51. Alvin and the Chipmunks
The cute and cuddly singing rodents are box office monsters. Their four films have grossed over $275 million each. Not bad for a reboot of a cartoon franchise from decades ago. This just goes to show you when you’ve got characters people love, milk that cash cow for all it’s worth.
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
50. Wolverine
Wolverine appears on this list as the first superhero movie franchise. And with Australian leading man Hugh Jackman as the face of the franchise, it’s no wonder the trilogy did so well. These films got decent reviews from critics, leaving fans wondering: given the success, why stop at just three movies?
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
49. Cars
Any parents of a young child know that Lightning McQueen and company are kings. Pixar struck gold with these little animated race cars and their stories. The trilogy has grossed nearly $1.5 billion and probably isn’t done yet. Why call it quits at three when you could keep going?
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
48. The Hangover
The first Hangover movie was and remains today, one of the most outrageous movies of all time. Not only did the movie launch Zach Galifianakis and Ken Jeong into the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide, but it gave momentary revivals of relevance to Mike Tyson and Phil Collins stadium anthem “In The Air Tonight.” Also, now everyone knows that tigers love pepper and hate cinnamon.
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