<Tr> <Th> Box office </Th> <Td> Total (2 films): $281 million </Td> </Tr> <P> Cloverfield is an American science fiction - horror anthology film series and media franchise created and produced by J.J. Abrams consisting of three films, viral marketing websites linking the films together and a tie - in manga to the first film titled Cloverfield / Kishin (2008), set in a shared fictional universe referred to as the "Cloververse". The franchise as a whole deals with creatures from other dimensions attacking Earth throughout various decades, all as a repercussion of an experiment by an astronaut team aboard the Cloverfield Station in outer - space . Each film depicts the reality - altering effects of their study, which was meant to find a new energy source benefiting the depleted resources of our planet, only to open portals for assault from beasts from deep space . </P> <P> Cloverfield, the first film in the series, is a found footage horror film released on January 18, 2008, which was well - received by critics . After it, several films initially conceived as standalone features were modified to make them part of a franchise . The first sequel, titled 10 Cloverfield Lane, is a psychological horror film that was released on March 11, 2016, and like its predecessor received positive reviews from critics . The Cloverfield Paradox, a science fiction horror film, was released by Netflix on February 4, 2018 . However, unlike the previous two films, it received negative reviews . </P> <P> The first film of the series, released in 2008, is a found - footage monster horror film directed by Matt Reeves, produced by J.J. Abrams and Bryan Burk, and written by Drew Goddard . Before settling on an official title, the film was marketed as 01 - 18 - 08 . The film, which is presented as found footage shot with a home camcorder, follows six people fleeing from a gigantic monster that attacks New York City while they are having a farewell party . The film was well received by critics and grossed over $170 million at the box office against a $25 million budget . </P>

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