In case anyone tries to tell you that streaming services are killing the movie industry, don’t believe them. Global box office revenue racked up 41 billion dollars in 2018. Hollywood is doing just fine.
One trend observers of the film industry have noticed is an increase in the sequel and multiple-episode franchise films. You know these brands. We’re talking about franchises like Marvel, Star Wars, and The Terminator, to name a few.
Some complain that Hollywood has run out of ideas and just keep recycling the same old stuff. Well, they’re only making what we keep watching.
In response to this, we’ve put together a list of the highest-grossing movie franchises of all time. Take a look, the results are staggering and sometimes surprising.
55. Fifty Shades
This franchise was met with huge anticipation due to the incredible following the book series created. Were the movies that great? Not really. But then again, neither were the books. The subject matter, however, is what drew the masses to see these three films.
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
54. Alice in Wonderland
This star-studded remake of the classic cartoon version got butts in seats despite underwhelming reviews from critics. These films included such stars as Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham-Carter, Johnny Depp, and more. Tim Burton again worked his dark magic with his favorite stars to the tune of over a billion dollars at the box office.
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
53. Night at the Museum
Without any sort of execution, this would have been a great movie series. Seriously, what a cool idea. It’s a fantasy of most children that the things around them come to life. Combine that idea with the comedic genius of Ben Stiller and the late, great Robin Williams, and you have a hit.
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
52. Hotel Transylvania
With the growing popularity of Halloween in popular culture, it’s no surprise that we would find a Halloween movie on this list. While Dracula may be a scary vampire, there’s not much scary about a cartoon Dracula voiced by Adam Sandler. The same goes for the rest of the cast of characters voiced by Selena Gomez and Andy Samberg, among others.
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