From Marvel to Twilight: These 17 Movie Franchises Made More Money Than Your Entire Town’s Budget
Here we go—my favorite kind of list: the ones that feel like trivia, but secretly teach you something about luck, nostalgia, and the movies we grew up loving. These 17 franchises didn’t just top box-office charts—they changed how studios think about film, sequels, and story worlds. I’m going to walk you through them all, one by one, from “fun fact” level earnings to just flat-out jaw-dropping totals.
Movie franchises are like living stories. They grow, evolve, and sometimes take over the world. But not all box office kings start at the top. Some began as small hits, slowly building momentum until they became cultural giants. In this list, we’re taking the scenic route – starting with the franchises that earned the least (still in the billions, mind you) and working our way up to the ultimate global box office powerhouse.
The Twilight Saga – $3.4 Billion
When Twilight premiered in 2008, no one could have predicted the cultural storm it would cause. The vampire-human romance between Bella Swan and Edward Cullen sparked endless debates, from Team Edward vs. Team Jacob to whether vampires should sparkle. While critics were divided, fans were fiercely loyal, turning every release into a major event. For many, it wasn’t just a movie series – it was a love story they felt part of.
The Lion King – $3.4 Billion
Disney’s The Lion King is a timeless tale of family, loss, and courage. The 1994 animated classic became a global treasure, and the 2019 live-action remake brought Simba’s story to a new generation. With unforgettable music and breathtaking visuals, The Lion King has proven that some stories never fade – they only grow stronger with time.
Shrek – $4.0 Billion
In a world of perfect fairy tales, Shrek barged in with sarcasm, pop culture jokes, and a big green heart. The 2001 original flipped the genre on its head, making kids laugh and adults chuckle at jokes meant just for them. The sequels, spin-offs, and Puss in Boots films kept the franchise fresh, proving that even an ogre can be a legend.
Pirates of the Caribbean – $4.5 Billion
Captain Jack Sparrow redefined what a pirate movie could be. With supernatural curses, epic sword fights, and Johnny Depp’s unforgettable swagger, Pirates of the Caribbean turned a Disneyland ride into one of Hollywood’s biggest adventures. Over five films, audiences kept coming back for more treasure, more chaos, and more Jack.
Mission: Impossible – $4.7 Billion
Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt has been pulling off the impossible since 1996. Each new film raises the stakes – and the stunts. From climbing the Burj Khalifa to hanging off airplanes, Cruise’s commitment to jaw-dropping action has made this spy series one of the most thrilling in cinema. And it’s still going strong.
Avatar – $5.2 Billion
James Cameron’s Avatar changed cinema forever. The 2009 release was a visual revolution, bringing audiences to the lush world of Pandora in groundbreaking 3D. Over a decade later, Avatar: The Way of Water proved the magic was still there. It’s a blend of breathtaking technology and a heartfelt message about protecting our planet.
Transformers – $5.4 Billion
Cars that turn into robots, robots that turn into heroes – Transformers brought the Hasbro toys to life with explosive action and stunning effects. While the Michael Bay films were heavy on spectacle, spin-offs like Bumblebee added warmth and heart to the franchise. Fans come for the action but stay for the Autobots.
Despicable Me & Minions – $5.6 Billion
Gru, the Minions, and a whole lot of bananas – this franchise mixes comedy, chaos, and heart. Despicable Me started as a story about a supervillain with a soft side, and the Minions quickly became pop culture icons. The films are pure family fun, proving that sometimes the silliest characters can win the biggest hearts.
The Lord of the Rings – $6.0 Billion
Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy isn’t just a set of films – it’s a cinematic achievement. Sweeping landscapes, emotional depth, and unforgettable characters turned Tolkien’s fantasy into a box office powerhouse. The Hobbit prequels added even more to the lore, keeping Middle-earth alive for new generations.
Jurassic Park / Jurassic World – $6.8 Billion
Dinosaurs never go out of style. Jurassic Park stunned audiences in 1993 with its groundbreaking effects, and Jurassic World revived the excitement decades later. The mix of wonder and terror – seeing a dinosaur for the first time and then running from it – keeps audiences coming back for more.
Fast & Furious – $7.3 Billion
What began as a street-racing drama in 2001 has turned into a global action juggernaut. The Fast & Furious films are bigger, louder, and more outrageous with each entry – but at their heart, they’re about family. That’s what keeps fans loyal, no matter how wild the stunts get.
James Bond – $7.8 Billion
The name’s Bond. James Bond. For over 60 years, 007 has delivered suave espionage, thrilling action, and unforgettable villains. Each new Bond brings their own style, from Sean Connery’s cool charm to Daniel Craig’s gritty realism. Few franchises have endured like this one, and it shows no signs of slowing down.
Wizarding World – $9.7 Billion
From Hogwarts to the magical streets of New York, the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films have enchanted millions. The original eight films told a coming-of-age story full of friendship, bravery, and magic, while the spin-offs expanded the wizarding world. Even years later, fans still dream of stepping onto Platform 9¾.
Star Wars – $10.4 Billion
Star Wars is more than a franchise – it’s a cultural touchstone. From the original trilogy to the prequels, sequels, and spin-offs, its mix of epic storytelling and deep themes has captivated audiences for nearly five decades. Whether you’re drawn to the lightsaber duels or the emotional journeys, there’s no escaping the pull of the Force.
DC Movies – $14.3 Billion
With icons like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, DC’s cinematic universe is full of legendary heroes. While its journey has been uneven, the highs – like The Dark Knight – have been unforgettable. New reboots promise fresh stories, showing that DC’s legacy is far from over.
Marvel Movies – $48.5 Billion
The ultimate box office titan. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has turned interconnected storytelling into an art form, weaving dozens of characters into a single epic narrative. From Iron Man to Avengers: Endgame, it’s been a journey of humor, heartbreak, and heroism. No other franchise comes close to its scale or success.
These franchises prove that box office success isn’t just about money – it’s about building worlds people want to revisit again and again. From small romantic dramas to sprawling superhero sagas, every one of them found a way to capture our imaginations. And in the end, that’s worth more than any number on a spreadsheet.