Let’s face it: in the world of movies, nothing says “power” quite like a franchise that can keep audiences coming back for decades—and rake in billions while doing it.
1. Marvel Cinematic Universe
With a mind-boggling $11.7 billion in North American box office revenue, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is the undisputed champion of the franchise mountain. This giant encompasses all from Iron Man’s initial suit-up to the multiverse mayhem of recent Spider-Man and Avengers blockbusters. The MCU’s secret ingredient? An endless procession of stories that interconnect, dashing heroes, and a slew of post-credit scenes to fuel fans’ theorizing for decades. Avengers: Endgame alone ranks just shy of the top of the worldwide box office, raking in almost $2.8 billion globally.
2. Star Wars
Long ago, far away in a galaxy, far, far away, George Lucas released a science fiction saga that would grow into a pop culture empire. Star Wars has taken in over $5 billion in North America alone, and its international numbers are more staggering. The Force Awakens passed $2 billion globally, and even the supposedly “worst” one, Solo, brought home nearly $400 million. With Disney+ currently powering the franchise with hit shows such as The Mandalorian and Obi-Wan Kenobi, Star Wars remains far from letting its lights fade into the twin suns.
3. Disney Live Action Reimaginings
Who would have expected that making live-action adaptations of traditional animated fairy stories would turn out to be a goldmine? Disney’s live-action reboots have taken in nearly $3.5 billion at home. Whether The Lion King stomps onto the big screen or Beauty and the Beast dances onto the big screen, these films prove that nostalgia sells, especially when you add a dash of CGI and an A-list ensemble cast.
4. Spider-Man
The globe’s go-to web-slinger has swooped his way to over $3.3 billion of North American box office money. From Tobey Maguire’s upside-down smooches to the multiverse adventures of Tom Holland, Spider-Man movies have been packing theaters consistently. Spider-Man: No Way Home, with its universe-smashing ensemble, was nearly at the $2 billion threshold globally, demonstrating that Spidey’s appeal is still as sticky as it gets.
5. J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World
The enchantment of Harry Potter and his magical companions has earned close to $2.9 billion in North America. Cultural impact cannot be ignored—attempt to locate a person who does not know his or her Hogwarts house. With upcoming TV projects on the way, the Wizarding World will keep on enchanting audiences (and accountants) for years to come.
6. Batman
The Dark Knight darkly brooded its way through 12 movies and more than $2.7 billion at the North American box office. With Michael Keaton, Christian Bale, or Robert Pattinson at the helm, Batman’s on-screen legacy is as enduring as his rogues’ gallery is deep. And don’t forget that The Dark Knight and its sequel both became members of the billion-dollar club, cementing Batman’s place as box office royalty.
7. Avengers
The four Avengers franchise films combined have raked in more than $2.6 billion at the North American box office—a remarkable achievement for four films. Avengers: Endgame alone broke records and hearts, and it is one of the best-grossing movies of all time. Even without a new Avengers team-up coming down the pike, their legacy remains intact.
8. X-Men
Mutants have been raking it in since the early 2000s, with the X-Men franchise (covering Wolverine and Deadpool spin-offs) grossing close to $2.5 billion in North America alone. With Deadpool & Wolverine recently entering the billion-dollar club worldwide, it’s obvious that fans still have a weak spot for adamantium claws and fourth-wall observations.
9. James Bond
Shaken, not stirred—and always a profit. The James Bond series, with 26 movies and six Bobs, has made more than $2.2 billion in North America. Skyfall alone broke the billion-dollar mark globally, evidence that 007’s license to thrill remains as fresh as ever, regardless of who occupies the tuxedo.
Whether you’re a die-hard Marvel fan, a lifelong Jedi, or just someone who loves a good popcorn flick, these cinematic giants have something for everyone—and they’re not slowing down anytime soon.