Hollywood and sequels? They’re near soulmates. They sometimes provide us with indelible movie memories, other times they wear out their welcome. But one thing’s certain: studios continue to rely on franchises because they realize people adore familiarity, at least for the most part. While Hollywood itself is continually changing, major franchises continue to reign at the box office, even if a couple or two have their share of missteps along the way. Let’s count down the 10 highest-grossing movie franchises of all time, see what continues to keep them thriving, and examine why others can no longer keep pace. Are viewers sick of sequels, or is Hollywood simply running out of ideas? Let’s take a look.
10. Planet of the Apes – A Sci-Fi Classic That Won’t Quit
The Planet of the Apes franchise has been swinging its way through Hollywood since 1968, and it’s going strong. It has 10 movies under its belt and a total of $2.51 billion earned worldwide; it’s quickly one of the longest-running sci-fi sagas out there. What is the key? Reinvention. Whether it’s the time-travel hook or heavy social commentary, every new version captures the era in which it’s produced. Contemporary reboots have given the tale a contemporary sheen, showing us that even fifty years later, smart apes can continue to fill theaters.
9. MonsterVerse – Large Monsters, Large Dollars
Destroying cities has never been so profitable. The MonsterVerse, which comprises Godzilla, Kong: Skull Island, Godzilla vs. Kong, and others, has taken in $2.49 billion in five films alone. A little nostalgia, a little visual spectacle, these films capture audiences who crave massive battles and larger-than-life narratives. With additional monster showdowns on the horizon, it’s obvious that viewers haven’t exhausted themselves from seeing these movie monsters storm across the screen.
8. Guardians of the Galaxy – Marvel’s Unexpected Hitmakers
Who could have imagined a wise-cracking raccoon and a tree would take center stage? James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy made stodgy comic book characters household names. With four movies, the series has raked in $2.48 billion. With its blend of humor, heart, and cosmic strangeness, this corner of the Marvel universe staked out its territory. And even though Gunn is now at DC Studios, there’s still hope for further escapades with Star-Lord et al.
7. The Dark Knight Trilogy – Grit, Glory, and Gotham
Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy did not merely generate profits—it transformed the superhero film. Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and The Dark Knight Rises earned a total of $2.44 billion. But beyond the box office is the tone, acting, and realistic storytelling, which made it a lasting contribution. Heath Ledger’s Joker in itself made movie history. It raised the bar high, which many superhero movies have been trying to reach since.
6. Iron Man – One Billionaire, One Suit, One Empire
Iron Man preceded the MCU juggernaut and set the standard for a universe. Robert Downey Jr.’s charming interpretation of Tony Stark generated $2.42 billion from three movies alone. Each one capped off the previous one, with Iron Man 3 cracking a billion dollars on its own. Although the trilogy is done, Iron Man’s impact continues to reverberate through all Marvel films today.
5. The Conjuring – Horror That Haunts the Charts
Horror does not often top the box office, but The Conjuring franchise has been one such exception. Stretching nine films and raking in $2.38 billion, this supernatural franchise has consistently kept viewers screaming and returning for more. From haunted dolls to demonic nuns, James Wan’s franchise has established itself as a contemporary horror classic. As the main plot may be wrapping up, spin-offs and side narratives keep the franchise’s chilling momentum going.
4. Kung Fu Panda – Kicks, Comedy, and Consistency
Kung Fu Panda may have begun as a silly concept, but it’s become an international phenomenon. Five movies grossing $2.36 billion attest to the fact that audiences simply can’t get enough of Po’s path from noodle-loving slacker to kung fu legend. Despite the years between movies and some main players left out of the fourth installment, Kung Fu Panda 4 still trounced box office projections. It appears that audiences are always up for another chop-socky ride.
3. Indiana Jones – Whips, Wonders, and a Bit of Wobble
Few stand in comparison to Indiana Jones when it comes to action-adventure legends. The franchise, on five films, has grossed $2.34 billion. The original trilogy defined adventure movies, and even the unpopular Kingdom of the Crystal Skull headed box office lists. But the latest installment, The Dial of Destiny, didn’t quite make it. Even with the nostalgia, it demonstrated that even the largest brands can find it hard to keep abreast of shifting tastes.
2. Madagascar – Animated Madness That Still Enchants
This animated series has raked in $2.27 billion from four original films, courtesy of its charming zoo crew and brightly hued escapades. Madagascar got the formula right: excellent voice cast, imaginative backdrops, and just the perfect amount of pandemonium and sentiment. But spinoffs such as Penguins of Madagascar fell short of the magic, and Madagascar 4 is still in development hell, due in part to off-stage tension between stars Chris Rock and Jada Pinkett Smith. But fans haven’t forgotten the franchise, and its popularity persists.
1. Star Trek – Going Where the Money Is
And at the top of the list is Star Trek, with 14 films grossing $2.26 billion. What started as a scrapped TV series in the ’60s has grown into an intergalactic empire of programs, movies, and fan culture. Although the original films had a bumpy debut, the reboot of 2009 breathed new life into the franchise. Its enduring appeal is its potential to reinvent itself for each generation. Regardless of the period, there always seems to be space for one more mission on the Enterprise.
Ultimately, as long as the franchises continue to generate revenue, Hollywood will continue to bring them back. Sequels don’t always work, but the temptation of known worlds and established returns is too great to ignore.