What's popcorn fantasy?

[Jonathan Walles]

I do a lot of research into the writing/ publishing game, I read up on what works, what doesn't, whats cliche, whats popular etc etc.  A few of the sites I went to used  the word popcorn fantasy. I tried looking up what it meant but I just get lists of books that fall under that category.

So can someone fill me in on what it is? is it something good or bad? what exactly qualifies as popcorn fantasy?

From just guessing I'm assuming its fantasy that's not exactly challenging but enjoyable for a quick read? Idk

[Nyki Blatchley]

From just guessing I'm assuming its fantasy that's not exactly challenging but enjoyable for a quick read? Idk

I haven't come across the term, but that's what I'd understand by it.  Tastes good but zero nutritional value.

[Nighteyes]

Generally talk to Overlord or Marc Aplin.  I tend to find whatever he likes is popcorn fantasy.  Brent Weeks, Peter V Brett, Patrick Rothfuss.   Any fantasy basically when you read a 1000 page novel in a day or two which doesn't challenge the brain.

[Algon 33]

Think the shannara books. Dragonlance. Some of Sanderson's books. Enjoyable. but not much more. Good, but the lower levels of good. Though not always.

[Jonathan Walles]

makes sense. thanks for the reply's guys.

[Elfy]

It's basically the literary equivalent of the big blockbuster movie where you disengage your brain as you take your seat and just go with it and enjoy both the film and the popcorn. As for what makes a popcorn book or movie that's really in the eye of the beholder.