Sony Pictures

Sony Pictures Entertainment led a consortium that acquired the venerable movie studio MGM in 2005. The deal, valued at approximately $4.8 billion, was a significant strategic move for Sony Pictures. MGM's vast library of films, which includes the legendary James Bond franchise, added substantial value to Sony's film offerings. The acquisition was seen as a way for Sony to boost its movie portfolio amidst intense competition in the entertainment industry.

'The Smurfs', a film produced by Sony Pictures Animation, was released in 2011 and went on to become a substantial box office success. The film, which blends live-action with computer animation, grossed over $560 million worldwide. This success was pivotal for Sony Pictures Animation, establishing it as a formidable player in the realm of animated features and paving the way for more ambitious projects in the future.

In 2014, Sony Pictures Entertainment suffered a massive cyber attack which resulted in the theft of large amounts of private information, including executive emails, employee data, and unreleased films. The attack was allegedly conducted by a group affiliated with North Korea, linked to the planned release of the film 'The Interview', a comedy portraying the assassination of Kim Jong-un. The hack had severe repercussions for Sony, leading to resignations and changes in cybersecurity policies.

'Spider-Man: Homecoming', a collaborative reboot of the Spider-Man series between Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios, was released in 2017. The film was critically acclaimed and a financial triumph, grossing over $880 million worldwide. This partnership was crucial as it integrated Spider-Man into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, showcasing a successful collaboration between Sony and Disney-Marvel that delighted fans and critics alike. It marked a significant achievement in superhero cinema.

In 2018, Sony Pictures Animation released 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse', an animated film that gained critical acclaim for its innovative animation style and storytelling. It revolutionized animated filmmaking with its unique aesthetic and narrative, earning it the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. The film's success proved groundbreaking for the animation industry and solidified Sony's reputation for creative willingness to explore new artistic directions.

In June 2019, Sony Pictures Television acquired AT&T's 42% stake in the Game Show Network, making it the sole owner of the channel. The acquisition allowed Sony to expand its television footprint and strengthen its portfolio in the game show genre, capitalizing on the continued popularity of game shows on television. This strategic move was part of Sony's broader efforts to consolidate its media holdings and enhance its distribution capabilities across various platforms.

'Venom: Let There Be Carnage', released in 2021 by Sony Pictures, became a box office success during the COVID-19 pandemic. The film, a sequel to 'Venom' (2018), continued the story of the Marvel Comics character Eddie Brock and his alter ego, Venom. It grossed over $500 million worldwide despite the challenging theater landscape amid the pandemic. This success underscored Sony's ability to deliver blockbuster hits in the superhero genre.

James Cameron's 'Avatar: The Way of Water' was distributed by Sony Pictures in Japan, where it was released on December 16, 2022. The highly anticipated sequel to the 2009 film 'Avatar' involved cutting-edge visual effects and technology. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic to theatrical releases, Sony Pictures played a crucial role in bringing this cinematic experience to Japanese audiences, contributing to the global box office success of the film.

In 2023, Sony Pictures Animation released 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse', a sequel to the critically acclaimed 'Into the Spider-Verse'. The film continued to showcase innovative animation techniques and diverse storytelling, further expanding the narrative universe of Spider-Man. Its release was celebrated by fans and critics, emphasizing Sony's commitment to pioneering advancements in animated cinema and maintaining the high standards set by its predecessor.

In August 2023, Sony Pictures released 'Gran Turismo', a film adaptation of the popular racing video game series by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The movie was met with mixed reviews but was notable for its ambitious attempt to blend video game lore with live-action storytelling. This project highlighted Sony's strategy to leverage its gaming intellectual properties within the film industry, aiming to capture audiences across different entertainment mediums.