I think that whilst there has always been an aspect of making a film with a view/hope to being profitable, the prioritisation of profits all round now comes at the expense of the film considerably.
For example ... Goonies. Its a fairly simple treasure hunt story line, has a car chase which serves as a setup to introducing all the characters, a few stunts throughout etc etc, but it was a good watchable, relatable film not overtly trying to push any agenda, and was made to be just that ... a good film at its heart.
If similar were made now, the film would have changed scenes with view to the money. A car chase would be put in cause someone would pitch to the bosses how they could turn that into a ride in a theme park, the theme tune be something that could be put in the charts, merchandise options ... if the film cant push that side of things outwith the cinema theatre then its viewed as not worth it, irrespective of how good the story is. A lot of DC / Marvel superhero stuff is a prime example imo.
I think that's why we look back at 80's and similar with such fond memories and still think when I watch them that "this is a good film/story", and the merch present got driven by the film and not the other way round. I watched the original Ghostbusters recently and thought to myself "why cant they do this stuff anymore?", it seems a lost art.