hit the big screen

Meaning

To be released in movie theaters (cinemas) for public viewing. The 'big screen' refers to the large projection screen used in theaters, distinguishing it from television or mobile devices.

Examples

• The highly anticipated sci-fi sequel is finally set to hit the big screen next Friday.

  The highly anticipated sci-fi sequel is finally set to hit the big screen next Friday.

• I prefer waiting for action movies to hit the big screen rather than watching them on my phone.

  I prefer waiting for action movies to hit the big screen rather than watching them on my phone.

• Many indie films never hit the big screen and go straight to streaming platforms instead.

  Many indie films never hit the big screen and go straight to streaming platforms instead.

• It took three years of production before the documentary finally hit the big screen.

  It took three years of production before the documentary finally hit the big screen.

• Are you going to wait for it to stream, or do you want to see it when it hits the big screen?

  Are you going to wait for it to stream, or do you want to see it when it hits the big screen?

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The new movie will hit the large screen soon.

  ✓ The new movie will hit the big screen soon.

  'The big screen' is a fixed idiom. Substituting 'large' makes it sound unnatural to native speakers.

• ✗ I saw the actor hitting the big screen.

  ✓ I saw the actor's new movie hit the big screen.

  Movies 'hit the big screen' when they are released in theaters. Actors themselves do not 'hit the big screen' unless you are referring to their films.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I can't wait for the new Marvel film to ___ next month.

  💡 Be released in theaters.

  Show answer

  hit the big screen

• Although it was made on a low budget, the film managed to ___ and become a hit.

  💡 Get released in cinemas.

  Show answer

  hit the big screen