Top 10 Biggest Movie Franchises Worldwide, From Star Wars to James Bond

The world’s most successful movie franchises have not only achieved remarkable box office earnings, but they have also created unforgettable characters, cultural phenomena, and dedicated fan communities. Decades later, these epic franchises still have fans lining up, hungry for more. Here’s a closer look at the top 10 highest-grossing movie franchises, including the box office numbers, iconic films, and some unique insights that you probably never knew.

1. Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)

The MCU revolutionized modern cinema by introducing interconnected stories and crossover films that weave together multiple characters and plotlines. The franchise began with Iron Man in 2008 and has since expanded into a universe with beloved heroes like Captain America, Black Panther, and Doctor Strange. What many don’t know is that The Avengers (2012) was initially considered a risky experiment, as no franchise had ever combined characters from multiple standalone movies. By the time Avengers: Endgame was released, the MCU had become the highest-grossing film franchise in history.

• Total Gross: $12.4 billion
• Movies: 41
• Biggest Hit: Avengers: Endgame ($858 million in USA)

2. Star Wars

Star Wars, created by George Lucas in 1977, was groundbreaking in its use of special effects, which changed the face of sci-fi films. Beyond the iconic movies, Star Wars launched an expansive universe of books, games, and shows like The Mandalorian, which became a major Disney+ hit. A lesser-known fact is that Lucas was so certain Star Wars would fail that he went on vacation when it premiered—only to return to its runaway success. Adjusted for inflation, Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope remains one of the highest-grossing movies ever.

• Total Gross: $5.1 billion
• Movies: 24
• Biggest Hit: The Force Awakens ($936 million in USA)

3. Spider-Man

From Tobey Maguire to Tom Holland, Spider-Man has been reimagined multiple times and remains one of Marvel’s most popular heroes. Few people know that Spider-Man: No Way Home had such high demand that theater websites crashed when tickets went on sale, showing that Spider-Man’s popularity is as strong as ever. All Spider-mans were involved in this movie, from Tobey Maguire, to Andrew Garfield and Tom Holland

• Total Gross: $3.3 billion
• Movies: 19
• Biggest Hit: Spider-Man: No Way Home ($804 million in USA

4. DC Extended Universe (DCEU)

The DCEU created a darker tone for superhero movies, drawing on DC Comics' characters like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. While the franchise faced mixed reviews, it became iconic for embracing complex, often flawed heroes. Aquaman unexpectedly became the highest-grossing DCEU film due to its appeal in international markets, particularly China. Few realize that Zack Snyder’s original vision for the franchise included a five-film arc that was ultimately cut short.

• Total Gross: $2.8 billion
• Movies: 20
• Biggest Hit: Wonder Woman ($412 million in USA)

5. Batman

Batman is one of the most frequently adapted characters in film history, appearing in everything from campy 1960s TV shows to the critically acclaimed Dark Knight trilogy by Christopher Nolan. A unique detail: The Dark Knight was the first superhero movie to win an Academy Award in a major category (Best Supporting Actor for Heath Ledger). The film’s success influenced a generation of superhero films to take on darker, more realistic tones.

• Total Gross: $2.78 billion
• Movies: 25
• Biggest Hit: The Dark Knight ($533 million in USA)

6. Jurassic Park

The Jurassic Park franchise, launched by Steven Spielberg in 1993, transformed dinosaur movies with groundbreaking special effects and a thrilling storyline that captivated audiences. In 2015, Jurassic World revived the franchise with a new vision of a fully operational dinosaur park, which quickly spirals out of control. Jurassic World became the highest-grossing film in the series, earning over $1.67 billion worldwide, and reestablished the Jurassic Park legacy for a new generation. The franchise’s appeal lies in its mix of adventure, suspense, and cutting-edge visual effects, keeping fans hooked for nearly three decades.

• Total Gross: $2.27 billion
• Movies: 11
• Biggest Hit: Jurassic World ($652 million)

7. X-Men

X-Men launched one of the earliest successful superhero franchises with Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine becoming an iconic character. Known for tackling complex social issues, X-Men is also the first major franchise to feature LGBTQ+ representation in its characters. Deadpool, an X-Men spin-off, took the genre in a new direction with R-rated humor, proving superhero films could reach new audiences with a different approach.

• Total Gross: $2.5 billion
• Movies: 14
• Biggest Hit: Deadpool ($363 million in USA)

8. Harry Potter

The original Harry Potter series remains one of the most beloved franchises, following the journey of Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Filming locations in Oxford and Scotland became major attractions, and the platform for Platform 9¾ was even recreated at King’s Cross Station in London. J.K. Rowling insisted on an 100% all-British cast, which contributed to the authentic feel of the films and connected the series deeply with UK audiences.

• Total Gross: $2.4 billion
• Movies: 32
• Biggest Hit: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 ($381 million in USA)

9. James Bond

James Bond is one of cinema’s longest-running franchises, starting in 1962 with Dr. No. Known for its iconic gadgets, exotic locations, and martini-shaken-not-stirred coolness, Bond movies have continuously evolved to stay relevant with each era. Skyfall became the first Bond film to break $1 billion worldwide, proving that Agent 007 still resonates with modern audiences. Daniel Craig is the face of Bond today, and he plays his character like art. 

• Total Gross: $2.29 billion
• Movies: 26
• Biggest Hit: Skyfall ($304 million in USA)

Bond fans will do whatever it takes to catch the next adventure—suit up, grab a martini, and get ready for the thrill!

10. Pirates of the Caribbean

Inspired by the Disneyland ride of the same name, Pirates of the Caribbean transformed into one of Disney’s most successful live-action franchises. Launching with The Curse of the Black Pearl in 2003, it introduced audiences to the iconic Captain Jack Sparrow, played by Johnny Depp. The franchise combines adventure, humor, and supernatural elements that have captivated global audiences. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest became the franchise’s biggest hit, earning $423 million domestically and over $1 billion worldwide. 

• Total Gross: $1.45 billion
• Movies: 5
• Biggest Hit: Dead Man's Chest ($423 million)

These franchises have not only dominated the box office but have also reshaped the entertainment industry, showcasing how strong storytelling and iconic characters can build lasting legacies across generations. They’re more than movies—these franchises are the ones we grew up with, the ones we line up for, and the ones we’ll still be talking about years from now.