For me, it was my baba, taking me to see Jurassic Park for the first time. My eyes, wide open as the T-Rex roared onto the screen. For you, maybe it was your older brother or even a friend taking you to watch Iron Man, a world where superheroes could be flawed and funny.
Over the years, cinema has given us bricks of moments, priceless, and we’ve built our lives around it. Whether it is the gritty streets of John Wick or the magical halls of Hogwarts, movie franchises have become our escape hatches, our comfort zones, and sometimes, our personal obsessions.
But what makes a film series truly unforgettable? Is it the box office billions? The cultural impact? The characters that never leave your head, or your heart?
In this definitive list of the 26 best movie franchises of all time, we’re diving deep into the sagas that shaped modern entertainment. Whether you’re a die-hard action buff, a fantasy dreamer, or a sci-fi explorer, this list has something that shaped your cinematic soul.
So grab your popcorn, the clapperboard has clapped, and the camera is about to roll.
What Makes “Best Movie Franchises” Endure?
Before the movie begins and before we dive into the list, let us understand why franchises succeed beyond a single hit:
- Box-office prowess: Consistency matters; many franchises average hundreds of millions per film.
- Cultural impact: Catchphrases (“May the Force be with you”), timeless characters (James Bond, Woody), and shared fandoms.
- Narrative depth: Multi-film arcs, expanded lore, spin-offs, and character exploration.
- Cross-media presence: TV adaptations, books, games, to deepen immersion.
These qualities define the best movie franchises and explain why fans stay loyal over decades.
The 26 Greatest Movie Franchises of All Time: If You’ve Missed These, You’re Behind
1. The Godfather Franchise
- Number of Movies: 3
- Box Office Earnings: Approx. $550 million worldwide (adjusted for inflation)
- Awards: 9 Academy Awards, including Best Picture for The Godfather (1972) and The Godfather Part II (1974)
There are few film sagas that have reshaped the art of storytelling quite like The Godfather trilogy. Francis Ford Coppola’s masterwork isn’t just a mafia story; it’s a cinematic opera of power, loyalty, betrayal, and legacy. The Godfather (1972) and its sequel remain fixtures on every “greatest films of all time” list, with Part II being the rare sequel to win Best Picture at the Oscars. Al Pacino’s transformation from Michael Corleone, the reluctant son, to ruthless don is one of cinema’s most haunting evolutions. Though Part III divides critics, the trilogy as a whole remains a defining cornerstone of American cinema.
The emotional gravity, operatic pacing, and unforgettable lines like “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse” have made The Godfather one of the best movie franchises of all time. It forever redefined what prestige in film could look like.
2. The Fast & Furious
- Number of Movies: 11 (from The Fast and the Furious in 2001 to Fast X in 2023)
- Box Office Earnings: Over $7.3 billion globally
- Awards: Multiple MTV Movie Awards; nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Action Film (Furious 7)
The Fast & Furious franchise is a cultural juggernaut. With global locations, an ever-expanding ensemble cast, and gravity-defying stunts, it’s one of the best movie franchises of all time. Vin Diesel’s mantra of “family” resonates beyond the screen, making the series emotionally grounded despite its high-octane chaos. It has tapped into diverse international markets, making billions while expanding into animated shows and video games. Its ability to adapt from underground drag racing to international espionage makes it one of Hollywood’s most resilient and successful IPs.
3. Jurassic Park
- Number of Movies: 7 (Original trilogy + Jurassic World trilogy + Dominion)
- Box Office Earnings: Over $6 billion worldwide
- Awards: Jurassic Park won 3 Academy Awards (Sound, Sound Effects Editing, Visual Effects)
Few franchises roar louder than Jurassic Park, Steven Spielberg’s groundbreaking dinosaur saga. Blending science fiction with visual spectacle, the first film revolutionized CGI and practical effects in cinema. Over time, the franchise evolved into the Jurassic World trilogy, which brought the prehistoric thrills to a new generation. Whether it’s T-Rex chasing jeeps or philosophical debates about cloning, this franchise remains relevant and profitable. It deserves its place on the list of greatest movie franchises for its legacy, innovation, and ability to spark awe across generations.
4. John Wick
- Number of Movies: 4 (2014–2023)
- Box Office Earnings: Over $1 billion globally
- Awards: Won multiple Saturn Awards and Golden Trailer Awards; praised for action choreography
John Wick redefined action cinema. With Keanu Reeves leading the charge, the series elevated gun-fu combat and brought ballet-like precision to stunt choreography. What started as a simple revenge story evolved into a mythic world of assassins, codes, and blood debts. With a fanbase that celebrates every kill shot and emotional beat, John Wick has inspired video games, spinoffs (Ballerina), and prequels (The Continental). It stands as one of the best movie series for its sleek visuals, emotional weight, and unmatched stunt work.
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5. Rocky (Including Creed)
- Number of Movies: 9 (6 Rocky + 3 Creed)
- Box Office Earnings: Over $1.9 billion worldwide
- Awards: Rocky (1976) won 3 Academy Awards, including Best Picture
Rocky is the ultimate underdog story. Sylvester Stallone’s passion project became a cultural icon and launched one of cinema’s most enduring franchises. Through Creed, the torch passed seamlessly to a new generation while staying rooted in themes of redemption, resilience, and legacy. The franchise mixes hard-hitting drama with real-world issues like fatherhood, identity, and race. With Oscar wins and critical acclaim across eras, it’s clear why this franchise ranks among our list of the best movie series of all time.
6. The Terminator
- Number of Movies: 6 (1984–2019)
- Box Office Earnings: Around $2.1 billion globally
- Awards: Terminator 2: Judgment Day won 4 Academy Awards
James Cameron’s Terminator universe is a sci-fi masterclass. From its dystopian themes to iconic catchphrases (“I’ll be back”), it blends philosophy, technology, and action with astonishing foresight. Terminator 2 is still hailed as one of the greatest action films of all time. Though later entries struggled critically, the franchise continues to generate conversations and inspire sci-fi narratives worldwide. For its influence and technological breakthroughs, it’s one of the best movie franchises of all time.
7. Die Hard
- Number of Movies: 5 (1988–2013)
- Box Office Earnings: Around $1.4 billion worldwide
- Awards: Nominated for 4 Academy Awards; Die Hard was inducted into the National Film Registry in 2017
Die Hard didn’t just redefine the action genre—it built the template. Bruce Willis as John McClane brought everyman grit to explosive chaos. The original film spawned countless imitators (“Die Hard on a boat,” “Die Hard on a train”) and cemented its holiday season debates. Despite diminishing returns from later sequels, the impact of the franchise is undeniable. Its gritty realism and claustrophobic thrill make it one of the best movie series with timeless appeal.
8. Star Trek
- Number of Movies: 13 (1979–2016)
- Box Office Earnings: Over $2.3 billion globally
- Awards: Star Trek (2009) won 1 Academy Award and was nominated for 3 others
Spanning decades, timelines, and captains, Star Trek is one of science fiction’s most intellectual sagas. Whether it’s Kirk’s charisma or Picard’s diplomacy, every era brings new philosophical questions and moral dilemmas. J.J. Abrams revived the franchise with a modern sheen and broader appeal. Few franchises dive this deeply into social commentary while entertaining with space battles and alien diplomacy. Star Trek isn’t just iconic, it’s instructive and boldly goes among the best movie franchises of all time.
9. Jason Bourne
- Number of Movies: 5 (2002–2016)
- Box Office Earnings: Around $1.6 billion worldwide
- Awards: The Bourne Ultimatum won 3 Academy Awards
Jason Bourne brought brains to the spy game. Matt Damon’s amnesiac assassin felt raw, tactical, and emotionally compelling, a stark contrast to the suave Bond archetype. With Paul Greengrass’s kinetic direction and documentary-style camera work, the Bourne films pushed the espionage genre into grounded realism. The success of the franchise reshaped spy thrillers and even influenced Bond’s Casino Royale.
10. The Evil Dead
- Number of Movies: 5 (1981–2023)
- Box Office Earnings: Over $700 million globally
- Awards: Cult recognition; Evil Dead Rise received critical acclaim and Saturn Award nominations
The Evil Dead franchise is a cult phenomenon. From Sam Raimi’s micro-budget terror to gory comedy and reinvention in Evil Dead Rise, the franchise has never stopped evolving. Bruce Campbell’s Ash Williams became a horror legend, blending slapstick with chainsaw-fueled chaos. Whether horrifying or hilarious, this saga has built a fiercely loyal fan base and inspired countless filmmakers. It’s one of the best movie franchises in horror thanks to its originality, longevity, and genre-bending brilliance.
11. Scream
- Number of Movies: 6 (1996–2023)
- Box Office Earnings: Over $900 million worldwide
- Awards: Won multiple Saturn Awards; praised for reviving the slasher genre
Wes Craven’s Scream reinvented horror with self-awareness. By dissecting slasher tropes while indulging in them, it gave birth to a new wave of horror storytelling. Ghostface became an icon, and the rules of surviving a horror movie became legendary. With each new sequel, Scream updates itself for the modern age, from social media paranoia to legacy characters. Its clever writing, bold commentary, and box office consistency make it one of the best movie series horror has ever seen.
12. X-Men (including spin-offs)
- Number of Movies: 14 (Original series + Wolverine + Deadpool franchises)
- Box Office Earnings: Over $6.7 billion globally
- Awards: Logan received critical acclaim, winning the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress (Patrick Stewart) and gaining multiple Oscar nominations
The X-Men franchise reshaped the superhero genre by exploring themes of prejudice, identity, and belonging. Its ensemble cast and interlinked timelines introduced characters like Wolverine and Deadpool into pop culture dominance. Deadpool injected R-rated humor and broke the fourth wall, redefining adult-oriented superhero storytelling. Logan delivered emotional depth and cinematic gravitas rarely seen in superhero movies. With over a dozen films delivering both spectacle and substance, X-Men earns its spot among the Best Movie Franchises of all time.
13. Mad Max
- Number of Movies: 5 (Mad Max, The Road Warrior, Thunderdome, Fury Road, Furiosa)
- Box Office Earnings: Approximately $1 billion globally
- Awards: Fury Road earned 6 Academy Awards, including Best Editing and Costume Design
Mad Max transcends action cinema by weaving visceral storytelling, unforgettable aesthetics, and feminist grit. Fury Road set new standards for visual filmmaking, combining real stunts, desert landscapes, and minimalist dialogue to striking effect. Its cultural impact spans design, music, and video games. By fusing dystopian ethos with emotional resonance, Mad Max is a visceral, unforgettable cinematic experience.
14. Pirates of the Caribbean
- Number of Movies: 5 (2003–2017)
- Box Office Earnings: Over $4.5 billion worldwide
- Awards: 3 Academy Award nominations; multiple Saturn Awards for Visual Effects and Production Design
Pirates of the Caribbean breathed life into pirate mythology, with Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow becoming a pop culture icon. Combining fantastical curses, sea-faring adventure, and comedic timing, the franchise created an immersive world of magic and mischief. The series dominated the summer box office and spawned ride expansions, video games, and costume cosplay events. Blending swashbuckling charm and global spectacle, it remains among the Best Movie Franchises.
15. Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)
- Number of Movies: 36 released through 2024 (2008–2024
- Box Office Earnings: Over $31.9 billion globally, making it the most financially successful movie franchise ever.
- Awards: 78 wins and 294 nominations—including 4 Oscars and Black Panther’s groundbreaking Best Picture and Golden Globe recognitions; Iron Man earned a spot in the U.S. National Film Registry
The MCU rewrote the rulebook for cinematic universes by weaving solo origin stories into sweeping crossover events. Its landmark film, The Avengers (2012), piled on fans to a $1.5 billion launchpad, culminating in Avengers: Endgame—the first movie to sweep past $2.79 billion. The blend of genres, spy thrillers like Civil War, cosmic humor in Guardians of the Galaxy, and culturally resonant narratives like Black Panther, transcended typical blockbuster fare. The MCU shaped every aspect of franchise filmmaking, from release strategies to cross-platform storytelling, charting expansions into streaming, comics, and theme parks.
16. Mission: Impossible
- Number of Movies: 7 (1996–2023)
- Box Office Earnings: Over $4.2 billion globally
- Awards: Multiple Saturn and BAFTA nominations; recognized for music and stunt coordination
Mission: Impossible redefined action espionage, with Tom Cruise setting a new standard by performing his own death-defying stunts. From scaling the Burj Khalifa to hanging off an aircraft, each film pushes cinematic boundaries. The franchise cleverly balances emotional stakes with global thrills, weaving tense missions and evolving character arcs. Its blend of strategy, spectacle, and realism cements it among the Best Movie Franchises of all time.
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17. Godzilla
- Number of Movies: 38 (33 Japanese Toho films + 5 American adaptations)
- Box Office Earnings: Over $4.9 billion worldwide
- Awards: Godzilla vs. King Kong won multiple visual effects awards and was recognized at the Japanese Academy Awards
Godzilla introduced kaiju cinema and nuclear allegory to the world. From 1954 to today, the franchise has evolved from dark allegory to blockbuster spectacle. Its cultural resonance remains strong, rescuing cinema post-WWII and spawning modern cinematic universes. The American reboots brought state-of-the-art VFX and renewed global interest. Spanning seven decades, Godzilla earns its place as one of the best movie series, uniting monster movie lovers and family audiences alike.
18. Indiana Jones
- Number of Movies: 5 (1981–2023)
- Box Office Earnings: Over $2.2 billion worldwide
- Awards: Multiple Academy Awards for Raiders of the Lost Ark; original film inducted into the National Film Registry
Indiana Jones brought serial adventure into modern cinema, blending wit, archaeology, and danger. Harrison Ford’s portrayal of Indy defined heroism with humor and grit. Spielberg’s direction created instant classics with exotic locales, memorable villains, and iconic scenes. Combined with a legendary score, the franchise has shaped action storytelling. From treasures to Nazis to supernatural myths, Indiana Jones ranks among the Best Movie Franchises for its cinematic legacy and thrill factor.
19. Harry Potter (including Fantastic Beasts)
- Number of Movies: 11 (8 Harry Potter, 3 Fantastic Beasts)
- Box Office Earnings: Over $9.3 billion globally
- Awards: 12 Academy Award wins; 12 Golden Globe wins; Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone included in the National Film Registry
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The Wizarding World enchanted global audiences with a magical school, dark forces, and lore-rich adventure. J.K. Rowling’s universe translated into emotional storytelling layered across multiple generations. Fantastic Beasts expanded the mythos, exploring the 1920s magical community. Theme parks, merchandise, and fandom events underscore its cultural stronghold. For its depth, enchantment, and global influence, this franchise ranks among our list and every list of a growing teenager.
20. Lord of the Rings (including The Hobbit)
- Number of Movies: 6 (3 The Lord of the Rings, 3 The Hobbit)
- Box Office Earnings: Over $5.9 billion globally
- Awards: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King won 11 Oscars; six other Academy Awards across the trilogy
Middle-earth set the gold standard for epic fantasy filmmaking. Peter Jackson’s adaptation captivated audiences with world-building, heartfelt character journeys, and profound stakes. Return of the King swept the Oscars, including Best Picture. Even the Hobbit trilogy, while divisive, expanded the iconic universe. Its dedication to detail, mythology, and emotional resonance cements it as one of the Best Movie Franchises ever, elevating fantasy cinema for decades.
21. Star Wars
- Number of Movies: 12 (Original, Prequel, Sequel trilogies + Rogue One and Solo)
- Box Office Earnings: Over $9.3 billion globally
- Awards: 7 Academy Award wins; multiple Golden Globes and BAFTAs
Star Wars redefined sci-fi with its mythic battle between light and dark. From Luke Skywalker’s origin to Rey’s awakening, the saga remains essential pop culture. Each trilogy added generational nuance, and spin-offs like Rogue One brought gritty realism. Its seamless blend of fantasy, technology, and archetypes secured a $9+ billion legacy. Iconic characters and cultural impact ensure Star Wars stays among the Best Movie series, shaping storytelling across mediums.
22. James Bond
- Number of Movies: 25 (1962–2021)
- Box Office Earnings: Over $7.1 billion globally (Box Office Mojo)
- Awards: 4 Academy Awards, including Makeup and Best Original Song; multiple BAFTAs
As cinema’s longest-running franchise, James Bond remains iconic. From Sean Connery’s suave beginnings to Daniel Craig’s gritty realism, 007 adapts with each era while maintaining espionage excellence. With global locales, gadget innovation, and unforgettable villains, Bond represents cinematic escapism and gentlemanly sophistication. Its continued box office success and cultural relevance make it one of the greatest detective Movie series of all time.
23. The Hangover
- Number of Movies: 3 (The Hangover trilogy)
- Box Office Earnings: Over $1.4 billion globally
- Awards: The Hangover won the Golden Globe for Best Picture (Musical/Comedy) and multiple comedy awards
The Hangover captured the absurdity of bachelor party chaos. The original’s unmatched chemistry and risk-reward dynamics turned Las Vegas into comedic legend. Each sequel retained its tone, humor, and dynamic trio. With viral punchlines and enduring meme culture, it entertains both casual viewers and comedy fanatics, earning its place among the Best Movie Franchises as a modern comedy classic.
24. Ocean’s Eleven
- Number of Movies: 3 (Ocean’s Eleven, Twelve, Thirteen)
- Box Office Earnings: Over $1.2 billion globally
- Awards: Multiple nominations for Golden Globes; praised for ensemble cast and soundtrack.
Ocean’s Eleven defined cool heist cinema. George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and an all-star cast brought humor, style, and smooth collaboration to the genre. With witty dialogue and sleek production, the trilogy created a world elevated by clever crime and charismatic characters. Its influence permeates heist narratives, fashion trends, and ensemble storytelling, earning its place among the Best Movie series of all time.
25. Bad Boys
- Number of Movies: 3 (1995, 2003, 2020)
- Box Office Earnings: Over $950 million globally
- Awards: MTV and BET Award nominations; strong box office performance across reprisal entries
Bad Boys combined humor, fast cars, Miami glamour, and legendary chemistry between Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. With explosive action and character camaraderie, the franchise evolved to accommodate Black representation and comedic banter. Its success reflected cultural relevance and replay value. With each sequel, it proves itself to be one of the most entertaining buddy-cop franchises ever.
26. Transformers
- Number of Movies: 7 live-action films (2007–2023)
- Box Office Earnings: Over $4.8 billion globally
- Awards: Multiple Teen Choice and MTV Movie Award wins; nominated for visual effects accolades
Transformers bridged toy nostalgia and cinematic spectacle. Michael Bay’s bold vision unleashed huge robot battles, landmark visual effects, and American pop culture dominance. Despite critical divisiveness, audiences embraced its explosive action and nostalgia. The franchise continues evolving with spin-offs like Bumblebee. With billions earned and technical wizardry displayed, Transformers claims its spot among the Best Movie Franchises as a powerhouse blockbuster entertainment.
Expert Voices & Reviews
“Franchises thrive when they evolve—keeping familiar elements while taking bold new directions.”
Gina Prince-Bythewood, award-winning director.
Critics highlight the MCU for maintaining a balance: meta humor, mature arcs, and multiverse expansion.
Screenwriter David Koepp (Jurassic Park) adds:
“The longevity of Jurassic Park comes from tapping primal curiosity—dinosaurs are timeless icons.”
Spotlight Comparisons
| Franchise | Aesthetic | Key Strength | Weakness |
| MCU | Serialized superhero | Interconnected storytelling, global fandom | Risk of formula fatigue |
| James Bond | Solo spy | Adaptability across six decades | Critics note gender/ethnic inconsistency |
| Harry Potter | Fantasy journey | Rich source material, coming-of-age ancestry | Fantastic Beasts underwhelmed |
| John Wick | Neo-noir | Pure action dynamics | Niche audience due to extreme violence |
Why These Are the Best Movie Franchises?
- Narrative Evolution – They introduce new heroes, worlds, and ideas while retaining core DNA, like Creed in Rocky or Rogue One in Star Wars.
- Multi-generational Appeal – Families bond over Pixar or Harry Potter; new fans loop in via sequels or remakes.
- Cross-media Ecosystems – Bond props in games; Star Trek streams. Sound financial moves fortify brand resilience.
- Redefinition of Genres – Wonder Woman and Captain Jack shaped female-led franchises; Mad Max: Fury Road redefined action aesthetics.
Conclusion:
High-speed heists and apocalyptic battles to galaxies far, far away, these movie franchises entertain and endure. They evolve across decades, generations, and formats. They give us heroes to root for, villains to fear, and storylines that mirror our own triumphs and losses. These cinematic universes have done more than top the charts; they’ve carved out cultural milestones.
And as we stream, binge, or line up at midnight for the next installment, one thing remains true: franchises aren’t just franchises. They’re memories, movements, and mirrors of who we are and what we love. As new chapters emerge and old ones are rewatched on rainy Sundays, the magic lives on.
In the end, it’s not just about the number of films or the billions earned, though those help. It’s about how these worlds make us feel. And that’s what makes them the best movie franchises of all time.
