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Today in History: Jaws hits $100 million launches summer blockbuster era

6/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On June 20, 1975, Steven Spielberg’s thriller *Jaws* opened in U.S. theaters, instantly creating the modern summer blockbuster. The film’s $100 million U.S. rental haul set a new box-office record, proving that high-budget, mass-appeal movies could drive studio fortunes and reshape Hollywood’s release strategy.

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Story summary

On June 20, 1975, Steven Spielberg’s thriller *Jaws* opened in U.S. theaters, instantly creating the modern summer blockbuster. The film’s $100 million U.S. rental haul set a new box-office record, proving that high-budget, mass-appeal movies could drive studio fortunes and reshape Hollywood’s release strategy.