Let’s face it—Hollywood is not afraid to play it safe. And when it comes to sure bets, there’s nothing quite like a well-greased movie franchise. Sequels, reboots, cinematic universes—they will elicit some eye-rolls, perhaps, but as long as viewers continue to show up (and open their wallets), the business will keep bringing them. Some franchises have expanded to such enormity, they’re pop culture universes unto themselves—prolificating TV shows, video games, theme park attractions, and more merchandise than can be stored in a superfan’s garage. These are 11 of the top-grossing film franchises that haven’t only ruled the box office—they’ve redefined entertainment itself.
1. Star Trek — From Television Classic to Box Office Fixture
Box office: $2.26 billion (14 films)
It began with a humble sci-fi series back in the 1960s. Star Trek has since grown into a vast franchise of eleven TV spinoffs and fourteen motion pictures. Although its box office figures are healthy, the true victory is its impact on popular culture. The 2009 reboot by J.J. Abrams infused life into the series and brought it to a new generation, demonstrating that there’s plenty of warp speed left in this starship.
2. Madagascar — Spouting Animals, International Recognition
Box office: $2.27 billion (4 movies)
Who would have thought that a team of bantering zoo animals would turn into global celebrities? With a blend of catchy humor, family-friendly appeal, and foot-stomping music, the Madagascar series has become a hit of animated films, even without a fourth installment (so far). Barring behind-the-scenes controversy, fans continue to dream of Marty, Gloria, Alex, and Melman reunited.
3. Indiana Jones — Adventure, Archaeology, and That Famous Hat
Box office: $2.34 billion (5 movies)
From Raiders of the Lost Ark to Dial of Destiny, Harrison Ford’s whip-cracking archaeologist defined the action-adventure genre. The high points are legendary (The Last Crusade), and even the more polarizing entries (Crystal Skull) raked in big bucks. Although Indy’s final ride fumbled at the box office, the franchise’s influence on pop culture—and its worldwide profits—are facts.
4. Kung Fu Panda — Action, Heart, and a Hero in a Fur Coat
Box office: $2.36 billion (4 films, including short films and series)
Po the panda began life as an unlikely hero, but his transition from noodle shop to Dragon Warrior has been epic. Combining high-speed martial arts with sidesplitting humor and endearing themes, the Kung Fu Panda movies have won over fans across the board. With the fourth installment exceeding expectations, Po’s legend will only continue to expand.
5. The Conjuring Universe — When Horror Becomes Box Office Gold
Box office: $2.38 billion (9 films)
Horror franchises don’t often crack the billion-dollar mark, but The Conjuring did so by creating a cinematic universe of cross-pollinating fright. From haunted nuns to creepy dolls, James Wan’s world of terror continues to come at us. With The Conjuring: Last Rites poised to cap the franchise’s main story, Warner Bros. probably isn’t finished finding the darkest corners of this spine-tingling franchise.
6. Iron Man — The Franchise That Launched a Universe
Box office: $2.42 billion (3 films)
Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark did not just appear in a hit trilogy—he spearheaded the MCU. From Iron Man’s modest origins in 2008 to Iron Man 3’s billion-dollar feat, this trajectory established the foundation for Marvel’s global domination. Despite Stark’s narrative conclusion in Avengers: Endgame, his shadow still casts a long one.
7. The Dark Knight Trilogy — Grungy, Realistic, and Revolutionary
Box office: $2.44 billion (3 films)
Christopher Nolan reimagined Batman for the 21st century with a trilogy that brought cinematic weight and realism to the superhero genre. The Dark Knight, bolstered by Heath Ledger’s unforgettable Joker, became a cultural milestone. The trilogy set a new standard for superhero storytelling—and every Batman reboot since has had to live in its shadow.
8. Guardians of the Galaxy — Marvel’s Most Unlikely Heroes
Box office: $2.48 billion (3 movies + Holiday Special)
Before 2014, few individuals had even heard of the Guardians. But due to James Gunn’s cult-ish direction, a killer soundtrack, and the charming oddity of its cast, Guardians of the Galaxy became one of the MCU’s fan favorite branches. The trilogy concluded with heart and humor, but in the Marvel multiverse, no goodbye is ever truly final.
9. MonsterVerse — Takedowns, Titans, and Total Destruction
Box office: $2.49 billion (5 films)
What began with Godzilla (2014) has expanded into a gargantuan franchise that includes the likes of Kong and other legendary beasts. As Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire continues in the mode of monster vs. monster carnage, the MonsterVerse demonstrates that there’s still strong demand for on-screen devastation—and equally large box office gains.
10. Planet of the Apes — Sci-Fi That’s Stood the Test of Time
Box office: $2.51 billion (10 films)
More than 50 years and still going strong, Planet of the Apes has revamped itself several times, always with clever storytelling and philosophical complexity under the surface of sci-fi. The recent reboot trilogy took the franchise to new heights with emotional depth and state-of-the-art effects, solidifying its position as one of Hollywood’s most lucrative long-running franchises.
These franchises aren’t just hits—they’re lasting, changing, and growing. They influence fan culture, drive online debate, and, let’s be honest, own Friday nights worldwide. Whether you like space adventures, haunted houses, superhero epics, or ancient artifacts, there’s a blockbuster universe for all.