While some movie franchises eventually fizzle out, or end naturally, others have the unique ability to just keep releasing hit after hit. These movie franchises, and particularly those with 10 or more installments, have not only stood the test of time, but have become watershed moments in popular culture.Franchises such as these have shaped genres and continue to exert major influenceover modern movie-making.
Whether that’s tellingthe story of a galaxy far, far away, a masked serial killer, or the World’s Greatest Detective, these franchises have consistently delivered compelling narratives, intriguing characters, and absolutely incredible cinematic experiences. Their length and breadth also mean thatthese movie franchises offer something for every audience, and have sparked seemingly endless discussions about their cultural significance. Over the years, these franchises have cemented themselves as instant classics, creating enduring legacies and irrevocably shaping the art of the movie.
10Friday The 13th
12 Movies
TheFriday the 13thfranchise is likely what most people think of when they think of slasher horrors, introducing audiences to the iconic serial killer, Jason Voorhees. With his white hockey mask and machete, Jason has terrorized the big screen since the 1980s. The firstFriday the 13thmovie was released in 1980, and while Jason himself is not the slasher in it, this film launched the franchise to international fame and commercial success. What’s more impressive is that it was an independent movie, and one that has sparked a horror franchise like no other.
Of course, sometimes the movies can appear slightly repetitive, but this cannot take away from the sheer cultural influence ofFriday the 13th, particularly on slashers and horror movies. By consistently delivering the pure slasher entertainment that audiences are craving,Friday the 13thhas secured its longevity. While the franchise hasn’t released anything since 2009, thefuture ofFriday the 13this bright, with a TV show spinoff being in production, ensuring that the franchise’s legacy survives for a new generation.
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Friday the 13th Part 2
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9Halloween
13 Movies
IfFriday the 13this a temple of slasher movies, thenHalloweenis the franchise that laid the foundation for this to be built upon.John Carpenter’s 1978 movieHalloween, caused a seismic shift in the horror genre, setting a new modern standard for slashers that many movies still try and emulate today. Over the course of its 13 movies,Halloweenhas constantly evolved, adapting to constantly provide audiences with new stories concerning the iconic, and terrifying, Michael Myers.
Halloweenis the most iconic, and most influential, horror franchise of all time. It’s endearing in how it creates true suspense (with the help of Carpenter’s eerie score, of course), and has remained popular for well over forty years. The 2018 reboot saw Jamie Lee Curtis reprise her role as Laurie Strode, and spawned a successful trilogy, proving that even now,Halloweenis a cultural heavyweight of horror, and Michael Myers is still as terrifying as ever.
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Halloween
TheHalloweenfranchise, created by John Carpenter and Debra Hill, is one of the longest-running horror franchises in cinema. Debuting withHalloween(1978), it introduced audiences to Michael Myers, a masked killer terrorizing the fictional town of Haddonfield on Halloween night. Spanning over 13 films, including sequels, remakes, and reboots, the franchise centers around Michael’s relentless pursuit of his original target, Laurie Strode.Halloweenhas become a cultural staple, inspiring the slasher genre and generating comics, novels, and video games, with a new television series currently in development.
8Planet Of The Apes
10 Movies
ThePlanet of the Apesfranchise began with the groundbreaking 1968 original movie starring Charlton Heston. Based off of the 1963 novelLa Planéte des singesby Pierre Boulle, the movie tells the story of a planet inhabited entirely by apes, and the astronauts who discover it. Since then, the franchise has continued to grow and provide compelling narratives that audiences can sink their teeth into.Planet of the Apesalso has the title of the longest running sci-fi franchise in US history, cementing its permanent endurance to fans across the world (viaVariety).
A rebooted series began in 2011withRise of the Planet of the Apes, with each new installment being released to widespread commercial and critical success. A franchise that is never afraid to test the boundaries of visual effects,Planet of the Apesalso explores rich themes of evolution, animal rights, and the consequences of war. As thought-provoking as it is entertaining,Planet of the Apes' future looks bright, with its most recent installment,Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, scoring favorably with both critics and audiences (viaRotten Tomatoes).
Planet of the Apes
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Beneath the Planet of the Apes
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Escape from the Planet of the Apes
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Conquest of the Planet of the Apes
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Battle for the Planet of the Apes
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Rise of the Planet of the Apes
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Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
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War for the Planet of the Apes
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Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
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Planet of the Apes is a multimedia sci-fi franchise that began in 1963 with Pierre Boulle’s novel, which was later adapted into a film in 1968 starring Charlton Heston. The success of the movie led to four sequels, two TV shows, a remake from Tim Burton, and a reboot trilogy. The Planet of the Apes franchise has also seen success in video games and comic books.
7The Fast And The Furious
11 Movies
The true culmination of high-octane Hollywood blockbuster entertainment,The Fast and the Furiousfranchise has evolved from a small-scale street racing movie to a global phenomenon. Beginning with 2001’sThe Fast and the Furious, the franchise has now grossed well over $7 billion worldwide, with the eleventh installment,Fast XI, slated for release in 2026 (viaThe Numbers). Thrilling car chases, legendary stunts, and heart-pumping action sequences have definedThe Fast and the Furiousfranchise, turning it into a true juggernaut of Hollywood.
Occasionally, these heights become absurd, with physics being thrown out of the window, but it is these ridiculous stunts that makeThe Fast and the Furioussuch an endearing movie franchise.
It’s a franchise that manages to grapple with the duality of the rather intimate core theme of family with a narrative that continually takes the characters to new, death-defying heights. Occasionally, these heights become absurd, with physics being thrown out of the window, but it isthese ridiculous stunts that makeThe Fast and the Furioussuch an endearing movie franchise. Full of heart and passion, this is a movie franchise with one goal; to entertain, and in that regard, it certainly succeeds.
The Fast and the Furious
The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift
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Fast & Furious
The Fast & Furious franchise revs through the adrenaline-fueled lives of Dominic Toretto and his crew of street racers turned global heroes. From the neon-lit streets of Los Angeles to the bustling cities and remote outposts worldwide, they take on high-stakes heists, espionage, and the underground world of street racing. Bound by loyalty and driven by the need for speed, they confront mercenaries, corrupt officials, and personal vendettas all in the name of their found family.
6Godzilla
38 Movies
Godzilla, both the franchise and the radioactive kaiju, is an icon of cinema. With its origins in the 1954 movie, Godzilla, the franchise is constantly reinventing itself, adapting to contemporary times while maintaining the core appeal that made the original so special. It is a sprawling franchise that has seenGodzilla destroy numerous cities, fight King Kong(twice!) and various other kaiju along the way.
Whether you’re watching the original Japanese movie, or are enjoying the new Monsterverse saga, Godzilla is sure to entertain any fan of action or disaster movies. Recognized by Guinness World Records as the “longest continually running film franchise”, Godzilla truly is one of the most iconic cinematic presences of all time (viaGuinness World Records). Through a mix of sheer spectacle, occasional campy fun, and horror, Godzilla is a franchise with unmatched longevity and incredible influence.
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Godzilla
The Godzilla franchise, spanning over six decades, follows the adventures of the titular kaiju, a colossal, prehistoric sea monster awakened and empowered by nuclear radiation. Originating in Japan, Godzilla has evolved from a destructive force of nature to a protector of humanity, battling various other giant monsters, including iconic foes like King Ghidorah, Mothra, and Mechagodzilla. The series explores themes of environmental destruction, nuclear anxiety, and human resilience. With numerous films, TV series, and an expanding universe, Godzilla remains a cultural icon, captivating audiences worldwide with its epic battles and compelling narratives.
5The Wizarding World
The release ofHarry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stonein 2001 brought the iconic book series to the big screen in an incredible way. Through eightHarry Pottermovies and threeFantastic Beastsspinoffs, the Wizarding World brought the magic of Hogwarts to audiences all around the world. In particular, theHarry Pottermovies were able to display their ability to evolve and adapt along with their actors, particularly the “Golden Trio” of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson.
Both the book and movie editions ofHarry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stonewere renamed to theSorcerer’s Stonefor US readers and audiences, with publishers believing that “philosopher” sounded too archaic.
With its vivid descriptions and faithful adaptation of the book series, the Wizarding World has since become one of the greatest and highest grossing movie franchises of all time. While theFantastic Beastsmovies never really hit the same heights asHarry Potter, they nevertheless add a compelling sense of context and exposition that enriches the franchise greatly. The Wizarding World is undoubtedly an endearing franchise for all ages.
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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
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Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1
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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Harry Potter
Harry Potter is a multimedia franchise about an orphaned boy who enrolls at Hogwarts School of Wizardry, where he learns the truth about himself, his family, and the terrible evil that haunts the magical world. Adapted from the novels, Harry Potter is an eight-episode film saga that follows the journey of Harry Potter and his friends, Hermoine Granger and Ron Weasley, as they navigate the tricky world of growing up, school life, and magic. Starting from year one and moving to their seventh year, the films chronicle the students' time at Hogwarts while unfurling a sinister plot that centers around the unsuspecting Harry. With the return of the dark wizard, Voldemort, the students and professors at Hogwarts will fight to carry on as the world around them may change forever. Harry Potter has expanded beyond the world of its films and novels with several video games, a spin-off film series titled Fantastic Beasts, and even attractions at Universal Studios.
4Batman
The Caped Crusader is probably second only to Superman in being the most iconic superhero of all time, and with such legendary status comes one of the most successful movie franchises of all time. With no less than 11 films centering around the World’s Greatest Detective, theBatmanmovie franchise has been around since Adam West donned the cape in the 1966 original. Since then, the franchise has been reinvented multiple times, with each reboot providing plenty of fresh entertainment.
Whether that’s the gritty nature of Christopher Nolan’sDark Knighttrilogy or the gothic tone ofTim Burton’sBatmanandBatman Returns, this is a franchise that could appeal to literally anyone. This is a franchise that can spark endless debates about numerous topics, including who the best Batman is, who the best Joker is, and what went wrong withBatman & Robin. For almost 60 years, Batman has been a crucial part of the movie industry, a testament to the franchise’s incredible longevity.
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3James Bond
25 Movies
Based on the spy novels of Ian Fleming, the James Bond movies have become the definitive spy franchise. Starting with the release ofDr. Noin 1962, when Sean Connery stepped into the shoes of 007, the franchise has spanned 25 movies with six different lead actors. The franchise’s ability to constantly evolve and reinvent itself is one of the greatest achievements in cinematic history, with each movie providing a refreshingly new adventure for the British spy to embark upon.
This entry is only in reference to the 25 movies produced by Eon Productions. As a result,Casino Royale(1967) andNever Say Never Again(1983) are omitted.
Constant debates aboutwho will be the next James Bondare proof of the spy franchise being one of cinema’s most endearing. The gadgets, the guns, the coolness, and most importantly, the cars - all of these contribute to making James Bond one of the most significant movie leads in history. Despite some movies being lambasted by critics, the franchise has an uncanny ability to constantly pull itself to its feet and keep going, much like James Bond himself.
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James Bond
The James Bond franchise follows the adventures of British secret agent 007 as he combats global threats. With a license to kill, Bond faces off against various villains and criminal organizations, employing high-tech gadgets, espionage, and charm. The series spans multiple films, featuring exotic locations, thrilling action sequences, and memorable characters. Bond’s mission to protect the world and uphold justice remains central, making the franchise an enduring icon in the spy genre.
2The Marvel Cinematic Universe
34 Movies
It would be a naïve and contrarian oversight not to include the biggest movie franchise in cinematic history on this list. 34 movies, over $31 billion at the box office, and 10 future movies currently in various stages of development - that is the legacy of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (viaStatista). A gargantuan and unprecedented feat of cinematic achievement, the MCU has shaped the superhero genre, and cinema in general, permanently.
34 movies, over $31 billion at the box office, and 10 future movies currently in various stages of development - that is the legacy of the Marvel Cinematic Universe
From the release of Iron Man in 2008, the MCU has grown into something more than just a movie franchise. It opened the doors for cinematic universes, inspiring different studios to embark on similar ventures. It has since expanded intothe release of various TV shows on Disney+, but it is ultimately the MCU’s movies that havehad the biggest impact on popular culture.
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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Ant-Man and the Wasp
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Thor: Love and Thunder
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
1Star Wars
Potentially the most iconic movie franchise of all time,Star Warsneeds no introduction. The tales of the Jedi and the Sith from a galaxy far, far away have cemented themselves as some of the most creative and technically impressive movies of all time. Starting from the visionaryEpisode IV: A New Hope(initially just titledStar Wars) in 1977,theStar Warsfranchise has grown to dominate popular cultureacross three generations of audiences, and shows no sign of slowing down.
From the nostalgia and excellence of the Original Trilogy (1977-1983), the heart of the Prequels (1999-2005), the visionaries of the Sequels (2015-2019), and the fun of the stand-alone movies,Star Warsis a movie franchise unlike any other. Through a combination of these movies, and a host of TV shows, George Lucas' brainchild is the go-to sci-fi franchise for anyone. As accessible as it is endearing,Star Warsis the greatest movie franchise of all time.
Sources:Variety,Rotten Tomatoes,The Numbers,Guinness World Records,Statista.
Star Wars
Star Wars is a multimedia franchise that started in 1977 by creator George Lucas. After the release of Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope (originally just titled Star Wars), the franchise quickly exploded, spawning multiple sequels, prequels, TV shows, video games, comics, and much more. After Disney acquired the rights to the franchise, they quickly expanded the universe on Disney+, starting with The Mandalorian.
