20th Century Fox History Timeline and Biographies

1935

Formation of 20th Century Fox

20th Century Fox was formed through the merger of Fox Film Corporation and 20th Century Pictures, creating a powerhouse in the film industry. This merger allowed the studio to expand its reach and resources significantly.

1939

Release of "The Grapes of Wrath"

20th Century Fox released "The Grapes of Wrath," directed by John Ford, which became a critical and commercial success. The film solidified the studio's reputation for producing socially relevant and impactful cinema.

1953

Introduction of CinemaScope

20th Century Fox introduced CinemaScope, a revolutionary widescreen format that transformed the cinematic experience. This innovation allowed the studio to attract audiences with visually stunning films, starting with "The Robe."

1965

The Launch of "Star Wars" Franchise

Although "Star Wars" was released in 1977, the groundwork for the franchise began in the mid-1960s at 20th Century Fox. The studio took a risk on George Lucas's vision, which would later become a monumental success and change the landscape of filmmaking.

1977

Release of "Star Wars"

20th Century Fox released "Star Wars," which became a cultural phenomenon and one of the highest-grossing films of all time. This film established 20th Century Fox as a leader in blockbuster filmmaking and franchise development.

1989

Acquisition by News Corporation

News Corporation, led by Rupert Murdoch, acquired 20th Century Fox, marking a new era for the studio. This acquisition aimed to enhance the studio's global reach and leverage new media opportunities.

1994

Launch of 20th Century Fox Animation

20th Century Fox launched its animation division, which would eventually produce successful animated films, including "The Simpsons Movie." This expansion diversified the studio's portfolio and attracted younger audiences.

1997

Release of "Titanic"

20th Century Fox co-produced "Titanic" with Paramount Pictures. The film became a global phenomenon, earning numerous awards and solidifying Fox's status as a leading studio in producing epic films.

2000

Acquisition of Fox Family Channel

20th Century Fox acquired the Fox Family Channel, rebranding it as ABC Family. This acquisition expanded the studio's influence in television and allowed it to reach a broader audience.

2012

Acquisition by The Walt Disney Company

The Walt Disney Company announced its acquisition of 20th Century Fox, completing the deal in 2019. This acquisition integrated Fox's extensive library and production capabilities into Disney's vast portfolio.

2019

Rebranding to 20th Century Studios

Following the acquisition, 20th Century Fox was rebranded as 20th Century Studios. This change marked a new chapter in the studio's history while retaining its legacy in filmmaking.

2020

Release of "The Call of the Wild"

20th Century Studios released "The Call of the Wild," starring Harrison Ford. This film showcased the studio's commitment to producing high-quality family entertainment and adapting classic literature for modern audiences.

2021

Focus on Streaming Content

20th Century Studios began focusing on creating content for streaming platforms, adapting to the changing landscape of media consumption. This shift included developing films for Disney+, expanding its audience reach.

2023

Celebration of 20th Century Fox's Legacy

20th Century Studios celebrated its rich history with retrospectives and special screenings of classic films, honoring the legacy of 20th Century Fox in the film industry and its impact on popular culture.

2024

Continued Innovation in Filmmaking

20th Century Studios continues to innovate in filmmaking, exploring new technologies and storytelling techniques. The studio remains committed to producing diverse and engaging content for global audiences.