Let’s face it—Hollywood adores a sure thing. And nothing’s more of a sure thing than a movie franchise that converts box office returns into solid gold. Sure, critics and audiences often eye-roll at the seemingly endless sequels, reboots, and spin-offs, but people keep coming. These franchises didn’t just rake in the cash—they became cultural touchstones. From sci-fi legends to cartoon crusaders, here are 11 of the top-grossing franchises that have dominated pop culture and the box office.
1. Star Trek: From Cult Classic to Sci-Fi Mainstay
What started as a three-season television series in the 1960s became a pop culture juggernaut. With 14 films and a worldwide box office gross of $2.26 billion, Star Trek demonstrated that intelligent science fiction and dedicated fans could power a multigenerational franchise. J.J. Abrams’ 2009 reboot revitalized the franchise with new faces and blockbuster sheen, guaranteeing that Trek boldly goes—and prospers—on the big screen.
2. Madagascar: Animated Fun with Serious Box Office Pull
DreamWorks’ Madagascar transformed a collection of zoo animals into international superstars. With four films and $2.27 billion in box office receipts, the franchise was a favorite among families. The Penguins spin-off fell short, but the main series continues to rank among animation’s biggest moneymakers—testament to a lion, a zebra, a giraffe, and a hippo being able to win hearts (and dollars) around the globe.
3. Indiana Jones: The Original Adventurer Returns
Five films and $2.34 billion later, Indiana Jones continues to crack his whip and take names. From pioneering Raiders of the Lost Ark to more recent fare, filmgoers can’t resist desiring a good globe-trotting adventure. Even when the plotting stumbles (gazing in your direction, Crystal Skull), Indy remains one of the cinema’s most beloved heroes.
4. Kung Fu Panda: Action, Laughs, and Heart
With $2.36 billion in worldwide box office grosses, Kung Fu Panda has become something beyond a talking-animal comedy. Jack Black’s Po is a lovable underdog whose martial arts journey resonates with generations. The franchise marries slapstick and wisdom, delivering action-fun enveloped in life lessons.
5. The Conjuring: Horror’s Most Profitable Universe
Few horror franchises are as lucrative. With nine films in the franchise and $2.38 billion at the box office, The Conjuring universe has turned haunted houses and haunted dolls into box office gold. Director James Wan’s effective storytelling and eerie atmosphere made horror a viable box office player, and more is on the way.
6. Iron Man: The Birth of a Universe
Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark did not just kick off the Iron Man trilogy; he birthed the whole Marvel Cinematic Universe. With an overall total of $2.42 billion, the Iron Man franchise established a template for today’s superhero movies. Its impact persists even after Stark’s farewell in Endgame.
7. The Dark Knight Trilogy: Grit Meets Greatness
Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy revamped the superhero genre. With $2.44 billion in worldwide box office, it provided a realistic, emotionally complex interpretation of the Caped Crusader. Ledger’s Joker and Nolan’s filmmaking style made The Dark Knight a classic, demonstrating that comic book films could be artful, gripping, and commercially unstoppable.
8. Guardians of the Galaxy: The Misfit Marvel Breakout
They weren’t family names—until James Gunn flipped that script. With $2.48 billion over four films, the Guardians franchise was among the most cherished chapters of the MCU. Heart, humor, and a killer soundtrack made these galactic misfits impossible to resist.
9. MonsterVerse: Big Monsters, Bigger Audience
Godzilla and King Kong are two of cinema’s oldest titans, but the MonsterVerse brought them roaring into the modern era. With five films and $2.49 billion at the box office, this shared universe proves that sometimes, spectacle is the main event. Fans keep showing up for the chaos, the city-leveling action, and the sheer scale of these legendary showdowns.
10. Planet of the Apes: Smarter Than the Average Franchise
A 1968 franchise continues to thrive. With ten movies and $2.51 billion in international box office sales, Planet of the Apes combines action with sociological commentary. Its more recent reboot trilogy added emotional complexity and visual flair to the franchise, demonstrating that intelligent science fiction is still relevant in blockbuster films.
These box office giants didn’t make billions—they made franchise history. And as studios keep pouring money into expanding universes and extended sagas, one thing is certain: the franchise era won’t end anytime soon.