Fantasy is the playground of the mind—wizards casting spells, dragons glaring with fire, and magic only a little bit out of reach (thanks to some really cool effects teams). But what movies really influenced the genre to stay forever? It is time to go back through 10 movies that changed the way of the fantasy—where the dark dragons to the yellow brick road came from.
10. Star Trek
What began as a cult series with a rabidly devoted following later evolved into a cultural behemoth. With 14 movies that have grossed $2.26 billion, Star Trek might never have been a cinch to succeed, but it’s now one of Hollywood’s biggest. J.J. Abrams’ 2009 reboot revitalized the franchise, and every subsequent installment is proof that this franchise will, in the spirit of real Trek, live long and prosper.
9. Madagascar
As it appears, zoo animals translate to box office riches. The Madagascar franchise has raked in $2.27 billion in four movies. The penguin spin-off didn’t reach quite as high, but the original films’ blend of adventure, comedy, and adorbs animals drew back audiences again and again. The only question? Why Madagascar 4 remains in the works—though the franchise’s longevity does indicate it can’t be too far behind.
8. Indiana Jones
Few heroes are as ubiquitous as Indy. Indiana Jones is among the most enduring franchises in filmmaking, with five films grossing $2.34 billion. Harrison Ford’s fedora and whip were the standard for blockbuster storytelling. Even when movies like Crystal Skull were savaged, they still made serious bank. Although Dial of Destiny wasn’t a blockbuster, Indy’s legend remains intact.
7. Kung Fu Panda
Only DreamWorks could turn a hapless panda into a global box office icon. With five films totaling $2.36 billion, Po’s journey from noodle-shop layabout to Dragon Warrior is as funny as it is inspiring. The years-long wait between Kung Fu Panda 3 and 4 didn’t diminish fans’ interest either—if anything, the latest installment proved pandas (and kung fu) never go out of style.
6. The Conjuring
Horror movies often have a tough time taking over the box office, but The Conjuring shattered that mold. With nine films $2.38 billion in revenues, James Wan’s horror movie franchise of haunted dolls and demon nuns is a monster. The original franchise can be topped by The Conjuring: Last Rites, but spin-offs ensure the nightmares—and the profits—won’t be ending anytime soon.
5. Iron Man
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a behemoth, but the whole operation started with one billionaire genius. Iron Man alone made the franchise $2.42 billion, and Iron Man 3 alone crossed the billion-dollar threshold. Tony Stark’s story concluded in Avengers: Endgame, but his box office legacy continues to cast its shadow over the entire MCU.
4. The Dark Knight Trilogy
Christopher Nolan’s Batman films remapped what could be done for superhero films. Three movies, $2.44 billion, and one unforgettable Joker performance later, the trilogy is a high-water mark. The Dark Knight was a cultural reference point, a new standard for critical acclaim and box office performance. Each subsequent Batman film has been chasing that same lightning.
3. Guardians of the Galaxy
Who would have imagined a wisecracking raccoon and a tree that says three words only as the faces of a multibillion-dollar franchise? Four films and $2.48 billion down the line, Guardians of the Galaxy is one of Marvel’s crown jewels. Quirky humor, killer soundtracks, and actual chemistry between its cast members made the unlikely heroes box office legends.
2. MonsterVerse
Kaiju films were a genre for decades, but MonsterVerse revved them up. Five films worth $2.49 billion, including Godzilla and King Kong’s latest venture, captured the imagination of fans. The individual films were humongous, but when the titans clashed, fans flocked. With more films already on the cards, look for this universe to continue growing—literally.
1. Planet of the Apes
Coming in at number one is one of the oldest sci-fi franchises in the history of cinema. Planet of the Apes has ping-ponged between eras since 1968, with ten titles grossing $2.51 billion. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes may not have broken franchise records, but it performed admirably within 2024’s biggest releases. Reinvention has always been this franchise’s X-factor, and history shows us the next one will be just as powerful.
Hollywood’s franchise factory isn’t letting up—if anything, it’s accelerating. Box office billion-dollar binges are the new standard, and if you’re a superhero nut, a monster aficionado, or even a chatty ape zealot, there’s a franchise ready to capitalize on your movie ticket.