To make the most successful film:
1. A good dramatic structure.
2. A story that has meaning, depth and actual impact.
3. Charge less money.
4. Distribute as widely as possible, or on a roadshow principle if necessary.
I've always felt that if someone could release a good film and charge significantly less money than the competition, meanwhile splitting the profits with the theaters fairly, that the entire industry could follow suit and end much of the nonsense that has existed since the days of the iron clad grip of the studio system.