20th Century Studios: The Evolution of a Hollywood Icon
From the golden age of cinema to the modern era of global blockbusters, few names carry as much weight in the film industry as 20th Century Studios. Originally established through a landmark merger, the studio has undergone significant transformations in ownership, branding, and location, reflecting the shifting tides of the entertainment landscape.
Founded on May 31, 1935, the company began as the Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation, a result of the merger between Fox Film Corporation and Twentieth Century Pictures. Led by founders Joseph M. Schenck, Darryl F. Zanuck, and William Fox, the studio quickly became a powerhouse of production and distribution.
![Carmen Miranda as Dorita in The Gang's All Here. In 1946 she was the highest-paid actress in the United States.[16]](/images/4c/65/4c650f52fbf190026bdc5bf5cf3789ac681bf60bc5ed731567dac0f808fb1d2e.jpg)
A Legacy of Cinematic Excellence
Throughout its history, the studio has been responsible for some of the most commercially successful films ever made. Its library includes massive franchises and record-breaking hits that have defined generations of moviegoers.
Global Box Office Leaders
The studio's ability to produce high-grossing spectacles is evidenced by its top-performing titles. Films such as James Cameron's Avatar and Titanic have set benchmarks for global earnings, alongside the massive Star Wars and X-Men franchises.
The studio's impact extends beyond just the box office; it has shaped the very identity of Hollywood through its iconic branding and production divisions. Even as it transitioned from the Twentieth Century-Fox name to 20th Century Studios in 2020, its influence remains undeniable.
Corporate Transitions and the Disney Era
The trajectory of the studio has been marked by major corporate shifts. After decades of operating under various parent companies, including News Corporation and 21st Century Fox, a monumental change occurred when The Walt Disney Studios acquired the assets.
In 2020, as part of the Disney integration, the company rebranded to 20th Century Studios. This era has also seen significant changes in physical operations. Following Disney's announcement in April 2025, the studio is set to vacate the historic Fox Studio Lot in Century City by the end of 2025, relocating its operations to the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California.
Organizational Structure and Divisions
Today, 20th Century Studios operates as a subsidiary of Walt Disney Studios. It manages several specialized divisions to maintain its presence across different media formats:
- 20th Century Animation: Focused on animated content.
- 20th Century Family: Targeting family-oriented audiences.
- 20th Century Games: Expanding into the gaming industry.
- 20th Century Comics: A comic imprint created in partnership with Marvel Comics.
The television landscape has also seen evolution. The division formerly known as 20th Century Fox Television was rebranded as 20th Television in 2020, serving as the studio's primary television production arm.
Key Facts
- Founded: May 31, 1935.
- Founders: Joseph M. Schenck, Darryl F. Zanuck, and William Fox.
- Current Parent Company: Walt Disney Studios.
- Headquarters: 500 Buena Vista Street, Burbank, California.
- Major Rebrand: Changed from Twentieth Century-Fox to 20th Century Studios in 2020.
- Top Worldwide Grossing Film: Avatar (2009).
| Era/Period | Company Name | Parent Company |
|---|---|---|
| 1935–1985 | Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation | Independent/Various |
| 1985–2013 | Twentieth Century Fox | News Corporation |
| 2013–2019 | 21st Century Fox | 21st Century Fox |
| 2020–Present | 20th Century Studios | Walt Disney Studios |
As the studio moves toward its new home in Burbank, it leaves behind a storied history at the Century City lot, a location that has been central to its production identity for decades.
The modern branding of the studio continues to evolve, ensuring that its legacy of storytelling reaches new audiences through digital and traditional platforms alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was 20th Century Studios founded?
The company was founded on May 31, 1935, following the merger of Fox Film Corporation and Twentieth Century Pictures.
Who owns 20th Century Studios today?
The studio is currently a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Studios.
What happened to the Fox Studio Lot in Century City?
Disney announced in April 2025 that it would not renew the lease, and 20th Century Studios is scheduled to vacate the lot by the end of 2025.
What is the difference between 20th Century Fox and 20th Century Studios?
The name change occurred in 2020 following the acquisition by Disney to rebrand the studio assets.
Which film is the highest-grossing for the studio?
Avatar (2009) holds the record for the highest worldwide grossing film produced by the studio.