The Highest-Grossing Movie Franchises of All Time
Finn fights Captain Phasma in "Star Wars: Episode VIII: The Last Jedi." The "Star Wars" series is among the top performing movie franchises of all time.There’s something about a movie franchise that makes us come back over and over again.
Maybe it’s the dynamic characters that somehow know how to keep on saving the day. Or maybe it’s a beloved book series with fans across the world. Or maybe it’s just really good marketing.
Whatever the case, film studios depend on franchises to make a good chunk of their money. Click through to see the 55 highest-grossing movie franchises of all time, as determined by Box Office Mojo. Numbers are for worldwide performance and not adjusted for inflation.
Note: Some of the franchises overlap, so a few movies are counted more than once.
55. ‘Fifty Shades’
Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan in "Fifty Shades of Grey."Total worldwide gross: $1,324,500,000
Number of movies: 3
Average gross per movie: $441,500,000
Studio: Universal Studios
Launch date: February 13, 2015
Because this book franchise already had a deep-rooted fan following, it was bound to be a huge hit once it hit the big screen. While the reviews weren’t anything spectacular, the original movie still brought in enough money to make the studios want to finish the trilogy.
54. ‘Alice in Wonderland’
Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway and Mia Wasikowska star in "Alice in Wonderland."Total worldwide gross: $1,324,900,000
Number of movies: 2
Average gross per movie: $662,500,000
Studio: The Walt Disney Studios
Launch date: March 5, 2010
When a beloved female lead character like Alice makes her live-action debut, it’s without question that moviegoers across the globe were intrigued. Unfortunately, the sequel didn’t do as well as expected, but Johnny Depp’s Mad Hatter became a beloved character thanks to Tim Burton’s one-of-a-kind vision.
53. ‘Night at the Museum'
Ben Stiller and Robin Williams star in "Night at the Museum."Total worldwide gross: $1,350,800,000
Number of movies: 3
Average gross per movie: $450,300,000
Studio: Fox
Launch date: December 22, 2006
You probably wanted to stay the night in an actual museum after watching these films, whether you were an adult or a child. Not only was this movie a massive success thanks to actors Ben Stiller and Robin Williams, but museums across the United States ended up adapting this idea.
52. ‘Hotel Transylvania’
Steve Buscemi, Adam Sandler, David Spade, CeeLo Green, Kevin James and Molly Shannon lend their voices to characters in "Hotel Transylvania."Total worldwide gross: $1,361,800,000
Number of movies: 3
Average gross per movie: $453,900,000
Studio: Sony
Launch date: September 28, 2012
Let’s be real: There’s nothing scary about this animated film about Dracula and his luxury resort business. We can’t help but fall in love with all of these monsters. It probably helps that these characters are voiced by Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez and Andy Samberg.
51. ‘Alvin and the Chipmunks’
Justin Long, Jesse McCartney and Matthew Gray Gubler lend their voices to "Alvin and the Chipmunks"Total worldwide gross: $1,388,800,000
Number of movies: 4
Average gross per movie: $276,381,000
Studio: Fox
Launch date: December 23, 2009
While the characters have been around for decades, these chipmunks finally entered into the real world back in 2007 with their original tunes and funky dance moves. The Chipettes later became a part of the franchise with Brittany, Jeannette and Eleanor Miller.
50. ‘Wolverine’
Hugh Jackman stars in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine."Total worldwide gross: $1,406,900,000
Number of movies: 3
Average gross per movie: $469,000,000
Studio: Fox
Launch date: May 1, 2009
“Logan” concluded the series with rave reviews and left us wanting more. While Hugh Jackman said he is done playing the character, we’ll see how long that will truly last.
49. ‘Cars’
Owen Wilson voices Lightning McQueen in "Cars."Total worldwide gross: $1,408,300,000
Number of movies: 3
Average gross per movie: $469,400,000
Studio: The Walt Disney Studios
Launch date: June 6, 2006
Who knew a movie about racing would resonate with families across the world? Not only did this computer-animated movie become one of Pixar’s most beloved films, but it also became part of Disney’s California Adventure theme park.
48. ‘The Hangover’
Zach Galifianakis, Bradley Cooper and Ed Helms star in "The Hangover."Total worldwide gross: $1,416,200,000
Number of movies: 3
Average gross per movie: $472,100,000
Studio: Warner Bros.
Launch date: June 5, 2009
No one expected a movie about a horrible bachelor night to kill it at the box office. But with leads Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis, it now feels inevitable that this franchise would win the hearts of audiences across the world.
47. ‘Die Hard’
Bruce Willis stars in "Die Hard."Total worldwide gross: $1,435,100,000
Number of movies: 5
Average gross per movie: $287,000,000
Studio: Fox
Launch date: July 15, 1988
Whether you believe the original film is considered a Christmas movie or not, you can’t argue that this franchise is viewed as one of the best in the entertainment biz. While the majority of the films have been praised with positive reviews, the fifth and final movie in the series didn’t hit the mark.
46. The Robert Langdon movies
Audrey Tautou and Tom Hanks star in "The Da Vinci Code."Total worldwide gross: $1,464,200,000
Number of movies: 3
Average gross per movie: $488,100,000
Studio: Sony
Launch date: May 19, 2006
When the “Da Vinci Code” hit the silver screen, it took the world by storm. The film trilogy was based on Dan Brown’s thriller book series; Tom Hanks played the lead character, Robert Langdon.
45. ‘Alien’
Sigourney Weaver, Ian Holm, John Hurt and Tom Skerritt star in "Alien."Total worldwide gross: $1,500,900,000
Number of movies: 8
Average gross per movie: $187,600,000
Studio: Fox
Launch date: May 25, 1979
While this series has been around since the late ‘70s, it was revived with a prequel called “Prometheus” in 2012. With the recent acquisition of 20th Century Fox, we’ll see how The Walt Disney Studios will utilize this franchise in the coming years.
44. ‘Deadpool’
Ryan Reynolds stars as "Deadpool."Total worldwide gross: $1,562,100,000
Number of movies: 2
Average gross per movie: $781,000,000
Studio: Fox
Launch date: February 12, 2016
While it took over 10 years for this film to come to fruition, Ryan Reynolds didn’t give up. After surprising everyone with the record of best opening weekend for an R-rated film, Fox decided to add two more movies to the franchise.
43. 'The Conjuring'
Vera Farmiga (right) and Kyla Deaver star in the horror classic "The Conjuring," which spawned four sequels and counting.Total worldwide gross: $1,569,000,000
Number of movies: 5
Average gross per movie: $313,800,000
Studio: Warner Bros./New Line
Launch date: July 19, 2013
Four of the five movies from this horror franchise made the list of the top grossing horror movies of all time, too. The series focuses on paranormal investigators and a demonic mystery.
42. ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’
William Moseley, Anna Popplewell and Georgie Henley star in "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe."Total worldwide gross: $1,580,400,000
Number of movies: 3
Average gross per movie: $526,800,000
Studio: The Walt Disney Studios
Launch date: December 9, 2005
Based on the beloved book series by C.S. Lewis, “The Chronicles of Narnia” movies were anticipated to be as successful as the “Harry Potter” films. However, while the franchise was originally scheduled to push all seven books to be seen on the big screen, it was decided in 2018 that the rest of the movies would be created for Netflix instead.
41. ‘How to Train Your Dragon’
Jay Baruchel voices the main character in "How to Train Your Dragon."Total worldwide gross: $1,624,500,000
Number of movies: 3
Average gross per movie: $541,500,000
Studio: Universal Studios
Launch date: March 6, 2010
It should go without saying that a computer-animated series about dragons would smash at the box office. The latest film in the franchise, “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World,” came out January 2019 with rave reviews to complete the film series.
40. 'The Matrix'
Carrie-Anne Moss (pictured) co-starred with Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishburne in "The Matrix" trilogy.Total worldwide gross: $1,633,000,000
Number of movies: 3
Average gross per movie: $544,300,000
Studio: Warner Bros.
Launch date: March 31, 1999
The turn-of-the-millennium film that blew minds and records at the box office spun off two sequels that didn’t blow as many minds or records. Together, though, the trilogy attracted enough people to theaters to crack our list.
39. Jason Bourne movies
Matt Damon created the Jason Bourne character on screen. He dropped out of the fourth movie in the series, though, and was replaced by Jeremy Renner.Total worldwide gross: $1,637,000,000
Number of movies: 5
Average gross per movie: $327,400,000
Studio: Universal Studios
Launch date: June 14, 2002
Matt Damon showed off his fighting skills before passing the baton to actor Jeremy Renner for the fourth film, then he returned for the fifth. A sixth film is rumored to be on the table.
38. 'Guardians of the Galaxy'
Chris Pratt (right) and Zoe Saldana star in "Guardians of the Galaxy," which resurrected old comic book characters and '70s music.Total worldwide gross: $1,637,100,000
Number of movies: 2
Average gross per movie: $818,500,000
Studio: The Walt Disney Studios
Launch date: Aug. 1, 2014
While we thought the Marvel movies were good before, James Gunn’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” took things to a whole other level when it was released in 2014. Not only was the soundtrack a huge hit, but the sequel became one of the most anticipated movies out of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Note: For the MCU and some other franchises, we’ll be breaking out specific franchise threads as well as featuring the entire franchise universe.
37. 'Men in Black'
Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones star in "Men in Black," which will be rebooted this year with new stars Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson.Total worldwide gross: $1,655,200,000
Number of movies: 3
Average gross per movie: $551,700,000
Studio: Sony
Launch date: Sept. 2, 1997
There’s no need to fly across the galaxy to fight aliens when they’re living among us. At least that’s what this movie franchise believes. The latest installment, “Men in Black: International,” scheduled for summer 2019, will have Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson rocking the classic black sunglasses.
36. 'Star Trek'
Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto star in the reboot of the classic sci-fi franchise.Total worldwide gross: $1,737,400,000
Number of movies: 13
Average gross per movie: $217,200,000
Studio: Paramount
Launch date: Dec. 7, 1979
While this space series has been around for decades, it has acquired a new fan base with the recent release of a “Star Trek” trilogy that included Chris Pine and Zoe Saldana in the cast.
Even though “Star Trek: Beyond” and “Star Trek: Into Darkness” didn’t receive the same amount of hype from the critics in comparison to the first film, they both attracted plenty of moviegoers.
Note: If we’d adjusted for inflation, this long-running series would likely jump about 15 spots up the list. It's that old.
35. ‘Kung Fu Panda’
Dustin Hoffman and Jack Black lend their voices to "Kung Fu Panda."Total worldwide gross: $1,818,600,000
Number of movies: 3
Average gross per movie: $606,200,000
Studio: DreamWorks
Launch date: June 6, 2008
This animated franchise knocked it out of the park with record numbers behind the star power of actors and actresses such as Angelina Jolie and Jackie Chan. These films were packed with action sequences and family-based storylines that resonated with audiences across all age groups.
34. 'The Terminator'
Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in "The Terminator," kicking off one of the most beloved sci-fi series of all time.Total worldwide gross: $1,843,500,000
Number of movies: 5
Average gross per movie: $368,700,000
Studio: Warner Bros.
Launch date: Oct. 26, 1984
“I’ll be back” has become one of the most iconic phrases in cinematic history because of this movie franchise. Arnold Schwarzenegger will reprise his role in the sixth installment that’s scheduled to be released late 2019. The title: “Terminator: Dark Fate.”
33. 'The Incredibles'
Jason Lee, Holly Hunter and Craig T. Nelson are among the stars of the first "Incredibles" movie.Total worldwide gross: $1,875,800,000
Number of movies: 2
Average gross per movie: $937,900,000
Studio: The Walt Disney Studios
Launch date: Nov. 5, 2004
A Pixar superhero movie is never a bad idea, especially when it involves a demonic baby. After a 14-year hiatus, we finally got to catch up with our favorite superhero family and watch everyone save the world one more time.
32. 'Finding Nemo'
Albert Brooks and Alexander Gould voiced the main characters in "Finding Nemo."Total worldwide gross: $1,927,800,000
Number of movies: 2
Average gross per movie: $963,900,000
Studio: The Walt Disney Studios
Launch date: May 30, 2003
Who knew a film about a lost orange fish could generate fans across generations for years to come? Luckily, Pixar decided to bring our favorite forgetful fish back to the big screen in the sequel “Finding Dory,” where we were introduced to Dory’s childhood and loving parents.
31. 'Thor'
Chris Hemsworth, left, stars as Thor throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He's shown here with his cinematic brother Loki, played by Tom Hiddleston.Total worldwide gross: $1,947,900,000
Number of movies: 3
Average gross per movie: $649,300,000
Studio: The Walt Disney Studios
Launch date: May 6, 2011
Along with Captain America and Iron Man, Thor was one of the first Marvel characters to be introduced in the MCU. While the first two films performed well at the box office, director Taika Waititi turned the world of Thor upside down by incorporating his artistic and comedic sensibility in the third film in the franchise, “Thor: Ragnarok.”
30. Indiana Jones
Harrison Ford, shown here in "Raiders of the Lost Ark," brought Indiana Jones to life in four films.Total worldwide gross: $1,947,900,000
Number of movies: 4
Average gross per movie: $487,000,000
Studio: Paramount
Launch date: June 21, 1981
“Raiders of the Lost Ark,” a movie about an archaeology professor who hunts for treasure and fights Nazis, has become a beloved film franchise. “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” the most recent film in the series, was poorly received. Here’s hoping another Indiana Jones movie will be coming to the silver screen to make up for it.
29. 'Toy Story'
Tom Hanks and Tim Allen starred in "Toy Story," Pixar's first-ever full-length movie.Total worldwide gross: $1,970,200,000
Number of movies: 3
Average gross per movie: $656,733,333
Studio: The Walt Disney Studios
Launch date: Nov. 22, 1995
Pixar’s first feature film made waves with its innovative animation and toys that came to life. Woody, Buzz Lightyear and many other characters will make their return in summer 2019 in “Toy Story 4.”
28. 'Planet of the Apes'
Charlton Heston, Kim Hunter and Roddy McDowall starred in the original "Planet of the Apes," kicking off a series of nine movies and counting.Total worldwide gross: $2,159,000,000
Number of movies: 9
Average gross per movie: $239,888,888
Studio: Fox
Launch date: Feb. 2, 1968
While CGI has replaced the infamous yet beloved costumes and realistic FX makeup in the early movies from the ‘60s and ‘70s, fans didn’t mind. They still flocked to the cinema to see this series come back to life.
27. 'Captain America'
Chris Evans stars as the iconic American superhero, one of the core characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.Total worldwide gross: $2,238,100,000
Number of movies: 3
Average gross per movie: $746,000,000
Studio: The Walt Disney Studios
Launch date: July 22, 2011
Regarded as the first Avenger, Captain America always believed in putting his country first. He’ll be making his heroic return in the next Marvel movie, “Avengers: Endgame.”
26. 'Madagascar'
Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer and Jada Pinkett Smith are the stars of the "Madagascar" franchise.Total worldwide gross: $2,256,500,000
Number of movies: 4
Average gross per movie: $564,100,000
Studio: DreamWorks
Launch date: May 27, 2005
When some animals get tired of being held in captivity, they plan an extravagant escape to leave New York’s Central Park Zoo. While things don’t go according to plan, they end up in Madagascar to live where the wild things are.
25. 'Superman'
Christopher Reeve originated the Superman role in the movies in 1978, kicking off an incredibly successful run for the iconic superhero.Total worldwide gross: $2,416,000,000
Number of movies: 7
Average gross per movie: $345,142,857
Studio: Warner Bros.
Launch date: Dec. 15, 1978
While this superhero has been around for decades, the character has undergone major transformations since his original introduction. Now, under the umbrella of the DC Extended Universe, Superman has recently been seen fighting villains alongside his other superhero friends, such as Wonder Woman and Aquaman. In this slot we’re just tracking Supe’s own films.
24. 'Iron Man'
Robert Downey, Jr. starred as Iron Man, though, to be sure, special effects wizards should get a nod for their work creating the Marvel superhero.Total worldwide gross: $2,423,900,000
Number of movies: 3
Average gross per movie: $808,000,000
Studio: The Walt Disney Studios
Launch date: May 2, 2008
Another breakout from the MCU. Tony Stark became a beloved superhero right from his first movie in 2008. Iron Man later became a part of the Avengers along with Captain America, the Hulk, Black Widow and Thor.
23. 'The Dark Knight'
The late Heath Ledger starred as the villain in "The Dark Knight."Total worldwide gross: $2,460,700,000
Number of movies: 3
Average gross per movie: $820,200,000
Studio: Warner Bros.
Launch date: June 15, 2005
Considered to be one the best parts of the overall “Batman” franchise — more on that larger universe later — we’re giving this trilogy its own recognition. Director Christopher Nolan, knocked it out of the park with his version of the Caped Crusader. While actor Heath Ledger passed away right before the film released, he posthumously won an Oscar for his performance as the Joker.
22. 'Avatar'
Zoe Saldana and Sam Worthington starred in "Avatar," which also happens to be the highest-grossing movie of all time.Total worldwide gross: $2,810,400,000
Number of movies: 1
Average gross per movie: $1,405,200
Studio: Fox
Launch date: Dec. 18, 2009
Can a sci-fi film with blue aliens have an amazing storyline? Absolutely.
And, yes, it’s not a franchise yet. But the second installment of James Cameron’s much-anticipated film is in the works. It’s rumored to be released in 2020.
21. 'The Hunger Games'
Jennifer Lawrence played Katniss Everdeen in this blockbuster book-turned-movie franchise.Total worldwide gross: $2,968,200,000
Number of movies: 4
Average gross per movie: $374,000,000
Studio: Lionsgate
Launch date: March 23, 2012
With Jennifer Lawrence portraying Katniss Everdeen, “The Hunger Games” trilogy showcased an apocalyptic universe where a government puts on annual killing games.
The movie franchise became one of the most successful book-to-film series ever made.
20. 'Ice Age'
Among the actors voicing the characters in this animated series are John Leguizamo and Ray Romano.Total worldwide gross: $3,216,700,000
Number of movies: 5
Average gross per movie: $643,300,000
Studio: Fox
Launch date: March 15, 2002
This animation franchise focuses on prehistoric animals becoming friends during the Ice Age. The films are funny, adventurous and may even make you want to become best friends with a saber-tooth squirrel.
19. 'Twilight'
Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson played the lead roles in the "Twilight" saga.Total worldwide gross: $3,343,800,000
Number of movies: 5
Average gross per movie: $668,800,000
Studio: Summit/Lionsgate
Launch date: Nov. 21, 2008
Moviegoers ran to the theater to see their favorite characters (and favorite real-life couple, Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson) from the YA book series come to life on the silver screen.
Just like the “Harry Potter” franchise, the last book of the “Twilight” trilogy was broken into two movies to tell the love story between Bella Swan and Edward Cullen.
18. 'Shrek'
This wholesome franchise, which features the voices of Cameron Diaz and Mike Myers, hit it big at the box office.Total worldwide gross: $3,510,800,000
Number of movies: 5
Average gross per movie: $702,200,000
Studio: DreamWorks/Paramount
Launch date: May 16, 2001
An animated film about a green monster who marries a princess and pulls in a lot of money in the process? Yes, it does exist.
This wholesome franchise not only killed at the box office, but involved some of the best actors in the biz, including Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz and Mike Myers.
17. 'Mission: Impossible'
The six "Mission Impossible" movies have grossed more than $3.5 billion.Total worldwide gross: $3,570,400,000
Number of movies: 6
Average gross per movie: $595,100,000
Studio: Paramount
Launch date: Dec. 19, 1996
Peak Tom Cruise? Perhaps. As Ethan Hunt he runs (and runs and runs) around the world, fighting global conspiracies and, sometimes, his own team in this action-packed series.
16. 'Despicable Me'
Universal Studios hit a home run with this family-friendly franchise.Total worldwide gross: $3,708,100,000
Number of movies: 4
Average gross per movie: $927,000,000
Studio: Universal Studios
Launch date: July 9, 2010
Universal Studios knocked it out of the park with this family-friendly franchise that took off unexpectedly thanks to its yellow Minions, unicorn-obsessed children and their beloved villain-turned-dad, Felonious Gru, voiced by Steve Carell.
The next film in the franchise, a second movie dedicated to the Minions, is in the works. It’s expected to debut July 3, 2020.
15. 'Pirates of the Caribbean'
The five "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies have grossed more than $4.5 billion.Total worldwide gross: $4,524,400,000
Number of movies: 5
Average gross per movie: $904,900,000
Studio: The Walt Disney Studios
Launch date: July 9, 2003
This Disney theme-park-ride-turned-movie series started out with a bang, but it progressively lost momentum.
Rumor has it Johnny Depp, who has played Captain Jack Sparrow for the span of the franchise, has been removed for the next installment, most likely because the last film made the least amount of money of the bunch.
14. 'Transformers'
The “Transformers” series relies on its humor and director Michael Bay’s action sequences.Total worldwide gross: $4,691,600,000 (as of publication)
Number of movies: 7
Average gross per movie: $670,200,000
Studio: Paramount
Launch date: August 8, 1986
The “Transformers” series relies on its humor, director Michael Bay’s action sequences and the genuine acting chops of its cast. Since its initial release, the franchise has had many actors take the leads, and it even recently introduced a “Bumblebee” solo flick starring Hailee Steinfeld and John Cena.
13. DC Extended Universe
The success of “Aquaman” has helped propel this comic book franchise.Total worldwide gross: $4,714,000,000 (as of publication)
Number of movies: 6
Average gross per movie: $785,700,000
Studio: Warner Brothers
Launch date: June 14, 2013
Aside from “Wonder Woman,” the DC Extended Universe hasn’t been doing so well with critics and fans alike. Films like “Batman vs Superman” and “Justice League” confused reviewers and audiences. But with the recent release of “Aquaman,” it seems things may be turning around for this comic book franchise.
12. 'Batman'
Christian Bale, shown here in 2005's "Batman Begins," is among the eight actors who've played the caped crusader across movies and TV.Total worldwide gross: $4,903,000,000
Number of movies: 11
Average gross per movie: $490,300,000
Studio: Warner Brothers
Launch date: June 23, 1989
“Batman” has been reinvented over and over again by directors and actors alike — and people keep on coming back.
This DC character has seen successes and flops through his “career,” and recently took a child-like turn with “The LEGO Batman Movie.”
11. 'Jurassic Park'
Sam Neill stars in the original "Jurassic Park," which kicked off the franchise in 1993.Total worldwide gross: $4,951,400,000
Number of movies: 5
Average gross per movie: $990,300,000
Studio: Universal Studios
Launch date: June 11, 1993
A dinosaurs-roaming-the-Earth franchise is guaranteed to bring in the big bucks, especially with Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard taking the leads.
While the series’ most recent film, “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom,” didn’t do as well as expected by the critics, Universal Studios is planning to produce sixth film in the next couple of years.
10. James Bond
Pierce Brosnan (left), shown here in 1999's "The World Is Not Enough," is among seven men who have played James Bond.Total worldwide gross: $5,019,900,000
Number of movies: 25
Average gross per movie: $200,796,000
Studio: Sony
Launch date: May 8, 1963
As one of the oldest movie series in the bunch, the saga of James Bond has made us all wish we could be a secret British spy and fight villains.
This British series isn’t stopping anytime soon. Rumor is Daniel Craig will reprise his role as the current James Bond one last time.
9. 'Spider-Man'
The animated "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" is the latest "Spider-Man" movie to fuel the franchise.Total worldwide gross: $5,119,200,000 (as of publication)
Number of movies: 7
Average gross per movie: $731,300,000
Studio: Sony
Launch date: May 3, 2002
A superhero kid from Queens has spun webs into millions of people’s hearts. While the infamous Spider-Man has been played by countless actors, including Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire, Marvel and Sony have recently made a deal to bring Spider-Man into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Tom Holland in the role.
8. 'The Fast and the Furious'
The eight "The Fast and the Furious" movies have grossed more than $5.1 billion.Total worldwide gross: $5,132,100,000
Number of movies: 8
Average gross per movie: $641,500,000
Studio: Universal Studios
Launch date: June 22, 2001
After more than a decade on the silver screen, these films are still going strong, even after the tragic death of one of the franchise’s stars, Paul Walker.
Universal Studios already has two more “Furious” movies lined up for the coming years.
7. 'X-Men'
The eleven "X-Men" movies have grossed more than $5.7 billion.Total worldwide gross: $5,742,500,000
Number of movies: 11
Average gross per movie: $522,045,000
Studio: Fox
Launch date: July 14, 2000
Marvel comic book characters are known to bring audiences to the movies, and the “X-Men” franchise has done just that.
Not every movie was a success. But “Deadpool” and “Logan” have helped fuel the franchise with their sense of humor. Even their “R” ratings haven’t held them back.
6. Disney Live Action Reimaginings
Emma Watson and Dan Stevens played the leads in the live-action version of "Beauty and the Beast."Total worldwide gross: $5,814,700,000
Number of movies: 9
Average gross per movie: $646,077,000
Studio: The Walt Disney Studios
Launch date: Nov. 27, 1996
Since 1996, Disney has been reimagining its family-loved animated films into live-action movies — and it has been doing it really well.
Iconic films like “The Lion King” and “Aladdin” are the next movies planned to come out, and you can bet everyone will be going to see these classics in the theaters, especially with leads like Donald Glover, Beyoncé and Will Smith playing some of the beloved Disney characters.
5. J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth
In addition to grossing a ton of money, this mystical franchise won dozens of Academy Awards.Total worldwide gross: $5,847,200,000
Number of movies: 6
Average gross per movie: $974,500,000
Studio: New Line
Launch date: Dec. 19, 2001
This mystical franchise not only won dozens of Academy Awards, it was one of the most ambitious movie series ever created.
“The Hobbit” movies didn’t do as well as “The Lord of the Rings” films, but they still generated enough money to make a killing in the box office, thanks to the existing fan base of the book series.
4. 'Avengers'
“Avengers: Infinity War” is among the highest-grossing movies of all time.Total worldwide gross: $6,181,600,000
Number of movies: 4
Average gross per movie: $1,545,400,000
Studio: Marvel Studios
Launch date: May 4, 2012
Every “Avengers” movie that’s ever been released has topped the previous film in some form or fashion, with “Avengers: Infinity War” quickly becoming part of the highest-grossing list.
And recently, the Marvel Cinematic Universe introduced the final “Avengers” film, "Avengers: Endgame," that featured some of its favorite original characters going against Thanos, attempting to undo what he has done to the universe.
3. J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World
The ten movies (so far) in the franchise have grossed more than $9.1 billion.Total worldwide gross: $9,180,600,000
Number of movies: 10
Average gross per movie: $918,100,000
Studio: Warner Bros.
Launch date: Nov. 16, 2001
It would be a crime if a highest-grossing movie list didn’t include the “Harry Potter” series. In addition to the release of 10 films, this series morphed into theme parks across the globe and merchandise that racks up billions of dollars in sales. There’s also an original trilogy prequel in progress, written for the screen by J.K. Rowling herself.
2. 'Star Wars'
Daisy Ridley in "Star Wars: Episode VIII: The Last Jedi," the middle film in the third trilogy.Total worldwide gross: $9,491,000,000
Number of movies: 11
Average gross per movie: $862,818,000
Studio: The Walt Disney Studios
Launch date: May 25, 1977
A long time ago (well, just a decade or two ago), “Star Wars” became a science-fiction phenomenon.
Ever since The Walt Disney Company purchased Lucasfilm, it has released four movies that highlighted what happens before and after the original films.
1. The Marvel Cinematic Universe
Given the recent blockbusters "Black Panther" and "Avengers: Infinity War," is there any doubt it’s the highest-grossing movie franchise of all time?Total worldwide gross: $20,838,000,000
Number of movies: 22
Average gross per movie: $947,200,000
Studio: The Walt Disney Studios
Launch date: May 2, 2008
The Marvel Cinematic Universe triumphs. It’s the highest-grossing movie franchise of all time, with its roster of 22 films.
While “Captain Marvel” and “Avengers: Endgame” took the franchise to record heights, we don’t know much about what Marvel’s plans are for the years beyond.