The Highest-Grossing Movie Franchises of All Time

Which franchise has made the most money? If you're a movie fan, you probably already know the answer.

The Highest-Grossing 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 40 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.

40. “The Conjuring”

Total worldwide gross: $1,569,000,000

Number of movies: 5

Average gross per movie: $313,800,000

Studio: Warner Brothers/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.

39. “The Matrix”

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.

38. Jason Bourne movies

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.

37. “Guardians of the Galaxy”

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.

36. “Men in Black”

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.

35. “Star Trek”

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.

34. “The Incredibles”

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.

33. “The Terminator”

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.”

32. “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”

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

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”

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”

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”

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. “Superman”

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.

25. “Iron Man”

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.

24. “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.

23. “Madagascar”

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.

22. “Avatar”

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. “Ice Age”

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.

20. “The Hunger Games”

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.

19. "Twilight"

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”

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”

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"

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”

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”

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

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”

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”

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. “Avengers”

Total worldwide gross: $4,972,900,000

Number of movies: 3

Average gross per movie: $1,657,600,000

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.

Next year, the Marvel Cinematic Universe will introduce the final “Avengers” film that’ll feature some of its favorite original characters (in addition to new ones) going against Thanos, attempting to undo what he has done to the universe.

9. 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.

8. “Spider-Man”

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.

7. “The Fast and the Furious”

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.

6. “X-Men”

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.

5. Disney Live Action Reimaginings

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.

4. J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth

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.

3. J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World

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”

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

Total worldwide gross: $17,530,200,000

Number of movies: 20

Average gross per movie: $876,510,000

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 20 films.

While we have “Captain Marvel” and “Avengers: Endgame” to look forward to soon, we don’t know much about what Marvel’s plans are for the years beyond.