The verb for something that became popular (became a hit) when nobody expected it.
Their first four movies have been quite obscure to the masses up until the release of the fifth one, which ______ (became a hit?) and became very popular.
The verb for something that became popular (became a hit) when nobody expected it.
Their first four movies have been quite obscure to the masses up until the release of the fifth one, which ______ (became a hit?) and became very popular.
Not quite a single word, but a sleeper hit describes what you're looking for.
In the entertainment industry, a sleeper hit is a title (such as a film, song or game) that becomes successful gradually, often with little promotion.
Edit: Also, it's not a verb. :/
So here's a verb suggestion: exploded
Their first four movies have been quite obscure to the masses up until the release of the fifth one, which exploded with popularity and became a sleeper hit.