3 science fiction franchises that can challenge Star Trek for the title of ‘greatest of all time’

3 science fiction franchises that can challenge Star Trek for the title of 'greatest of all time'

As a seasoned gamer and a connoisseur of science fiction, I’ve been fortunate enough to traverse through countless galaxies, timelines, and dimensions, thanks to the incredible stories spun by these iconic franchises. Among them, Star Trek stands tall as a beacon of hope, knowledge, and diversity – a shining example of what science fiction can achieve.


As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but express my admiration for the Star Trek franchise. This iconic series has been a staple in pop culture for almost six decades now, and it continues to captivate audiences worldwide. It’s not just a science fiction franchise; it’s a world-changer, a pioneer that paved the way for countless creators who dream of crafting universes as rich and diverse as Star Trek’s. With its vast potential and the promise of financial prosperity, it’s no wonder why so many are inspired to create their own galaxies in its image.

Few series, if any, can match the cultural influence of Star Trek. Although there were shows before it and some have surpassed it financially, few have left an imprint as profound as this iconic franchise. Indeed, Star Trek stands alone. However, one might wonder who could potentially dethrone Star Trek as the undisputed king of science fiction?

To begin with, let’s set aside any series or films based on comic books for now. They belong to the genre of comic book adaptations, not science fiction, despite some overlap. Although they draw inspiration from each other, they are distinct entities. It’s important to remember that longevity or financial success doesn’t automatically qualify something as a contender in this discussion.

1. The Avatar movies have been released in two installments, but it’s unclear who their audience is. The Alien saga has been running for about half a century, yet it’s a series that sometimes strikes gold and other times misses the mark. Previously, we might have included Star Wars in this discussion. Despite its popularity surpassing Star Trek, Star Wars doesn’t seem to maintain the same level of consistency in its storytelling.

So what franchises can lay claim to the best science fiction franchises?

Doctor Who

To kick things off, let’s talk about Doctor Who, which premiered prior to Star Trek. Much like how Star Trek influenced American science fiction, Doctor Who had a similar impact on British sci-fi. Its global influence is widely recognized, and its reboot in the mid-2000s might have even made it more successful than ever before. Although recent seasons have received varying criticisms, it remains one of the most admired and cherished series out there.

Planet of the Apes

I’m not particularly invested in this movie series about war-fighting apes, but wow, it seems fans are quite passionate about it! With a decade-long history, almost as long as Star Trek, and earnings surpassing it, it’s safe to say it’s a significant franchise. It even expanded into multiple media formats with two TV shows from the 1970s. Remarkably, it continues to thrive today, with the latest installment, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” raking in nearly $400 million at the box office.

Back to the Future

Some franchises gain popularity due to their timing, such as The Hunger Games series. Others become popular based on their source material, like Resident Evil. However, there are some franchises that are financially successful but hard to understand why, such as Dune. Remarkably, all of these franchises have had flops, and many others lack the impact of their content. But none compare to Back to the Future – a three-part series that inspired us all to dream big. This multimedia franchise has spawned comic books, video games, and various other spinoffs, and continues to play a significant role in pop culture today. Unlike modern Hollywood trends, it hasn’t succumbed to problematic rebooting.

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2024-08-31 01:23

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