If you’ve ever wondered why Hollywood keeps churning out sequels, reboots, and shared universes, the answer is simple: money. Movie franchises are the film industry’s most dependable cash cows, generating billions at the box office and spinning off everything from theme park rides to action figures. Some have been around for generations, others are relatively new, but they all share one thing in common—they rake in serious profits. Here are the top 10 highest-grossing film franchises of all time, as of June 2025. Get cozy and sit back—these numbers are huge:
1. Marvel Cinematic Universe
The Marvel Cinematic Universe isn’t just crushing the box office—it’s flat-out taking over. With 35 films (and several more on the way), the MCU has brought in a staggering $31.4 billion globally. The Avengers franchise alone brings in $7.7 billion of that, with Avengers: Endgame remaining the second highest-grossing movie in history at $2.79 billion. Not bad for a franchise that began with a sarcastic billionaire wearing a metal suit.
2. Star Wars
Star Wars was a revolution when it came out in 1977. Under Disney now, the franchise has collected $10.32 billion on 12 films, with even more in production. The Force Awakens is the largest at slightly over $2 billion. Outside of movies, merchandise, and an entire galaxy of Baby Yoda statues, this franchise is still one of pop culture’s biggest players.
3. Harry Potter (Wizarding World)
The Wizarding Universe, encompassing the eight original Harry Potter movies and the Fantastic Beasts spinoffs, has grossed $9.6 billion at the worldwide box office. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 alone grossed more than $1.3 billion. Throw in theme parks, video games, and a new TV series, and it’s obvious that this world of magic still has plenty of life—and profitability—left in it.
4. Spider-Man
Spider-Man has proven to be one of the most bankable superheroes ever, swinging to $8.9 billion across multiple iterations. This includes Sam Raimi’s original trilogy, the Amazing Spider-Man reboot, animated hits like Into the Spider-Verse, and the recent MCU crossovers. Spider-Man: No Way Home alone nearly reached $2 billion, proving once again that Spidey’s appeal spans generations.
5. James Bond
The James Bond franchise has been exciting viewers since 1963 and doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. With 27 movies under its belt, 007 has earned $7.9 billion globally. Skyfall is its largest to date at $1.1 billion. Now owned by Amazon MGM Studios, Bond will continue to suit up and save the world for many years to come.
6. The Lord of the Rings (and The Hobbit)
Peter Jackson’s movies based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth stories have grossed $5.9 billion in six films. The Return of the King and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey both exceeded the billion-dollar threshold. The franchise still has a loyal fan base, mixing fantasy, action, and emotion-filled storytelling in a world that continues to attract giant crowds.
7. Fast and the Furious
What started out as a franchise of street racing has transformed into a high-octane, worldwide action series. The Fast and the Furious franchise has accelerated through $5.1 billion across eight main installments, with The Fate of the Furious raking in $1.23 billion alone. With additional sequels and spin-offs in the pipeline, the family is not slowing down anytime soon.
8. Jurassic Park/World
Dinosaurs continue to dominate the box office. Since its opening in 1993, the Jurassic franchise has stomped its way to $5 billion in box office sales. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom grossed $1.3 billion, keeping up the tradition of breathtaking effects and dinosaur-fueled destruction. Viewers obviously can’t get enough of the excitement of prehistoric killers on the rampage.
9. X-Men
The X-Men series, including the hugely successful Deadpool offshoots, has taken in $5.8 billion across 14 films. Standouts include Days of Future Past and both Deadpool films. As the X-Men will be coming to the MCU, this series of mutant-fueled pics will continue to grow into an even larger box office phenomenon.
10. DC Extended Universe
While the DCEU experienced some peaks and troughs, it’s still pulled in $4.9 billion globally. Strangers like Aquaman and Wonder Woman guaranteed the franchise’s longevity, with Aquaman raking in $1.14 billion in one film alone. As new creative visions form, DC’s heroes are here to stay.
Honorable Mentions
Right behind the top 10 are a number of other franchises that are also notable. Planet of the Apes has amassed a $2.5 billion franchise through ten films. The MonsterVerse with Godzilla and King Kong is also at $2.5 billion. Horror fans have continued to fuel The Conjuring universe to $2.4 billion. Even animated favorites such as Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar have crossed the $2 billion threshold.
So, whatever your preference, wizards, superheroes, spies, or dinosaurs, one thing is certain: franchises are the engine that revs up Hollywood. And with even more sequels and cinematic universes in the pipeline, the next billion-dollar blockbuster is already in the works, most likely.