Welcome to the era of the franchise, where the biggest blockbusters don’t end with a single film. If your local theater lineup feels like a steady stream of sequels, reboots, and cinematic universes, you’re not imagining things. The numbers tell the story: franchises are the heartbeat of Hollywood’s box office, and their grip on the industry keeps tightening.
Here’s a glance at 10 of the most lucrative film franchises that keep pushing the sequel economy forward.
1. Star Trek — From Cult TV to Big-Screen Legend
Box office: $2.26 billion (14 films)
What began as a cult sci-fi show back in the ’60s turned into an out-and-out cinematic franchise. Although the original films weren’t huge hits, they acquired a devoted following. Next came the J.J. Abrams reboot of 2009, reviving the franchise with a new cast of young actors and contemporary effects. Star Trek continues to be an example that good heritage and new storytelling can coexist.
2. Madagascar — A Willy Nilly Lucrative Animated Adventure
Box office: $2.27 billion (4 movies + spin-offs)
A large collection of zoo animals that stumbled into Madagascar proved to be box office gold. With endearing characters and lots of humor for both children and adults, the franchise thrived. Even its spin-off (Penguins of Madagascar) kept the brand going. The masses returned again and again for the guffaws, and the dance sequences didn’t hurt either.
3. Indiana Jones — The Original Adventure Hero
Box office: $2.34 billion (5 movies)
Harrison Ford’s world-traveling archaeologist revolutionized the action genre. From Raiders of the Lost Ark to The Dial of Destiny, the franchise has seen its ups and downs, but the magic of whips, ancient artifacts, and that certain theme song keeps audiences in the seats. Even years later, Indy still attracts a crowd.
4. Kung Fu Panda — Heart, Humor, and High Kicks
Box office: $2.36 billion (4 films)
Jack Black’s Po was an unlikely kung fu hero, but that was precisely what made him so lovable. With bright animation, robust voice work, and cross-cultural themes of self-discovery, Kung Fu Panda demonstrated that it could take a long hiatus and still swing back into action, literally.
5. The Conjuring Universe — Horror With Staying Power
Box office: $2.38 billion (9 films)
The horror category doesn’t usually rule the box office, but The Conjuring was the exception. One haunted house tale mushroomed into a full-blown universe of haunted objects, demonic nuns, and creepy dolls. Fans went to theaters with each new installment for a chill fest—and the box office numbers are proof.
6. Iron Man — The MCU’s Ground Zero
Box office: $2.42 billion (3 films)
Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man wasn’t only a success—it was the catalyst that lit the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe ablaze. As each film increased in scope and magnitude, the trilogy established the benchmark for what superhero narratives could achieve. Decades later, Tony Stark’s impact can be seen in virtually every Marvel release.
7. The Dark Knight Trilogy — Grit, Gotham, and Greatness
Box office: $2.44 billion (3 films)
Christopher Nolan’s interpretation of Batman provided us with one of the most realistic and well-respected superhero trilogies in the history of cinema. Christian Bale’s tortured Bruce Wayne and Heath Ledger’s unforgettable Joker brought comic book movies to prestige cinema. It is not surprising that even now, all Batman reboots are compared to this one.
8. Guardians of the Galaxy — Marvel’s Cosmic Underdogs
Box office: $2.48 billion (4 films)
No one predicted that a tree, a raccoon, and a group of mixtape-crazed misfits would be among Marvel’s greatest hits. But the work of James Gunn as director, humorous scriptwriting, and sensitive storytelling made the Guardians unlikely heroes, and space operas hip once more.
9. MonsterVerse — When Giants Dominate the Screen
Box office: $2.49 billion (5 movies)
Giant monsters, giant ruin, and giant dividends. The MonsterVerse revived legends such as Godzilla and King Kong with new effects and crossover events. Whether they’re battling one another or battling fresh kaiju villains, fans enjoy watching these giants go toe-to-toe.
10. Planet of the Apes — Sci-Fi That Stands the Test of Time
Box office: $2.51 billion (10 films)
Few franchises have the staying power or thematic richness of Planet of the Apes. With a run of more than half a century, the franchise has addressed everything from war to ethics to evolution. The contemporary trilogy specifically set the bar for narrative and performance capture, and its success is proof that intelligent sci-fi still works.
Why Franchises Keep Winning
And so, why is Hollywood continuing to place its chips on sequels and crossover universes? The reason is the figures. As entertainment analyst Walt Hickey noted, citing data, 66% of sequels make their money back at the domestic box office, against just 46% of standalone films. In a business fueled by risk assessment, franchises represent a more certain, riskier way to profit.
That pattern remained intact in 2024. Inside Out 2 broke records to be Pixar’s top-grossing film, and Twister’s blew into theaters with an $80.5 million debut. Even if individual sequels like Furiosa disappoint, the demand for familiar characters and movie worlds hasn’t dissipated.
In the end, it’s a combination of nostalgia, spectacle, and emotional attachment that makes people return. And as long as the numbers continue to add up, Hollywood’s affair with franchises won’t be breaking anytime soon.