In May 1994, audiences came to see "The Flintstones" and "Maverick," while in June, they flocked to see "Speed" and "The Lion King." Then, on July 6, "Forrest Gump" was released by Paramount Pictures.

It was an uncharacteristically expensive drama that cost more than $50 million in mid-'90s money. It was based on a wacky Winston Groom novel about a straightforward Southerner who unintentionally witnesses American history in the 1960s and 1970s.

Since "Forrest Gump" appeared 25 years ago, the culture has undergone a significant change. (Paramount currently has a new two-disc Blu-ray collection available.) It developed into a phenomenon, a big economic success, and a cultural icon in ways that are now almost incomprehensible.

In its first weekend, "Forrest Gump" led the box office; the following week, "True Lies" took its place. Late in July, the film returned to the top spot for a week before being dethroned once more by "The Mask" and "Clear and Present Danger." Then, for a third time during a week in August and a fourth and fifth time during two weeks in September, "Forrest Gump" topped the charts.

It then went on to win the best picture Oscar for that year. Best picture winners with modest budgets and late-year releases, such as "The Shape of Water" and "Moonlight," have become commonplace. However, in 1994, this mainstream studio film with a convoluted plot was promoted as an unconventional feel-good summer movie starring Tom Hanks and being directed by Robert Zemeckis, a seasoned hitmaker.

Can anyone envision this occurring right now: A movie with such staying power, remaining at the top of the box office rankings for three continuous months? And not even a drama? During the summer movie season?

Six Oscars were given to "Forrest Gump," including one for director Robert Zemeckis and another for actor Tom Hanks. Over the past 20 years, the movie has appeared on numerous AFI "100 Years" best-of lists. The public adored "Forrest Gump." It moves people with its grand tale of a kind soul's tenacity and unwavering belief that "Life is like a box of chocolates... You can never know what you're gonna get.