Hollywood always relied on what’s working, but of late, the passion for movie franchises, sequels, and reboots has gone into overdrive. The box office blockbusters are usually constructed on familiar title names, recurring heroes, and increasingly large cinematic universes. But what sustains these franchises so popular, and why are studios so keen on continuing them? Let’s dissect some of the highest-grossing series—and the reasons for their enduring popularity.
1. Star Trek: From Cult TV to Blockbuster Giant
What began as a cult TV show in the 1960s has become a pop culture juggernaut. With 14 films to its credit and a total box office haul of $2.26 billion, Star Trek has established its longevity by repeatedly revitalizing itself. The 2009 reboot brought the classic crew into a new generation, injecting new life into the franchise. With its rich universe and devoted fan base, Star Trek demonstrates how universal characters can transcend time.
2. Madagascar: Animal Antics with Global Charm
Madagascar’s zany cast of zoo animal escapees hit paydirt, raking in $2.27 billion on four films. Every entry discovered new locales and fresh yuks with an unchanged voice cast. Although its spin-off, Penguins of Madagascar, fell short, the original series’ popularity demonstrates that humor and heart go a long way, particularly when brought to viewers by animated animals with large personalities.
3. Indiana Jones: The Icon Who Defined Adventure
Five movies and $2.34 billion later, Indiana Jones is still the gold standard for action-adventure. Harrison Ford’s whip-cracking archaeologist became an icon in the hands of Steven Spielberg. Even installments that polarized critics—such as Kingdom of the Crystal Skull—still attracted huge audiences. It’s a franchise fueled by nostalgia, action set pieces, and the timelessness of its tough hero.
4. Kung Fu Panda: Animated Action with Heart
Kung Fu Panda’s blend of humor, martial arts, and heart has become a worldwide darling, grossing $2.36 billion over five films. Jack Black’s Po remains as endearing as always, and the franchise pulled off a successful return with Kung Fu Panda 4 after eight years away. It’s a testament that computer-animated franchises can expand and mature while still retaining their essence.
5. The Conjuring: Horror’s Unlikely Franchise King
Horror doesn’t typically reign at the box office, but The Conjuring franchise is a big exception. With nine films that are all connected and $2.38 billion in box office revenue, it’s a goldmine for Warner Bros. James Wan’s spooky adaptation of real-life paranormal cases created a deep universe with such hits as Annabelle and The Nun. And with yet another Conjuring film in the pipeline, the frights aren’t over yet.
6. Iron Man: The Hero Who Paved the Way for a Universe
The Iron Man trilogy didn’t only make $2.42 billion—it set the stage for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Robert Downey Jr.’s star power brought a new level of charm to superhero movies and paved the way for Marvel’s interweaving narrative strategy. Even today, years after Iron Man’s last appearance, his influence reverberates across the MCU.
7. The Dark Knight Trilogy: Superhero Spectacle Meets Grounded Grit
Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy infused superhero movies with heightened realism, raking in $2.44 billion and setting the bar high for comic book filmmaking. With layered characters and psychological complexity, the trilogy’s dark tone made a lasting impression, particularly Heath Ledger’s memorable Joker.
8. Guardians of the Galaxy: Marvel’s Cosmic Rebels
Before James Gunn was appointed DC’s top boss, he provided Marvel enthusiasts with the delightful surprise and emotionally rich Guardians of the Galaxy. The four-movie franchise has raked in $2.48 billion and established a solid emotional foundation around its quirky characters. With a combination of space opera and humor, the Guardians have found a niche in the superhero genre.
9. MonsterVerse: Big Beasts, Big Bucks
Godzilla and King Kong have been on the scene for decades, but the MonsterVerse brought them back in a shared universe of movies that’s amassed $2.49 billion to date. The films hold onto their over-the-top appeal, serving up spectacle and monster chaos that continues to attract viewers. And with additional monster clashes in development, the franchise has plenty of time to continue its growth.
10. Planet of the Apes: Sci-Fi with Substance
Few franchises walk as finely the line between considered commentary and blockbuster spectacle as Planet of the Apes. Since 1968, it’s addressed issues of evolution, oppression, and identity, along with bringing in $2.51 billion across ten films. The latest entries continue to expand on the story while honoring the franchise’s smart beginnings.
Why Franchises Keep Dominating
So why do franchises keep dominating the box office? Sean Duncan, a professor of media studies at the University of Virginia, says it comes down to familiarity. Audiences tend to naturally go to movies and characters they already know. For studios, this means lower risk and more reward.
UVA’s Jack Hamilton notes that in a time when movies cost more than ever to produce, studios play it safe. Rather than risking original mid-budget movies, they fall back on established franchises with pre-existing fan bases
Streaming has changed the landscape, too. Fewer and fewer original movies have wide theatrical releases, so huge franchises are that much more vital as box office stabilizers. And though critics might complain about the never-ending reboots and sequels, box office numbers indicate that fans love returning for more.
There’s still space for original blockbusters—Ryan Coogler’s Sinners is one recent case in point—but meanwhile, the franchise machinery is purring smoothly. So long as people keep coming to the theater, Hollywood will continue to churn out more sequels, reboots, and spin-offs. And let’s face it—occasionally, it’s difficult to help oneself go back for one more spin with your beloved heroes.