every major studio releases at least one tentpole movie during the holiday season.
- Because the studio spent millions on this tentpole movie, they scheduled the release for the busiest weekend of the summer.
- If this superhero sequel fails at the box office, the company might not have enough money to produce any other films this year because it is their only tentpole movie.
- The studio relies heavily on the success of each annual tentpole movie to fund their smaller, more experimental projects throughout the rest of the year.

## Origin

The term derives from a literal comparison to the central support of a pavilion, functioning as an allusion to the manner in which a supporting tentpole holds up the structure of a tent. Just as the physical pole prevents the canvas from collapsing, the cinematic counterpart is intended to provide the necessary stability to sustain a studio's broader financial architecture.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.