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Difference Between Bollywood and Hollywood

Bollywood vs Hollywood

Bollywood and Hollywood are two film industries that are recognized in the international film scene. Both labels and descriptions both refer to the film industry or its associated movies, actors, practices, and the like.

Hollywood is basically the entire American film industry that distributes movies worldwide. It is named after a district in Los Angeles, California which became the center of movie studios. It was established before the First World War and is considered to be the world’s leading and influential film industry. Hollywood boasts of international stars from different ethnic origins and nationalities. Both Hollywood movies and stars are recognized by many people around the world.

On the other side, Bollywood is one part of the Hindi cinema industry. The term “Bollywood” was created and popularized during the 1970’s when Hindi cinema surpassed Hollywood. The name is a combination of Bombay (now Mumbai, its place of concentration) and “Hollywood.” Unlike Hollywood, it is not based on any place. Bollywood originated during the 1930’s.
Hollywood movies are made on a grand scale. Movies are often two hours in length with a variety of styles, themes, and plot lines. Hollywood uses a lot of technologies and techniques.
Some Hollywood movies make use of special effects and other technology in their production. The films are usually in English with elements of gore, blood, extreme emotions, violence, sex, and other controversial themes. Also, some movies tackle issues in many ranges (local or international) and types (social, political, and others).

Movies created by Bollywood are often family-oriented and appeal to human sensitivity. The typical length of a Bollywood movie is three hours with the inclusion of an intermission. The dominant themes in these movies are musicals with large casts and several song and dance sequences. Drama is also a constant theme in this type of movie. The languages used in these movies are Hindi or Hindish (a combination of English and Hindi). A major criticism of Bollywood movies is they have a predictable and consistent plot. Plots also lack creativity and a form of escapist entertainment. There are also allegations that Bollywood replicates plots from Hollywood movies.

In terms of revenue, Hollywood dominates the sales. The industry earns more revenues by using a franchise system apart from revenue from the actual film. The movie is often tied with various other media like TV networks, home videos, and magazines. Hollywood movies often have international premieres. In terms of production, Hollywood movies are expensive not just on the technology but other elements of movie production. In terms of worldwide cinema, Hollywood garners 75 per cent of all movie revenues.

Bollywood also produces and distributes its films internationally but does not get the same attention or scope as Hollywood. Some foreign countries are direct consumers of this film industry. The Bollywood industry produces more films but spends less on production. A movie’s success or earnings is reliant on the theater revenues and music videos that the movie produces. Almost 50 per cent of Bollywood movies are not released to the general audience.


1. Hollywood and Bollywood are two film industries that share differences with one another.
2. Hollywood is older than Bollywood (before WWI) and is named after a geographical place. In contrast, the name “Bollywood” is a combination of “Bombay” and “Hollywood.” It began in the 1930’s and flourished in the 1970’s.
3. “Hollywood” is a term that encompasses the American film industry while “Bollywood” is only a part of the Hindi cinema. However, Bollywood is the largest film producer in India.
4. Hollywood movies and stars are more recognizable and influential than Bollywood movies. Also, Hollywood uses special effects and other advanced technology in its movie production.
5. Hollywood tackles various themes and issues, some bordering on human sensitivity and reality. On the other hand, Bollywood is centered on family, drama, and music.
6. Hollywood movies are also shorter (two hours) while a Bollywood film is longer (three hours) and comes with an intermission.
7. Bollywood makes more films, but Hollywood has larger movie earnings and spends more on movie production.

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  1. How do i become a bollywood singer without any talent shows?

  2. Looks like the author neglected due diligence or maybe has some other prejudice.

    *Bollywood is older than Hollywood — by 11 years.

    *It’s believed that a Western journalist coined the term “Bollywood”. The Hindi language film industry is based in Mumbai, which used to be called Bombay — hence, Bollywood. But many Indians object to the term because it implies that Bollywood is a lesser offshoot of Hollywood (or a spin-off), when in fact the Indian film industry is older than the U.S. film industry.

    *In terms of audience, Bollywood is massive. By comparison Hollywood is nowhere near the size nor the output. Bollywood sells roughly a Billion more tickets than Hollywood.

    * In terms of net revenue, Hollywood is head and shoulders above Bollywood.

    * An average Bollywood film is budgeted at $1.3 million whereas Hollywood movies cost an average $13.6 million.

    Not visiting this website anymore.

  3. Only a person who is not well informed will include this point – “Hollywood tackles various themes and issues, some bordering on human sensitivity and reality. On the other hand, Bollywood is centered on family, drama, and music.”

    I think the article is quite redundant since this point, one of the most important points that pretty much sums up what both industries make movies on, is invalid. I’m afraid you’ve not seen movies like Gangs of Wasseypur that got standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival. Bollywood in today’s date, produces almost half of its movies that aren’t centered on family, drama, and music. In fact, most of the movies are based on reality and offbeat themes like rural reality, which has largely been an unexplored genre in most of the Hollywood movies.

    My sincere request that you guys please don’t mislead the readers of this website.


  4. Can you make us a graphic organizer in simple words about comparison and contrast between Hollywodd and Bollywood?

  5. Lol all these butthurt Indians in comments.

  6. Your article is quite good, which I enjoyed reading

  7. You explained Hollywood and Bollywood in a very good way

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