Movies

The 40 Highest-Grossing Movie Franchises Of All Time

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2024 seems poised to secure a prosperous future for popular franchises like Deadpool and Planet of the Apes, but it could potentially mark the end for others, such as Madame Web and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, given their underperformance at the box office. Although some may grumble about the abundance of sequels and reboots in cinemas, it’s important to remember that franchises persist only if they continue to thrive.

In my perspective, movie studios are creators of entertainment with a primary focus on financial success. When a film strikes gold at the box office, it often paves the way for sequels that follow suit. It seems logical for producers to cater to what audiences enjoy most, which is continuing a successful storyline or character. However, this strategy can sometimes lead to less-than-stellar sequels, but on the bright side, it has also given birth to some truly iconic and adored film series. It’s no secret that the blockbuster franchises we all know and love didn’t rise to the top by being merely average.

14 Movies Grossing $2.26 Billion

Initially, didn’t enjoy the massive success it later did as one of the top-earning movie series, but instead, it steadily gained popularity. The original run spanned across three seasons from 1966 to 1969, where it introduced timeless characters like Captain James T. Kirk and Spock. In no time, Star Trek branched out into various platforms, leading to eleven television spin-offs, a lucrative film series, and successful video game adaptations.

Initially, the original Star Trek films didn’t garner massive box office success, but they played a crucial role in captivating a vast number of new viewers and setting foundational elements for the series’ lore. However, the blockbuster release of J.J. Abrams’s 2009 Star Trek movie signified a transformation, rejuvenating the franchise with a fresh spin on the main characters. The Star Trek film series is poised to continue gaining popularity as each new installment debuts, ensuring that this intriguing tale continues to captivate every new generation.

4 Movies Grossing $2.27 Billion

It’s quite unexpected that a fourth installment of the highly profitable animated series, “Madagascar,” hasn’t been made yet, given its escalating success with each new film. The franchise has maintained its original cast while exploring diverse settings, starting from Madagascar itself, then moving to Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe. However, the spin-off movie, “Penguins of Madagascar,” released in 2014, didn’t achieve the same level of success: it earned $366 million compared to $746 million made by “Madagascar 3.” This underperformance might have postponed plans for a fourth film.

If a fourth installment of “Madagascar” is made, it might be without the original voice actors, given that Chris Rock and Jada Pinkett Smith haven’t reconciled following his Oscars incident in 2022. Both actors provided voices for Marty and Gloria in the previous three Madagascar movies.

5 Movies Grossing $2.34 Billion

Fans may have differing opinions regarding Han Solo from Star Wars or the main character Indiana Jones, but there’s no debate that both series have produced some of the most financially successful films over the past few decades. The Indiana Jones series began in 1981 with the iconic Raiders of the Lost Ark, where Indiana Jones battled against the Nazis and recovered the fabled Ark of the Covenant.

Indiana Jones significantly boosted Steven Spielberg’s reputation as a master of blockbuster films and Harrison Ford’s status as an ideal leading man. Interestingly, this film arrived not long after two massive successes: Jaws and A New Hope. However, the three successful and profitable Indiana Jones movies played a significant role in shaping the cinematic landscape of the ’80s. The series reappeared in 2005 with its most critically panned but financially successful installment, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, which grossed $786 million despite mixed reviews from both critics and audiences.

Regrettably, the Indiana Jones franchise experienced a setback in 2023 when it was revived without Spielberg as director. Sadly, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny underperformed at the box office, earning $383 million on a budget of $300 million.

5 Movies Grossing $2.36 Billion

The Kung Fu Panda series boasts an impressive ensemble of voice actors to deliver a tale steeped in martial arts lore from China. This narrative centers around Po, a laid-back panda who is compelled to embrace his fate as the foretold Dragon Warrior – a kung fu virtuoso capable of revealing the mystery contained within the Dragon Scroll. Accompanying him on this journey are The Furious Five, an elite team of martial arts experts embodying the five fundamental kung fu postures: Crane, Viper, Monkey, Mantis and Tigress.

As a devoted fan of animated movies, I can’t help but reminisce about my favorite journey through the enchanting world of Kung Fu Panda. The iconic Jack Black lends his humorous voice to our beloved Po, while cinema legends like Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, and Lucy Liu bring the Furious Five to life in their distinctive voices. Even after an eight-year pause between the third and fourth installments, Kung Fu Panda has managed to carve a place among the most financially successful animated series of all time.

Regrettably, Kung Fu Panda 4 didn’t receive as warm a welcome as its predecessors, possibly due to the absence of the Furious Five. Nevertheless, it miraculously surpassed the third movie’s box office earnings, raking in an impressive $547 million and likely setting the stage for another sequel in the not-too-distant future.

9 Movies Grossing $2.38 Billion

In terms of box office success, The Conjuring series stands alone as the highest-grossing horror franchise ever, indicating a significant appeal for horror films in cinemas. However, it’s not that people don’t watch horror movies in theaters; rather, these films cater to a specific audience and the potential risk is often high. This is why studios usually prefer to invest in lower budgets, hoping for a satisfying return on their investment.

Occasionally, the payoff for a horror franchise can be immense. The Conjuring series solidified James Wan as a leading figure in mainstream horror. This filmmaker/producer has an uncanny knack for success, and he struck it rich with the Conjuring films. Initially, a straightforward horror story focusing on the Warrens, a well-known duo of paranormal investigators, morphed into a complex franchise featuring spin-offs centered around cursed dolls and period horrors with religious undertones. The last movie in the main series, The Conjuring: Last Rites, is due for release in 2025; however, it’s likely that Warner Bros. will delve deeper into the Warren legacy by creating new spin-offs.

3 Movies Grossing $2.42 Billion

The Iron Man series remains one of the most profitable franchises even without a fresh release in more than two decades. It was the 2008 film that initiated the Marvel Cinematic Universe, marking a new epoch for superhero adaptations on the big screen. This groundbreaking movie delves into the origin tale of the titular hero, with Robert Downey Jr.’s memorable portrayal.

Each film in the Iron Man trilogy surpassed its predecessor in success, with Iron Man 3 earning over $1.21 billion, despite mixed reviews from both fans and critics. The third movie provided a satisfying end to Tony Stark’s personal storyline, concluding the Iron Man franchise for the time being. However, following Tony Stark’s demise in Avengers: Endgame and the announcement of new developments, the future of the franchise is currently unclear.

3 Movies Grossing $2.44 Billion

As a passionate cinema enthusiast, I must say that Christopher Nolan’s interpretation of Batman’s origin story is remarkably grounded and strikes an exquisite balance between the character’s dark side and heroic qualities. The trilogy commences with “Batman Begins,” charting Bruce Wayne’s transformation into Gotham’s vigilante, Batman. The second installment, “The Dark Knight,” garnered universal acclaim from fans, primarily due to Heath Ledger’s exceptional portrayal of the Joker.

Regardless of individual opinions on the whole of the The Dark Knight trilogy, it’s clear that every subsequent Batman film carries a hint of Christopher Nolan’s style. Each Batman movie aspires to be as mature and impactful, while offering equally engaging character developments. Christian Bale delivers an exceptional portrayal of Batman, and the actors who took on the challenge of playing iconic villains like Harvey Dent, Joker, and Bane have all done an excellent job. Fittingly, the The Dark Knight trilogy is part of one of the most financially successful movie franchises.

4 Movies Grossing $2.48 Billion

Prior to taking on the role of co-CEO at DC studios, James Gunn had previously crafted four thrilling Marvel Cinematic Universe films, notably the Guardians of the Galaxy series. The third installment of Guardians of the Galaxy was a fitting send-off for Gunn, offering an adrenaline-pumping experience with deep emotional resonance, ranking among the top five box office hits of 2023. Earlier, the festive special titled “The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special” debuted on Disney+, even though it didn’t receive a theatrical release, it has since garnered significant popularity.

The latest news on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 4 is scarce, but it seems likely that the Marvel Cinematic Universe will continue the storyline soon. What makes this series exceptional is the fantastic dynamic between the characters – an unconventional group of heroes putting aside their disagreements to preserve cosmic peace (or something close to it). It’s hard to envision the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise without James Gunn, but the show must carry on.

5 Movies Grossing $2.49 Billion

By considering both Japanese and American Godzilla films collectively, you’ll find a franchise worth approximately $2.5 billion. Despite following a similar pattern, these movies continue to draw audiences in. However, with the advent of the MonsterVerse, things have evolved, as King Kong and other fearsome Titans have been introduced alongside Godzilla. Occasionally, they engage in battles against each other, but at other times, they band together to protect the world from yet more monsters.

Initially, the lucrative MonsterVerse series introduced the films Godzilla and Kong: Skull Island , each delving individually into two of cinema’s most famous monsters. In 2021, they confronted each other in Godzilla vs. Kong. Later, they joined forces in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. The MonsterVerse series has already showcased intriguing crossovers, and another film is set to premiere in theaters on March 26th, 2027.

10 Movies Grossing $2.51 Billion

The “Planet of the Apes” series, which began in 1968, is still America’s longest-running science fiction saga, with its tenth film premiering this year. The story commences with a group of astronauts voyaging far into the future, accidentally crashing onto an Earth ruled by apes – a shocking discovery as they had left centuries earlier. Time travel and human devolution were the distinctive features that linked the original “Planet of the Apes” films. Despite not being massive box office successes, they left a significant impact on cinema.

Following a disappointing reboot by Tim Burton in 2001, the franchise regained its might with a prequel trilogy focusing on, boosting the intellectual prowess of apes. These films were notable for their captivating main character, Caesar, the ape leader, as well as pioneering VFX methods and an exceptional cinematic journey. The saga continues in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, one of 2024’s top-grossing films, confirming that Planet of the Apes is on track to evolve into an even more lucrative franchise.

2 Movies Grossing $2.52 Billion

When “Inside Out” was released in 2015, people believed it was the ideal, self-contained Pixar film. It presented 11-year-old Riley and the group of emotions within her mind. They grappled with managing Riley’s emotional turmoil amidst significant life changes. The movie conveyed a straightforward yet resonant message: while we always seek Joy, at times it’s essential to embrace Sadness, or even Anger, to truly express our feelings openly.

As mental health issues gain more attention in today’s society, the highly anticipated sequel “Inside Out 2” resonates deeply and maintains the significance of its predecessor. The storyline follows Riley as she navigates through her transition from childhood to adolescence, experiencing a wave of new emotions. The sequel has proven to be just as crucial, earning nearly double the box office revenue compared to the original “Inside Out.” By addressing contemporary themes with a delightful, humorous approach, it manages to engage viewers and spark conversation about growing up in today’s world. While we can only speculate if there will ever be an “Inside Out 3,” the franchise has certainly left room for exploration of additional challenges that come with maturing.

8 Movies Grossing $2.52 Billion

Once upon a time, Superman was the most iconic superhero, a title he still holds for older audiences. Yet, as modern superhero cinema continues to evolve, there’s now a Marvel or DC character that appeals to almost everyone. It’s worth noting that Superman had an advantage due to being part of one of the few excellent and well-made superhero film series from the 70s and 80s. Both ‘Superman’ and ‘Superman II’ were successful when they were released, earning approximately $300 million and $190 million respectively at the box office.

More recently, “Man of Steel” skillfully brought the Kryptonian hero back to the big screen, boosting Henry Cavill’s fame. Nevertheless, Cavill’s subsequent performances in films such as “Justice League” and “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” have sparked ongoing discussions among fans. Despite mixed reviews, both “Man of Steel” and “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” were financial successes, capitalizing on the increasing popularity of superhero blockbusters. Fans are eagerly anticipating 2025’s “Superman” to do right by the hero again.

2 Movies Grossing $2.72 Billion

Despite the common notion that blockbusters are primarily associated with big-budget American productions, China has managed to achieve remarkable commercial success with just two films titled “Ne Zha“. The original film, released in 2019, astoundingly earned a staggering $742 million on a budget of only $22 million. Breaking all predictions and profit expectations, the sequel “Ne Zha 2“, launched in February this year, surpassed $1.90 billion, making it one of the top 10 highest-grossing movies ever made.

The Ne Zha movie series is a commercial success that shines in adapting aspects of ancient Chinese mythology for a broader audience. It’s an engaging tale centered around the eternal struggle between good and evil. The character Ne Zha is fated to be humanity’s savior, but he tragically transforms into a terrifying demonic figure instead. Ideas such as the Spirit Seed and the Demon Pill reinterpret Chinese legends for contemporary storytelling, seamlessly merging tradition with innovation in an animation style that is visually breathtaking.

2 Movies Grossing $2.72 Billion

For Disney enthusiasts, it may be disappointing to no longer see classics like “Monsters Inc.” and “Finding Nemo,” but that doesn’t hinder Pixar when creators are deeply inspired. “Frozen” could serve as the epitome of such inspiration, sparking a hunger among viewers for fresh narratives and captivating new characters. The film chronicles the escapades of Queen Elsa, her sister Anna, and Olaf, a magical snowman, as they strive to free their world from an endless winter.

Initially released, “Frozen” created quite a stir. The enchanting and infectious song “Let it Go” could be heard everywhere, and both children and adults found themselves captivated by the charming universe the film presented. The movie grossed over $1 billion globally, and unsurprisingly, “Frozen II” outperformed its predecessor, cementing “Frozen” as one of the most financially successful film franchises in history with just two movies.

4 Movies Grossing $2.74 Billion

Unlike characters such as Spider-Man and Batman who have been portrayed by multiple actors, each bringing their unique characteristics, Wolverine has predominantly been linked to Hugh Jackman on the silver screen. Over time, it’s become challenging to distinguish the actor from the character, particularly after Jackman reprised his role in Deadpool & Wolverine, following what seemed like his final portrayal of the character in Logan.

In 2000, Hugh Jackman first appeared as the character Wolverine in X-Men. The popularity of this role led to a standalone franchise for him. Despite some mixed reactions from fans about the origin stories, films like Logan and Deadpool & Wolverine showcased the character’s strongest traits and honored Jackman’s outstanding portrayal.

3 Movies Grossing $2.90 Billion

The three Deadpool films adhere to a basic template of meta-storytelling and intense violence that perfectly complements the character’s dark wit. Ryan Reynolds consistently demonstrates his aptitude for this part, frequently poking fun at his own acting career and the contemporary landscape of superhero movies while donning the Deadpool costume.

In a thrilling turn of events, I found myself utterly captivated by the newest addition to the franchise, titled “Deadpool & Wolverine“. This cinematic marvel not only marked Deadpool’s grand entrance into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) but also expanded its ever-growing multiverse. Surprisingly, despite being an R-rated movie, “Deadpool & Wolverine” has managed to secure the second highest box office gross in 2024. The consistency that’s become a hallmark of successful franchises today is evident in the exhilarating journey that “Deadpool” has been on so far.

8 Movies Grossing $3.17 Billion

Sony’s Marvel Universe has had its fair share of highs and lows, with varying levels of critical acclaim and commercial success. On one side, there’s the universally lauded Spider-Verse trilogy, which is eagerly awaiting the release of its concluding chapter. However, it’s not all smooth sailing as there have been significant letdowns like Morbius and Madame Web – these films failed miserably at the box office and are often criticized as some of the worst modern superhero adaptations available today.

A particularly intriguing scenario is the Venom film series, which despite dividing fans, has continued to perform well financially. The initial Venom movie, focusing on Tom Brady as the infamous adversary of Spider-Man, raked in an impressive $856 million independently. Sony aims to construct a flourishing Spider-Man universe without Spider-Man himself, breathing life into iconic villains, with mixed results. Although its live-action franchise hasn’t yet fully delivered on its promise, there’s no questioning that the Miles Morales trilogy is one of Sony’s greatest achievements. The newly released Kraven the Hunter unfortunately adds to Sony’s Marvel Universe’s string of disappointing films; it remains to be seen if Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse can make amends for this.

6 Movies Grossing $3.20 Billion

20th Century Fox unearthed the recipe for success buried deep within a massive ice cube. Utilizing the intriguing epoch of the Ice Age and its diverse wildlife, they created an extraordinary group of characters: Manny, the cranky mammoth; Sid, the amusing prehistoric sloth; Diego, the fierce saber-toothed tiger; and Scrat, a charming squirrel with a saber tooth obsession for acorns. This quartet provides an engaging twist to the Ice Age series.

During the time of the Ice Age, it thrived by keeping things straightforward and showcasing amusing character exchanges as they navigated the perils of an unforgiving planet. Some believe that the quality of the movie series diminished with every daring choice it made, such as introducing dinosaurs or sending Scrat to space. These changes affected its box office performance and reception from fans so much that its most recent installment, titled “The Ice Age Adventures Of Buck Wild“, was released exclusively on Disney+.

5 Movies Grossing $3.27 Billion

In addition to showcasing revolutionary computer-generated imagery (CGI) methods in animated films, it also offers an enjoyable, imaginative tale for children, answering their age-old question: could toys truly come to life? Initially, the first two Toy Story films were commendable for their world creation and character development. However, it was only with Toy Story 3 that the series achieved its maximum emotional impact, striking a chord in the hearts of those who had followed the escapades of Woody and Buzz Lightyear since childhood.

The movie Toy Story 3 concludes the primary narrative of the Toy Story series in a triumphant fashion, with Andy bidding farewell to his cherished playthings. In contrast, Toy Story 4 marked a new beginning and set the stage for an eagerly awaited continuation. Regrettably, Lightyear failed to capture the attention of many Pixar enthusiasts due to its seemingly uninteresting origin tale. Despite experiencing highs and lows throughout, the Toy Story franchise remains one of the greatest and most influential in film history, maintaining a powerful sentimental allure that never fades away.

5 Films Grossing $3.28 Billion

The Hunger Games, a groundbreaking film series, ignited a wave of dystopian cinema, such as Divergent and The Maze Runner. Yet none could surpass the popularity achieved by these movies. Originating from Suzanne Collins’ novel series, The Hunger Games presents a world where an oppressive Capitol compels children to engage in an annual fight-to-the-death competition.

Originally, the Hunger Games franchise consisted of four blockbuster movies. After wrapping up, it remained inactive for a few years. However, it’s now back with a prequel film titled The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. If this prequel does well, we might see even more spin-offs set in the world of Panem.

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2025-04-23 02:32

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