Top 10 Greatest Movie Franchises of All Time
#10: “Fast & Furious” (2001-)
The Fast and the Furious: Explained
The original “Fast & Furious” film made a splash with its cool cars and solid action sequences, but the mediocrity of the first few sequels wouldn’t have had anyone calling the franchise “great.” But then came “Fast Five” and everything changed. With the fifth film in the series, they brought in the Rock and went from neat drag races to ridiculously amazing setpieces that would become staples of the franchise. While the first four films had been successful, they’ve hit new levels since, with two of the films breaking the billion dollar mark as of “F9.” They’ve even expanded the “Fast” universe with a “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw” spin-off film, and there are more on the way.
#9: “Planet of the Apes” (1968-)
Planet Of The Apes: Original Vs New Franchise!
Over the years, the “Planet of the Apes” franchise has created a lasting legacy - unfolding into its own world, containing a rich history, characters, and exciting storylines. The film that started it all, 1968’s “Planet of the Apes,” is a classic science-fiction film that still holds up all these decades later. And while the four sequels couldn’t match the commercial and critical success of that first film, they enjoy a cult status and upon rewatching are better than they often get credit for. Themes of racial inequality, morality, corporate greed, and technology sit above and below the surface of the franchise. There are universal themes that resonate with modern audiences as well, which we saw with the success of the franchise reboot beginning in 2011.
#8: “Mission: Impossible” (1996-)
Top 10 Things to Remember Before Watching Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One
Creating an action film franchise that would span six films without a total dud in the bunch sounds like an impossible mission. But apparently it isn’t. That’s what the “M:I” series has done - at least so far. Brian De Palma set the foundation with the first movie, John Woo beautified the action in the second, and, according to Rotten Tomatoes, things have only gotten better. The first three films scored in the 57%-71% range, while the next three are all in the 90s! Sure, we keep coming back to see what crazy stunt Tom Cruise will do next, but we stick around for the solid writing, characters and engaging storytelling.
#7: Wizarding World (2001-)
Top 10 Ways Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Perfectly Sets Up the Wizarding World
When it comes to great movie franchises, the Wizarding World is one that definitely SHALL be named. Given the phenomenal success of the book series, some might have feared the movies wouldn’t live up to the hype. Well, needless to say, those people were wrong! Just like the books, the movies became a worldwide phenomenon, spawning a broadway show and even its own themed area at Universal Orlando Resort. “Deathly Hallows – Part 2” came out in 2011 and “Harry Potter” popularity remains, as evidenced by the many Potter-themed Halloween costumes one still sees every year. Yes, the “Fantastic Beasts” prequel series was cut short when the third film underperformed, but there’s no doubt that the Potter-verse will be back.
#6: “Batman” (1943-)
Top 10 Batman Movie Villains We Want Next
The overarching DC Extended Universe has had some big hits and big misses and is still trying to find its footing. Superman has the nostalgia of the Christopher Reeve films, but their attempts at reboots have largely underwhelmed thus far. The one standout in the DC world, the one that has pretty much - except for a couple Joel Schumacher missteps - maintained a high quality throughout is “Batman.” Tim Burton and Michael Keaton set a high standard with “Batman” and “Batman Returns,” a standard that some would argue Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale surpassed with their trilogy. And if “The Batman” is any indication, Matt Reeves and Robert Pattinson are going to leave their own quality mark on the character as well.
#5: Middle-earth (2001-)
Top 10 Terrifying Monsters in Tolkiens Middle Earth
From 2001 to 2003, there was one movie franchise to rule them all. One franchise that brought us all into the darkness of the movie theater and bound us together. “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy was what everyone was talking about and watching. And as financially successful as it was, it was also similarly acclaimed by critics and garnered thirty Academy Awards, winning seventeen of them - including Best Picture for “The Return of the King.” Reviews for “The Hobbit” prequel trilogy were more mixed, but the films were still a huge success, raking in over $2.93 billion - which is just slightly under the $2.99 billion take of the three “LOTR” films.
#4: “Indiana Jones” (1981-)
Indiana Jones Cast: Where Are They Now?
The “Indiana Jones” movie franchise is a beloved classic that has captivated audiences since its debut in 1981 with “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” Through the thrilling adventures of fedora-wearing and whip-wielding Dr. Indiana Jones, this series of films has earned a special place in the hearts of movie fans around the globe. While the fourth film in the series was a little more divisive, the first three are classics, with “Raiders” and “The Last Crusade” easily up there among the greatest action movies of all time. The films have a wonderful ability to mix action, comedy, story and classic pulpy goodness, and we can only hope the soon-to-be-released fifth film maintains the franchise’s dedication to quality and crowd-pleasing fun.
#3: Marvel Cinematic Universe (2008-)
Top 10 Dumbest Decisions in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
With the release of the thirtieth movie in the series, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” in 2022, the MCU closed out Phase Four of its timeline and once again proved its status as a truly great film franchise. Since “Iron Man” in 2008, the MCU has been putting out one hit after another at a rate and quality we’ve never seen before on this scale. In a world where box office numbers are declining, we’ll all still go to the theater for a Marvel movie. And with the foreseeable future lined up, the MCU isn’t slowing down. We should also mention “Spider-Man” and “X-Men” - two Marvel entities with very successful franchises that began before the MCU was a thing.
#2: “James Bond” (1962-)
Top 20 Greatest James Bond Moments of All Time
It’s been over sixty years since Sean Connery brought James Bond to life on the big screen in 1962’s “Dr. No,” and audiences are still as enthralled by the character as ever - maybe even more so. Given all the press and rumors surrounding casting, society sometimes seems to care more about who will be the next Bond than who will be the next President. 007, shaken martinis and the coolness of saying your last name first have all become ingrained in our popular culture thanks to Bond, James Bond. As of 2023, the twenty-five movies have grossed $7.6 billion (roughly $19.2 billion adjusted for inflation) and there doesn’t appear to be an end in sight to our love for these action- and gadget-packed films. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“John Wick” (2014-)
Top 5 John Wick Killstreaks
These Keanu Reeves-Led Bangers Redefine What Action Movies Can Be
“Jurassic Park” (1993-)
Top 10 Scientific Inaccuracies in Jurassic Park
Just Like Life, This Franchise Finds a Way to Keep Us Entertained
“Back to the Future” (1985-90)
Top 10 Things Back To The Future II Promised That We Still Haven't Gotten
Think McFly, Think. Of Course “Back to the Future” Deserves a Mention
“Rocky” (1976-)
Top 10 Best Moments From The Rocky Franchise
Like Its Hero, This Franchise Keeps Getting up off the Mat Stronger Than Before
“Mad Max” (1979-)
Top 10 Greatest Action Movie Franchises of ALL TIME!
Who Knew the Post-Apocalypse Could Be So Exciting?
#1: “Star Wars” (1977-)
Every Single Upcoming Star Wars Movie and TV Show
Could number one really be anything else? Sure, the franchise has had its missteps. But none of that really matters, because this is still “Star Wars” we’re talking about. When the first film premiered back in 1977, it was like nothing audiences had ever seen before; a Shakespearean space opera filled with great action, quotable dialogue and special effects that were second to none. George Lucas’s creation was a truly seminal moment in the history of the movies. And while the quality of the various films can be argued, the fact that the franchise elicits such strong emotions from fans all these decades later is a true testament to its entrenchment in pop culture.
