: One of the oldest and most iconic studios, responsible for classics ranging from The Godfather to Top Gun .
: The youngest of the majors (via its acquisition of Columbia Pictures), it maintains a significant global footprint. Turning Points and Blockbusters
: Founded in 1923, it is considered the "gold standard" for intellectual property, owning massive franchises like Marvel , Star Wars, and Pixar.
In the early 20th century, a handful of studios established a "vertical integration" model, controlling everything from the film's script to the physical theater where it was shown. This era gave birth to the foundational "Big Five" that still dominate much of the industry: