A "breakthrough film" refers to a movie that significantly stands out and makes a notable impact, usually by introducing new concepts, techniques, or actors, and is often recognized as influential or game-changing in the film industry.
It's Got: A well told story, Denzel Washington's breakthrough film role, Matthew Broderick - really the best they could do? (movie-gazette.com)
Where The Sidewalk Ends (Twilight Time, Blu - ray)(1950) reunites Dana Andrews and Gene Tierney, the stars from Otto Preminger's breakthrough film Laura (1944), for a more streetwise cop drama with a bare - knuckle attitude. (parallax-view.org)
Coming shortly after Reynolds breakthrough film that would make him a superstar, Smokey and the Bandit, the formula had already been set. (qwipster.net)