The movie Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy was initially seen as just another comedy when it was released.

However, once it hit theaters, it performed well at the box office and ultimately became the film that launched Will Ferrell and Adam McKay into Hollywood comedy stardom.

With a production budget of about $26 million, it grossed over $84 million in North America alone, and worldwide it surpassed $90 million, proving to be a commercial success. It didn't just break even; it made more than three times its production cost, marking it as a success for the studio.

Interestingly, this film primarily found success in North America. Most of its revenue came from the U.S. and Canada, as it satirized elements like 1970s American broadcasting culture, male-dominated organizations, and local news systems in a very overt manner, causing American audiences to laugh immediately. Conversely, international viewers, unfamiliar with these cultural codes, found it somewhat strange at first.

However, the film's true strength emerged after its theatrical run. As it gained word-of-mouth popularity in the DVD and VOD markets, people began to rewatch it, memorizing lines and sharing scenes as internet memes. This accumulation of interest over time turned it into what is often referred to as a "cult classic."

Thanks to this momentum, a sequel was produced in 2013, which also grossed over $100 million worldwide. It became more than just a standalone film; it turned into a brand.

In South Korea, it wasn't initially a highly regarded film. At the time, American-style comedies didn't perform well in theaters.

With its many puns and exaggerated B-movie sensibilities, many Korean viewers reacted with confusion, thinking, "What is this?" As a result, it quietly passed through theaters.

However, over time, the atmosphere changed. Audiences who encountered it through OTT or VOD began to reevaluate the film. Now, there are more reactions like, "Why didn't I know about this sooner?" The expression most commonly used by Korean viewers is 'byeongmat,' which perfectly describes this film. The absurd situations keep unfolding, and it becomes strangely funny. Initially bewildering, viewers eventually adapt and become engrossed in the characters.

Particularly, the reactions to Will Ferrell's performance are very strong. His style of pushing the boundaries of shamelessness has been described as addictive, transcending mere preference. It's often said to be a go-to movie when one wants to laugh without thinking.

Another interesting point is the cast lineup. Actors who weren't widely recognized at the time have all become stars, making the film feel completely different when viewed again now.

The fact that actors like Steve Carell and Paul Rudd played these roles feels like a kind of 'bonus fun.'

From today's perspective, it resembles a comedy version of the Avengers in terms of its ensemble cast.

On the surface, it seems like just a movie made for laughs, but upon closer inspection, the satire is quite sharp. It overtly twists elements like 1970s male-centric culture, power dynamics within newsrooms, and the competitive nature of sensational news. There are moments that make you think, "How is this different from now?" while laughing.

And when discussing this film, one cannot overlook San Diego. The line "Stay classy, San Diego" has become almost iconic.

It's not an exaggeration to say that this one line has playfully cemented the city's image.

In fact, many people who visit San Diego recall this line. It can be seen as a case where a single film influenced the city's image.

From today's perspective, it seems to have transcended simple comedy to become a culturally significant work.