History of Warner Bros. in Timeline
Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., founded in 1923 by the Warner brothers, is a major American film and entertainment company headquartered in Burbank, California. As a key subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery, it's recognized as one of the "Big Five" major American film studios and is a member of the Motion Picture Association (MPA). Initially a film studio, Warner Bros. has expanded its operations into animation, television, and video games, establishing itself as a prominent player in the entertainment industry.
5 hours ago : Warner Bros. sale sparks interest from Netflix and Paramount, impacting theater releases.
Warner Bros. Discovery is potentially up for sale, attracting bids from Netflix and Paramount. The deal could significantly impact theatrical releases, with theater owners closely monitoring developments. Paramount emerges as a logical winner.
1903: First Warner Bros. Theater Opens
In 1903, Sam and Albert Warner opened their first theater, the Cascade, in New Castle, Pennsylvania, marking their entry into the movie theater business.
1904: Duquesne Amusement & Supply Company Founded
In 1904, the Warners founded the Pittsburgh-based Duquesne Amusement & Supply Company to distribute films.
1912: Harry Warner Hires Paul Ashley Chase
In 1912, Harry Warner hired an auditor named Paul Ashley Chase, who later became the company's controller.
1918: Details Warner Bros. activities from the studio's first major feature
In 1918, Warner Bros. activities from the studio's first major feature, My Four Years in Germany, to its sale to Seven Arts in 1968.
1919: Acquisition of The Gold Diggers rights
In 1919, Warner Bros. acquired the rights to Avery Hopwood's 1919 Broadway play, "The Gold Diggers", from David Belasco.
April 4, 1923: Warner Bros. Pictures, Incorporated Founded
On April 4, 1923, Warner Bros. Pictures, Incorporated was formally incorporated by the four Warner brothers: Harry, Albert, Sam, and Jack.
1924: Beau Brummel's Success and Warner Bros.' Rise
By the end of 1924, Warner Bros. achieved significant success with the film "Beau Brummel", starring John Barrymore, becoming one of Hollywood's most successful independent studios.
1924: Success of The Marriage Circle
In 1924, Ernst Lubitsch's film "The Marriage Circle" became Warner Bros.' most successful film of the year and was included on The New York Times best list.
1924: Goldman Sachs Arranges Major Loan
In 1924, as Warner Bros. prospered, Goldman Sachs arranged a major loan that enabled the Warners to buy the Vitagraph Company, which had a nationwide distribution system.
1925: Establishment of Radio Station KFWB
In 1925, Warner Bros. expanded into radio by establishing a successful radio station, KFWB, in Los Angeles.
1925: Warner Bros. Agrees to Add Sound to Productions
In 1925, Warner Bros., at Sam's urging, agreed to add synchronized sound to their film productions, marking a significant step towards "talking pictures."
February 1926: Warner Bros. Reports Net Loss
In February 1926, Warner Bros. reported a net loss of $333,413.
August 6, 1926: Don Juan Premieres at Warners' Theatre
On August 6, 1926, "Don Juan" premiered at the Warners' Theatre in New York, featuring Vitaphone shorts at the beginning, as Warner Bros. produced eight shorts in 1926 for this purpose.
1926: Vitaphone Established and Don Juan Released
In 1926, Warner Bros. signed a contract with Western Electric, established Vitaphone, and began making films with music and effects tracks, releasing Don Juan starring John Barrymore. Harry acquired the Piccadilly Theater in Manhattan, New York City, and renamed it Warners' Theatre.
April 1927: Vitaphone Contract Renewed
By April 1927, Western Electric renewed Warner's Vitaphone contract, allowing other film companies to test sound, after the Big Five studios (First National, Paramount, MGM, Universal Pictures, and Producers Distributing) had ruined Warners financially.
September 13, 1928: Warner Bros. Buys More First National Shares
On September 13, 1928, Warner Bros. bought more First National shares in a bidding war with William Fox, and Jack Warner appointed Zanuck as the manager of First National Pictures.
1928: Darryl F. Zanuck becomes Jack's Right-Hand Man
In 1928, Darryl F. Zanuck became Jack's right-hand man and executive producer, responsible for day-to-day film production.
1928: Acquisition of First National Pictures
In 1928, Warner Bros. acquired First National Pictures, expanding their studio holdings.
1928: Release of Lights of New York
In 1928, Warner Bros. released "Lights of New York", the first all-talking feature, leading to a complete industry conversion to sound.
1929: All major studios exclusively making sound films.
By the end of 1929, all the major studios were exclusively making sound films.
1929: Rin Tin Tin Fired
In 1929, Jack Warner fired Rin Tin Tin, marking the end of the dog's career with the studio.
1929: George Arliss stars in Disraeli
In 1929, Jack Warner hired George Arliss to star in Disraeli, which was a success.
1929: Warner Bros. Buys Skouras Brothers Enterprises
In 1929, Warner Bros. acquired the St. Louis-based theater chain Skouras Brothers Enterprises, leading to Spyros Skouras becoming general manager of the Warner Brothers Theater Circuit in America.
April 1930: Warner Bros. Acquires Brunswick Records
In April 1930, Warner Bros. acquired Brunswick Records, expanding its holdings in the music industry.
July 1930: Motley Flint Murdered
In July 1930, Motley Flint, the studio's banker, was murdered by a disgruntled investor.
1930: Warner Bros. released several color films
In 1930, Warner Bros. released several color films, including "Bright Lights", "Golden Dawn", "Hold Everything", "Song of the Flame", "Song of the West", "The Life of the Party", "Sweet Kitty Bellairs", "Under a Texas Moon", and "Bride of the Regiment".
1931: Financial Losses and Death of Lewis Warner
By 1931, Warner Bros. began to feel the effects of the Great Depression, reportedly losing $8 million, and Lewis Warner, head of Warner Bros. Music, died from an infected wisdom tooth.
1931: Warner Bros. released several color films
In 1931, Warner Bros. released several color films, including "Viennese Nights", "Woman Hungry", "Kiss Me Again", and "50 Million Frenchmen".
1932: Decline of Musicals and Production of Horror Films
By 1932, musicals were declining in popularity, and Warner Bros. was forced to cut musical numbers from productions. The studio produced the first horror films in color: Doctor X (1932).
April 3, 1933: Death of Wilson Mizner
On April 3, 1933, screenwriter Wilson Mizner died of a heart attack.
1933: Darryl F. Zanuck ends tenure as Jack's Right-Hand Man
In 1933, Darryl F. Zanuck ended his tenure as Jack's right-hand man and executive producer, responsible for day-to-day film production.
1933: Douglas Fairbanks Jr. Fired
In 1933, Jack Warner fired Douglas Fairbanks Jr., who had been First National's top star since Warner Bros. acquired the studio.
1933: Mystery of the Wax Museum
In 1933, Warner Brothers produced and released Mystery of the Wax Museum.
1934: Purchase of Teddington Studios
In 1934, Harry Warner officially purchased the Teddington Studios in London.
1935: De Havilland's contract with the studio.
Olivia de Havilland had been under contract with the studio since 1935.
1936: Murder of Philip Kauffman
In 1936, prior to US entry in World War II, Philip Kauffman, Warner Bros.' German sales head, was murdered by the Nazis in Berlin.
1937: Release of "The Life of Emile Zola"
In 1937, Harry Warner produced the successful anti-German film "The Life of Emile Zola".
1938: End of Required First National Releases
In 1938, the Justice Department's requirement for Warner Bros. to release a few films each year under the First National name ended, following the merger of the two studios.
1939: Gold Diggers of Broadway plays in theaters until 1939
In 1939, Gold Diggers of Broadway stopped playing in theaters, after a decade of showings.
1939: Release of "Confessions of a Nazi Spy"
In 1939, Harry Warner supervised the production of more anti-German films, including "Confessions of a Nazi Spy".
1940: Release of "The Sea Hawk"
In 1940, Harry Warner supervised the production of anti-German films, including "The Sea Hawk", which made King Philip II an equivalent of Hitler.
1941: Release of "You're In The Army Now" and elimination of the B Pictures unit
In 1941, Harry Warner decided to focus on producing war films, and Warner Bros. cut its film production in half, eliminating its B Pictures unit. Also in 1941, Bryan Foy joined Twentieth Century Fox and Warner Bros. released "You're In The Army Now".
1942: Releases of "Casablanca", "Now, Voyager", and "Yankee Doodle Dandy"
In 1942, Warner Bros. released "Casablanca", "Now, Voyager", and "Yankee Doodle Dandy". At the premieres of "Yankee Doodle Dandy" audiences purchased $15.6 million in war bonds.
1943: Olivia de Havilland's lawsuit against Warner Bros.
In 1943, Olivia de Havilland sued Warner Bros. for breach of contract after she refused a role for Columbia Pictures and Warner Bros. warned other companies not to hire her. The court ruled in de Havilland's favor, freeing her and other actors from long-term contracts.
1943: Releases of "This Is the Army" and "Mission to Moscow"
In 1943, Warner Bros. released "This Is the Army" and "Mission to Moscow". By the middle of 1943, audiences had tired of war films, but Warner continued to produce them, losing money. In honor of the studio's contributions to the cause, the Navy named a Liberty ship after the brothers' father, Benjamin Warner, and Harry christened the ship.
1944: Joan Crawford's first role with the studio in "Hollywood Canteen"
In 1944, Jack Warner signed Joan Crawford, whose first role with the studio was "Hollywood Canteen".
1945: Release of Mildred Pierce and Crawford's Oscar win
In 1945, Joan Crawford's first starring role at Warner Bros. in the title role as "Mildred Pierce" revived her career and earned her an Oscar for Best Actress.
September 1946: Warner Bros. employees' strike
In September 1946, Warner Bros. employees engaged in a month-long strike due to Jack Warner's refusal to meet Screen Actors Guild salary demands.
1947: Record net profit and accusations of Communist ties
By the end of 1947, Warner Bros. reached a record net profit of $22 million. During his 1947 testimony before Congress about Mission to Moscow, Jack Warner accused multiple employees of ties to Communists.
1947: Lorimar's catalogue included the post-1947 library of Monogram Pictures/Allied Artists Pictures Corporation
In 1947, Lorimar's catalogue included the post-1947 library of Monogram Pictures/Allied Artists Pictures Corporation, when Warner Communications acquired Lorimar-Telepictures Corporation.
1947: Warner acquired Pathé News from RKO
In 1947, Warner Bros. acquired Pathé News from RKO.
January 5, 1948: First color newsreel
On January 5, 1948, Warner Bros. offered the first color newsreel, covering the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Rose Bowl Game.
1948: Supreme Court ruling in United States v. Paramount Pictures, Inc.
In 1948, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the government in the United States v. Paramount Pictures, Inc. antitrust case, forcing Warner Bros. to separate production from exhibition.
1948: Antitrust Suit Impact
In the aftermath of the 1948 antitrust suit, uncertain times led Warner Bros. in 1956 to sell most of its pre-1950 films and cartoons to Associated Artists Productions (a.a.p.).
1949: Harry Warner emphasizes television production
By 1949, with the success of television threatening the film industry more and more, Harry Warner decided to emphasize television production.
1949: Studio's net profit declines
In 1949, Warner Bros.' net profit was only $10 million.
1950: Warner Bros.' pre-1950 library
In 1950, Time Warner acquired Turner Broadcasting System, thus bringing Warner Bros.' pre-1950 library back home to the studio after 46 years.
1950: UA donated pre-1950 Warner Bros. nitrate negatives to the Library of Congress
In 1950, UA donated pre-1950 Warner Bros. nitrate negatives to the Library of Congress.
1950: Sale of pre-1950 films
On February 13, 1956, Jack Warner sold the rights to all of Warner Bros.' pre-1950 films to Associated Artists Productions.
1951: UA donated post-1951 negatives to the UCLA Film and Television Archive
In 1951, UA donated post-1951 negatives to the UCLA Film and Television Archive.
1952: First film in Warnercolor
In 1952, Warner Bros. made their first film (Carson City) in "Warnercolor", the studio's name for Eastmancolor.
1953: Studio's net profit declines
By 1956, Warner Bros. was losing money, declining from 1953's net profit of $2.9 million.
1953: Spin-off of theater holdings
Early in 1953, Warner Bros.' theater holdings were spun off as Stanley Warner Theaters.
1953: Release of 3D films
In 1953, Jack Warner decided to copy United Artists' successful 3D film Bwana Devil, releasing his own 3D films beginning with House of Wax. However, 3D films soon lost their appeal among moviegoers.
March 21, 1955: Launch of Warner Bros. Television
On March 21, 1955, Warner Bros. launched Warner Bros. Television, providing ABC with a weekly show, "Warner Bros. Presents."
February 13, 1956: Sale of pre-1950 films
On February 13, 1956, Jack Warner sold the rights to all of Warner Bros.' pre-1950 films to Associated Artists Productions.
May 1956: Warner Bros. put on the market, Jack Warner becomes president
In May 1956, the Warner brothers announced they were putting Warner Bros. on the market. Jack Warner secretly organized a syndicate to purchase 90% of the stock and then appointed himself the new president of the company.
1956: Release of "The Bad Seed"
In 1956, Warner Bros. rebounded in the late 1950s, specializing in adaptations of popular plays like "The Bad Seed".
1956: Warner Bros. Sells Pre-1950 Films and Cartoons
In 1956, Warner Bros. sold most of its pre-1950 films and cartoons to Associated Artists Productions (a.a.p.).
March 19, 1958: Launch of Warner Bros. Records
On March 19, 1958, Warner Bros. launched Warner Bros. Records, initially releasing recordings made by their television stars and records based on television soundtracks.
1958: Release of "No Time for Sergeants"
In 1958, Warner Bros. rebounded in the late 1950s, specializing in adaptations of popular plays like "No Time for Sergeants".
1958: Associated Artists Productions merged with United Artists Television
On February 13, 1956, Jack Warner sold the rights to all of Warner Bros.' pre-1950 films to Associated Artists Productions (which merged with United Artists Television in 1958).
1958: Launch of "77 Sunset Strip"
Warner Bros. produced a series of popular private detective shows beginning with "77 Sunset Strip" from 1958–1964.
1958: Jack Warner's car accident
While he slowly recovered from a car crash that occurred while vacationing in France in 1958, Jack returned to the studio and made sure his name was featured in studio press releases.
1959: Launch of "Hawaiian Eye"
Warner Bros. produced "Hawaiian Eye" from 1959–1963.
1960: Launch of "Bourbon Street Beat" and "Surfside 6"
In 1960, Warner Bros. produced "Bourbon Street Beat" and "Surfside 6".
1961: Studio's annual net profit
From 1961 to 1963, the studio's annual net profit was a little over $7 million.
February 1962: Warner acquires film rights to "My Fair Lady"
In February 1962, Warner Bros. paid an unprecedented $5.5 million for the film rights to the Broadway musical "My Fair Lady".
1962: Release of "Gypsy"
In 1962, Warner Bros. rebounded in the late 1950s, specializing in adaptations of popular plays like "Gypsy".
1962: End of "Surfside 6"
Warner Bros. produced "Surfside 6" from 1960–1962.
1963: Warner agrees to takeover of Frank Sinatra's Reprise Records
In 1963, Warner agreed to a "rescue takeover" of Frank Sinatra's Reprise Records. The deal gave Sinatra US$1.5 million and part ownership of Warner Bros. Records, making Reprise a sub-label.
1963: Court decision ends contracts with TV stars
In 1963, a court decision forced Warner Bros. to end contracts with their television stars and to cease engaging them for specific series or film roles. Jack Webb became the head of the studio's TV division.
1963: Studio's net profit drops
In 1963, the studio's net profit dropped to $3.7 million.
1963: End of "Hawaiian Eye"
Warner Bros. produced "Hawaiian Eye" from 1959–1963.
1964: Warner claims ownership of film soundtracks
In 1964, Warner decided to claim ownership of the studio's film soundtracks. In its first eighteen months, Warner Bros. Records lost around $2 million.
1964: End of "77 Sunset Strip"
Warner Bros. produced a series of popular private detective shows beginning with "77 Sunset Strip" from 1958–1964.
1964: Success of "My Fair Lady" film and soundtrack
With the success of the studio's 1964 film of Broadway play "My Fair Lady", as well as its soundtrack, Warner Bros. Records became a profitable subsidiary.
November 1966: Jack Warner sells control to Seven Arts Productions
In November 1966, Jack Warner, due to his advancing age and changing times, sold control of the studio and music business to Seven Arts Productions for $32 million.
1966: Release and success of "Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?"
The 1966 film "Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?" was a huge success for Warner Bros.
1967: Bonnie and Clyde's success and Warner's resignation
In 1967, Bonnie and Clyde became a success, making Warner Bros. profitable again. Camelot's failure led to Warner resigning his position as president to Ben Kalmenson.
1967: Kinney National Company acquires Warner Bros.
In 1967, Kinney National Company acquired DC Comics and Ashley-Famous talent agency. Kinney then bought Warner Bros. and changed the name to Warner Bros. Inc.
1968: Filming on location
After the failure of Camelot was partially attributed to being filmed in Burbank, most films produced after 1968 were filmed on location.
1968: Warner Bros. sale to Seven Arts
In 1968, the studio's sale to Seven Arts.
1970: Partnership with 20th Century Fox established in Singapore
In 1970, Warner Bros. and 20th Century Fox established their earliest known joint venture in Singapore.
1971: Warner Bros. and Filmation agreement
In 1971, Filmation and Warner Bros. entered into an agreement to produce and distribute cartoons for film and television, with its television subsidiary handling worldwide television rights.
1971: Joint Venture with Columbia Pictures Begins
In 1971, Warner Bros.' international distribution operations began as a joint venture with Columbia Pictures.
1972: Warner and Columbia form The Burbank Studios (TBS)
In 1972, Warner and Columbia formed The Burbank Studios (TBS) as a third company for cost-cutting, sharing the Warner lot in Burbank.
1973: Jack Warner Retires
In 1973, Jack Warner retired from independent production after the success of 1776.
1973: Warner Bros. and 20th Century Fox co-produce The Towering Inferno
In late 1973, Warner Bros. partnered with 20th Century Fox to co-produce Irwin Allen's film The Towering Inferno.
1974: Lorimar's catalogue included the post-1974 library of Rankin/Bass Productions
In 1974, Lorimar's catalogue included the post-1974 library of Rankin/Bass Productions, when Warner Communications acquired Lorimar-Telepictures Corporation.
1974: Release and success of 'The Towering Inferno'
In 1974, the film 'The Towering Inferno' was released. The partnership between Warner Bros. and 20th Century Fox resulted in a commercially successful film.
1976: Kinney renames itself Warner Communications; acquires Atari, Inc.
In 1976, Kinney, having refocused its business, renamed itself Warner Communications and acquired the video game company Atari, Inc.
1977: Warner Bros. Archives Donated to USC
In 1977, Warner Communications donated the Warner Bros. Archives to USC's School of Cinema-Television.
September 1978: Jack Warner's Death
In September 1978, Jack Warner died from serious health complications of heart inflammation.
December 1, 1980: Robert A. Daly Joins Warner Bros.
On December 1, 1980, Robert A. Daly joined Warner Bros. as chairman of the board and Co-Chief Executive Officer, taking over from Ted Ashley.
1981: MGM Acquires United Artists
In 1981, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) acquired United Artists (UA), which owned a.a.p. at the time.
1982: Blade Runner filmed at Warner lot
In 1982, Blade Runner, directed by Ridley Scott, was filmed at the Warner lot.
1982: Turner Broadcasting System Acquired Brut Productions
In 1982, during their independent years, Turner Broadcasting System acquired Brut Productions, the film production arm of France-based then-struggling personal-care company Faberge Inc.
May 1986: Turner Broadcasting System Acquired MGM
In May 1986, Turner Broadcasting System acquired MGM. Finding itself in debt, Turner Entertainment kept the pre-May 1986 MGM film and television libraries and a small portion of the United Artists library while spinning off the rest of MGM.
1986: Turner Broadcasting System acquired Associated Artists Productions
On February 13, 1956, Jack Warner sold the rights to all of Warner Bros.' pre-1950 films to Associated Artists Productions (which was subsequently acquired by Turner Broadcasting System in early 1986).
May 4, 1987: The Walt Disney Company signed a theatrical distribution agreement with Warner Bros. International
On May 4, 1987, The Walt Disney Company signed a theatrical distribution agreement with Warner Bros. International for the release of Disney and Touchstone films in overseas markets.
1987: Joint Venture with Columbia Pictures ends
At the end of 1987, Warner Bros.' international distribution operations as a joint venture with Columbia Pictures ended.
1988: Warner Bros. ends joint venture with Columbia Pictures
In 1988, Warner Bros. ended the joint venture with Columbia Pictures.
1989: Warner Bros. acquires Lorimar-Telepictures
In 1989, Warner Bros. acquired Lorimar-Telepictures, gaining control of the former MGM studio lot in Culver City.
1989: Warner Communications Acquired Lorimar-Telepictures Corporation
In 1989, Warner Communications acquired Lorimar-Telepictures Corporation. Lorimar's catalogue included the post-1974 library of Rankin/Bass Productions, and the post-1947 library of Monogram Pictures/Allied Artists Pictures Corporation.
1989: Warner Communications merges with Time Inc.
In 1989, Warner Communications merged with Time Inc. after Paramount's failed hostile takeover bid. Time acquired Warner with a $14.9 billion cash/stock offer.
1990: TBS ends as Sony buys MGM lot
In 1990, TBS ended when Sony bought the MGM lot from Warner and moved Columbia to Culver City, but Warner kept the Columbia Ranch.
1991: Turner Broadcasting System Acquired Hanna-Barbera and Ruby-Spears
In 1991, Turner Broadcasting System acquired animation studio Hanna-Barbera and the Ruby-Spears library from Great American Broadcasting.
1992: Disney Ends Joint Venture with Warner Bros.
In 1992, Disney opted to end their joint venture with Warner Bros. to start autonomously distributing their films.
December 22, 1993: Turner Broadcasting System Acquired Castle Rock Entertainment
On December 22, 1993, Turner Broadcasting System acquired Castle Rock Entertainment.
1993: Warner Bros. Family Entertainment established
In 1993, Warner Bros. Family Entertainment was established to produce family-oriented and animated films.
January 28, 1994: Turner Broadcasting System Acquired New Line Cinema
On January 28, 1994, Turner Broadcasting System acquired New Line Cinema.
1994: Jon Peters receives financing deal at Warner Bros.
In 1994, Jon Peters received a non-exclusive financing deal at Warner Bros., citing his friendship with then president Terry Samel.
1995: The WB Television Network launched
In 1995, Warner Bros. and Tribune Company of Chicago launched The WB Television Network, targeting teenage viewers with shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Dawson's Creek.
October 10, 1996: Time Warner Acquired Turner Broadcasting System
On October 10, 1996, Time Warner acquired Turner Broadcasting System, thus bringing Warner Bros.' pre-1950 library back home to the studio after 46 years.
1996: Turner Pictures folded into Warner Bros.
In 1996, Turner Pictures was folded into Warner Bros. through the Turner-Time Warner Entertainment merger, bringing projects like City of Angels and You've Got Mail into the studio.
1998: Time Warner Entertainment sold Six Flags to Premier Parks
In 1998, Time Warner Entertainment sold Six Flags to Premier Parks.
1998: Warner Bros. celebrates 75th anniversary
In 1998, Warner Bros. celebrated its 75th anniversary.
1999: Terry Semel and Robert Daly resign as studio heads
In 1999, Terry Semel and Robert Daly resigned as studio heads. They were known for popularizing the model of partner financing and profit sharing for film production.
2000: Crossed $1 billion
Since 2000, Warner Bros. is the only studio to cross $1 billion at the domestic box office every year.
2001: Time Warner Entertainment takeover by America Online (AOL)
In 2001, Time Warner Entertainment was taken over by America Online (AOL), which ultimately proved to be unsuccessful.
2001: Partnership with X Filme Creative Pool Begins
In 2001, Warner Bros. began a partnership with German production company X Filme Creative Pool and its distribution arm X Verleih AG, where they would co-distribute their releases with the studio.
2001: Release of the first Harry Potter film
In 2001, Warner Bros. released the first feature film adaptation of the Harry Potter novels.
2002: Release of the second Harry Potter film
In 2002, Warner Bros. released the second Harry Potter film.
2003: Time Warner reorganizes Warner Bros.' assets
In late 2003, Time Warner reorganized Warner Bros.' assets under Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., distinguishing the film studio from its then-sister record label.
June 2004: Release of the third Harry Potter film
In June 2004, Warner Bros. released the third Harry Potter film.
2004: Sale of Warner Music Group
In 2004, Time Warner sold the Warner Music Group, along with Warner Bros. Records, to a private equity group led by Edgar Bronfman Jr.
2004: Partnership with X Filme Creative Pool Extended
In 2004, the partnership between Warner Bros. and German production company X Filme Creative Pool was extended with 20 additional features.
November 2005: Release of the fourth Harry Potter film
In November 2005, Warner Bros. released the fourth Harry Potter film.
2006: The CW Television Network launched
In 2006, Warner Bros. and CBS Corporation closed The WB and UPN and jointly launched The CW Television Network.
July 2007: Release of the fifth Harry Potter film
In July 2007, Warner Bros. released the fifth Harry Potter film.
January 4, 2008: Warner Bros. drops support for HD DVD
On January 4, 2008, Warner Bros. announced that they would drop support of HD DVD in favor of Blu-ray Disc.
May 2008: End of HD DVD releases
HD DVDs continued to be released through May 2008, but only following Blu-ray and DVD releases.
2008: Warner Bros. Handles Distribution of New Line Cinema Titles
Before the 2008 merger, Warner Bros. already handled distribution of then-sister company's New Line Cinema titles in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Eastern Europe, Russia and select territories in Latin America and Asia.
2008: Distribution in Belgium
From 2008 until 2019, Fox handled distribution of Warner Bros. titles in Belgium.
2008: Time Warner Integrated New Line Cinema into Warner Bros. Pictures
In 2008, Time Warner integrated New Line Cinema into Warner Bros. Pictures.
July 2009: Release of the sixth Harry Potter film
In July 2009, Warner Bros. released the sixth Harry Potter film.
April 2010: IMAX Corp. signs with Warner Bros. Pictures
In April 2010, IMAX Corp. signed with Warner Bros. Pictures to release as many as 20 giant-format films through 2013.
November 2010: Release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1
In November 2010, Warner Bros. released Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1.
2010: Warner Bros. Owns Pre-2010 Libraries Produced by Castle Rock Entertainment
Warner Bros. owns pre-2010 libraries produced by Castle Rock Entertainment with few exceptions.
May 2011: Warner Bros. acquires Flixster and Rotten Tomatoes
In May 2011, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group acquired Flixster, a movie discovery application company, and Rotten Tomatoes, a movie review aggregator.
July 2011: Release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2
In July 2011, Warner Bros. released Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.
2011: Warner Bros. Family Entertainment dormant
In 2011, Warner Bros. Family Entertainment label was dormant.
2012: Billion-dollar films
In 2012, Warner Bros. released The Dark Knight Rises and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, which made Warner Bros. one of only three studios to release a pair of billion-dollar films in the same year.
2013: IMAX Corp. signs with Warner Bros. Pictures
In April 2010, IMAX Corp. signed with Warner Bros. Pictures to release as many as 20 giant-format films through 2013.
February 6, 2014: Columbia TriStar Warner Filmes de Portugal Ltda. Announces Closure
On February 6, 2014, Columbia TriStar Warner Filmes de Portugal Ltda., a joint venture with Sony Pictures which distributed both companies' films in Portugal, announced that it would close its doors on March 31, 2014.
March 31, 2014: Columbia TriStar Warner Filmes de Portugal Ltda. Closes Doors
On March 31, 2014, Columbia TriStar Warner Filmes de Portugal Ltda., a joint venture with Sony Pictures, closed its doors. NOS Audiovisuais took over distribution of Warner Bros. films in Portugal, while Big Picture Films handled distribution of Sony Pictures films.
October 21, 2014: Warner Bros. creates Blue Ribbon Content
On October 21, 2014, Warner Bros. created Blue Ribbon Content, a short form digital unit, under Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Digital Series president Sam Register.
2015: Billion-dollar films
As of 2015, Warner Bros. is one of only three studios to have released a pair of billion-dollar films in the same year.
November 17, 2016: Warner Bros. Digital Networks acquires Machinima, Inc.
On November 17, 2016, Warner Bros. Digital Networks announced its acquisition of online video company Machinima, Inc.
2016: Crossed $1 billion
As of 2016, Warner Bros. is the only studio to cross $1 billion at the domestic box office every year since 2000.
October 16, 2018: WarnerMedia shuts down DramaFever
On October 16, 2018, WarnerMedia shut down DramaFever, affecting 20% of Warner Bros.' digital networks staff.
March 4, 2019: WarnerMedia Announces Reorganization
On March 4, 2019, WarnerMedia announced a planned reorganization that would break up the Turner Broadcasting System by moving Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Boomerang, their respective production studios (Cartoon Network Studios and Williams Street), as well as Turner Classic Movies and Otter Media, directly under Warner Bros.
May 2019: Warner Records
Warner Bros sister label became Warner Records in May 2019
May 31, 2019: Otter Media transferred to WarnerMedia Entertainment
On May 31, 2019, Otter Media was transferred from Warner Bros. to WarnerMedia Entertainment to oversee the development of HBO Max.
November 13, 2019: Warner Bros. Unveils Updated Shield Logo
On November 13, 2019, Warner Bros. unveiled an updated iteration of its shield logo by Pentagram in anticipation of the company's upcoming centennial, featuring a streamlined appearance designed to make it better-suited for multi-platform usage and iterations. The company also commissioned a new corporate typeface that is modeled upon the "WB" lettering.
2019: Disney Took over distribution duties.
In 2019, Disney took over distribution duties in July for 20th Century Fox titles in Belgium
2019: Warner Bros. record division renamed Warner Records
In 2019, the since-separated Warner Bros. record division was rechristened Warner Records, as WMG held a short-term license to use the Warner Bros. name and trademarks.
2019: Updated shield main and primary logo
In 2019, updated shield by Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv is the main and primary logo for Warner Bros.
February 5, 2020: Warner Max film label announced
On February 5, 2020, Warner Bros. and HBO Max announced the Warner Max film label, which was to produce eight-to-ten mid-budget movies per year for the streaming service starting in 2020.
April 7, 2020: Global Kids & Young Adults division renamed
On April 7, 2020, the Global Kids & Young Adults division was renamed to Warner Bros. Global Kids, Young Adults and Classics.
July 1, 2020: Tom Ascheim becomes president of Global Kids, Young Adults, and Classics division
On July 1, 2020, Tom Ascheim resigned as president of cable network Freeform to become the president of the Global Kids, Young Adults, and Classics division.
October 2020: Warner Max film label discontinued
In October 2020, the Warner Max film label was ultimately discontinued as part of a consolidation of the Warner Bros. Pictures group.
January 1, 2021: Universal Pictures Distributes Warner Bros. Films in Select Territories
Since January 1, 2021, Warner Bros. films are distributed through Universal Pictures in Hong Kong, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand citing WarnerMedia's closure of its Hong Kong theatrical office.
2021: Hybrid release of The Matrix film
In 2021, Warner Bros. films, like the fourth Matrix film, were given a simultaneous release on both HBO Max and in theaters due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
February 2022: Village Roadshow Pictures Sues Warner Bros.
In February 2022, Village Roadshow Pictures began a lawsuit against Warner Bros. over the hybrid release of The Matrix Resurrections.
March 2022: Warner Bros. Soft Launches Centennial Campaign
In March 2022, Warner Bros. soft launched a campaign for its centennial in 2023, with the tagline "100 Years of Storytelling".
April 8, 2022: AT&T Divests WarnerMedia to Form Warner Bros. Discovery
On April 8, 2022, AT&T divested WarnerMedia to its shareholders, and in turn merged with Discovery Inc. to form Warner Bros. Discovery, led by Discovery's CEO David Zaslav.
May 11, 2022: Michael Ouweleen takes over as president of The Cartoon Network, Inc.
On May 11, 2022, Michael Ouweleen took over as the current president of The Cartoon Network, Inc.
August 2022: Warner Bros. Pictures Enters Distribution Deal with MGM
In August 2022, Warner Bros. Pictures entered into a multi-year deal for distributing MGM (later Amazon MGM Studios) films outside the United States, including on home entertainment.
November 2022: James Gunn and Peter Safran become co-chairpersons and CEOs of DC Studios
In November 2022, James Gunn and Peter Safran became the co-chairpersons and CEOs of DC Films, which was renamed to "DC Studios". The studio also become an independent division of Warner Bros. Discovery.
December 2022: Centennial Campaign Launched
In December 2022, Warner Bros. launched the centennial campaign with the new tagline "Celebrating Every Story", which will include commemorative initiatives across all Warner Bros. divisions and properties.
2022: Warner Bros. Owns Extensive Programming
As of 2022, Warner Bros. owned more than 145,000 hours of programming, including 12,500 feature films and 2,400 television programs comprising more than tens of thousands of individual episodes.
May 2023: Updated shield used as a secondary logo
As of May 2023, The updated shield is used as a secondary logo, and is used concurrently with the 2019 logo (which is the main and primary logo).
2024: Warner Bros. Distributes Universal Pictures Films in Select Territories
As of 2024, Warner Bros. currently handles theatrical distribution of Universal Pictures films in Brazil, India and the Philippines.
2025: Warner Bros. Partners with Local Distribution Companies
As of 2025, Warner Bros. had partnerships with local distribution companies to theatrically release local language and regionally acquired films such as Singapore-based Encore Films in Southeast Asia and India, Picturehouse Entertainment in the United Kingdom and PiperFilm in Italy.
2025: Sony Pictures Releasing International Takes Over International Distribution of Amazon MGM Titles
The deal between Warner Bros. Pictures and MGM concluded in 2025 when Sony Pictures Releasing International took over international distribution of Amazon MGM titles beginning with After the Hunt.
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