Let’s face it—Hollywood has a complicated love affair with movie franchises. And so do we. Whether you’re lining up for another superhero showdown, rooting for talking animals, or jumping into the latest space saga, franchises have become the heartbeat of modern cinema. Original films still try to break through, but when it comes to drawing crowds and cash, it’s the sequels, prequels, and shared universes that keep the lights on. Here’s a glimpse of 10 cinematic franchises that still define the way we enjoy the magic of the big screen, listed from the highest box office winners.
10. Star Trek – A Sci-Fi Legacy That Continues to Evolve
Box Office: $2.26 Billion
Star Trek began small—merely a quirky TV series in the 60s—but what a ride it’s had since. With 14 movies so far, this franchise has evolved into one of the most famous sci-fi brands in show business. The reboot in 2009 introduced a new crowd while still nodding to old-school fans. Each new installment introduces a new layer, showing that Trek’s combination of optimism and exploration remains as appealing decades on.
9. Madagascar – Zoo Animals Gone Global
Box Office: $2.27 Billion
Who would have thought a lion, zebra, hippo, and giraffe would be international sensations? DreamWorks’ Madagascar took a straightforward concept—zoo animals running off to the wild—and made it into a billion-dollar phenomenon. With kid-friendly humor and sufficiently snappy wit for grown-ups, the four movies won over our hearts. Yeah, not all the spin-offs flew, but the original movies still bring back fans.
8. Indiana Jones – The Timeless Adventurer Who Never Loses His Appeal
Box Office: $2.34 Billion
Whip in hand and fedora on head, Indiana Jones redefined what it meant to be an action hero. The five films in the series haven’t all been critical darlings (we’re looking at you, Crystal Skull), but their box office draw has stayed solid. There’s just something timeless about treasure hunts, booby traps, and Harrison Ford punching Nazis.
7. Kung Fu Panda – Kicks, Comedy, and a Lot of Heart
Box Office: $2.36 Billion
Kung Fu Panda doesn’t merely bring stunning martial arts animation, but also brings heart. Po’s rags-to-riches tale, narrated by Jack Black, resonated with global audiences. With five films, the franchise remained light on its feet, mixing humor with sage in a manner that keeps children and adults entertained.
6. The Conjuring Universe – When Horror Strikes Big
Box Office: $2.38 Billion
Most horror franchises are miss or miss, but The Conjuring franchise hit the jackpot. Nine movies in, it’s combination of jump scares and slow-burn tension has scared audiences to the tune of more than $2 billion. From haunted mansions to terrorized dolls, this franchise shows that fear is a very marketable emotion.
5. Iron Man – The Suit That Started It All
Box Office: $2.42 Billion
Tony Stark was not only a hero—he was the catalyst that ignited the Marvel flame. The Iron Man franchise set the stage for the Marvel Cinematic Universe and helped redefine what a superhero film could be. Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal imbued the character with a combination of charm, arrogance, and vulnerability that captivated audiences.
4. The Dark Knight Trilogy – Grit Meets Greatness
Box Office: $2.44 Billion
Christopher Nolan’s iteration of Batman was more than a trilogy–it was a reset for an entire culture. With Christian Bale donning the cape and Heath Ledger’s indelible Joker, these three films rooted Gotham in a dark realism that subsequent superhero movies have attempted (and often failed) to follow. The Dark Knight alone became the gold standard for comic book films.
3. Guardians of the Galaxy – Marvel’s Most Unexpected Hit
Box Office: $2.48 Billion
Before the initial Guardians movie’s release into theaters, the vast majority of casual fans weren’t familiar with Star-Lord or Rocket Raccoon. James Gunn converted that underdog team into Marvel royalty, however. With four movies full of heart, excitement, and catch-all ’70s soundtracks, the Guardians established their niche in the MCU—and fans haven’t been able to stop dancing along since.
2. MonsterVerse – Giant Monsters, Bigger Profits
Box Office: $2.49 Billion
Large monsters. Larger battles. That’s been the secret to the success of the MonsterVerse. From Godzilla in 2014 and building into a bona fide cinematic universe with Kong: Skull Island and Godzilla x Kong, these movies understand what the audience demands—iconic battles and city-destroying mayhem. The fact that these giants still rake in huge worldwide numbers indicates their popularity hasn’t diminished over the years.
1. Planet of the Apes – A Science Fiction Force That Continues to Adapt
Box Office: $2.51 Billion
Planet of the Apes is the understated behemoth in this ranking. With a decade of films since 1968, this franchise has renewed itself over and over again, using classic prosthetics to cutting-edge motion-capture technology. What maintains its grip on us isn’t just the way things look, but the more profound ideas: power, humanity, survival. It’s evidence that intelligent science fiction can be both impactful and commercially explosive.
Pixar isn’t the top-grossing studio, but its franchises Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and The Incredibles have quietly made billions. Incredibles 2 was the studio’s biggest hit, and with Toy Story 5 coming out, Pixar isn’t slowing down. Franchises work because people already have an interest. In a high-risk business, they feel safer with stories they’ve seen before, while originals are in for an uphill battle. With Despicable Me 4, Inside Out 2, and more sequels lined up, it’s clear: Hollywood isn’t done betting on what works.