Let’s say it: big movie chains rule. If you love magic, superheroes, or space fights, you’ve likely spent money and time on these films. But which ones top the box office? Get your snacks, here are the top five moneymaking movie chains and their cool stories.
5. James Bond: The Spy Who Made Cash
He’s smooth and smart. The Bond chain, from Ian Fleming’s books, has seen 27 films and eight stars as Bond. As per Investopedia, it’s made $7.9 billion globally. Top hit? 2012’s “Skyfall” at $1.1 billion.
It’s not just about drinks and tech toys. The UK’s film scene has grown a lot, partly due to film tax breaks, as Marketplace notes. The last four Bond films got big tax help, putting the UK as a top place for big films. Now, with Amazon MGM in charge, Bond’s look ahead is as cool as his past.
4. Spider-Man: Swings to the Bank
Spider-Man isn’t only a local hero—he’s hit it big in sales. His films, from Tobey Maguire to Tom Holland and the animated ones, made $8.9 billion, shared by Investopedia. “Spider-Man: No Way Home” almost made $2 billion.
What’s special? His film rights are with Sony, not Disney. This has brought some showy deals to add him to the Marvel Universe, but fans love it. More films mean his sales will keep soaring.
3. Harry Potter/Wizarding World: Magic Making Money
Here comes the cash! Harry Potter, including eight films and “Fantastic Beasts”, earned $9.6 billion globally, says Investopedia. The last Potter film alone made over $1.3 billion.
The magic goes beyond films. Theme parks, games, and a play broadened the Wizarding World. A new HBO show will keep it alive. J.K. Rowling’s push for UK shoots helped make the country a film hub, tells Marketplace.
2. Star Wars: Box Office Force
Long ago, George Lucas started a chain now worth $10.32 billion from 12 films, with more planned, shares Investopedia. “The Force Awakens” made just over $2 billion.
More than films, Star Wars is big in merch and shows. Disney’s $4 billion buy of Lucasfilm has paid off, as seen in parks, TV series, and merch.
1. Marvel Cinematic Universe: The Billion-Dollar Chain
No shock—the Marvel Universe tops it all. With 35 films, it’s made $31.4 billion globally, says Investopedia. The four “Avengers” films alone pulled in $7.7 billion, with “Avengers: Endgame” making $2.79 billion.
Disney’s 2009 buy of Marvel was a win. The Marvel Universe isn’t just about money—it’s a world that fans adore, growing one scene at a time.
Behind it all, the UK shines as a film giant. Great tax breaks and top-notch studios have drawn big chains like Harry Potter, Bond, Star Wars, and Marvel.
Adrian Wootton of the British Film Commission notes the UK got almost $7.3 billion in investment for film and TV, mostly from the US. The UK’s tax system lets creators save over 20% on costs, making it a favorite for Hollywood.
So when you watch heroes or magic on screen, know: it might just be made in rainy England, thanks to British tax help.