Entry #4 Popular Film Franchises

Hollywood has always relied on popular film franchises as many of them have evolved into cultural phenomena that have had a variety of effects on pop culture. Here is a brief overview of some of the all-time biggest film franchises.

Rocky/Creed (1979-present)

Sylvester Stallone developed the script for the first film and the success was attributed in part to its inspiring story of an underdog who overcomes nearly impossible obstacles to realize his dream, as well as to its classic training sequence and famous soundtrack. As a result of the initial film's popularity, eight more were made with Sylvester Stallone staring as Rocky Balboa until passing the role to Michael B. Jordan in Creed. The Rocky franchise has grossed a total of $1.6 billion at the worldwide box office (Prior to Creed III). 

James Bond (1962-present)

The first James Bond film, "Dr. No," released in 1962, starred Sean Connery as the smooth and clever British agent. Since then, the series has generated 25 motion pictures, with Bond being portrayed by six different actors. The films have made nearly $7 billion in worldwide box office and are renowned for its classic themes, weaponry, and bad guys.

Star Wars (1977-present)

The Star Wars franchise began with the 1977 movie "Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope," which introduced audiences to a galaxy far, far away and launched a cultural phenomenon that continues to this day. The franchise has produced 11 movies, including the main saga, spinoffs, and standalone films, and has grossed over $10 billion worldwide. The movies have become known for their epic space battles, iconic characters, and philosophical themes.

Indiana Jones (1981-present)

The Indiana Jones franchise began with the 1981 movie "Raiders of the Lost Ark," starring Harrison Ford as the adventurous archaeologist who travels the world in search of ancient artifacts. The franchise has produced four movies, with a fifth film "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destin" set to be released in 2023, and has grossed over $2 billion worldwide (Prior to "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destin"). The movies have become known for their thrilling action sequences, humor, and sense of adventure.

Jurassic Park (1993-present)

The Jurassic Park franchise began with the 1993 movie of the same name, based on the novel by Michael Crichton, which introduced audiences to a world where dinosaurs were brought back to life through genetic engineering. The franchise has produced six movies, with a short-film "Battle at Big Rock" and has grossed over $5 billion worldwide. The movies have become known for their groundbreaking special effects, thrilling action, and exploration of ethical and scientific issues.

Harry Potter (2001-2011)

The Harry Potter franchise began with the 2001 movie "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," based on the novel by J.K. Rowling, which introduced audiences to a magical world of wizards and witches. The franchise produced eight movies, with a spinoff series, "Fantastic Beasts," set in the same universe. The story has also been adapted to a video game based in Hogwarts and the lore within the series with the game "Hogwarts Legacy". The franchise has grossed over $9 billion worldwide and has become known for its immersive world-building, memorable characters, and exploration of themes such as love, friendship, and good vs. evil.

Marvel Cinematic Universe (2008-present)

The Marvel Cinematic Universe began with the 2008 movie "Iron Man," which introduced audiences to a world of superheroes and villains based on the Marvel Comics characters. The franchise has produced 31 movies (Prior to "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3"), with more planned for the future, and has grossed over $22 billion worldwide. The movies have become known for their interconnected storylines, post-credit scenes, and memorable characters such as Iron Man, Captain America, Spider-Man, and Thor. This film universe only continues to grow and has recently adapted original tv-shows and specials. Marvel and Disney have content planned for the next decade with "The Multiverse Sage".  

Batman (1989-present)

Over the years, numerous films have been made featuring the Caped Crusader, each with their own unique take on the character. One of the most iconic interpretations of Batman was by actor Michael Keaton in Tim Burton's 1989 film "Batman" and its sequel "Batman Returns" in 1992 . Christopher Nolan's "Dark Knight" trilogy, featuring Christian Bale as Batman, was also highly acclaimed for its more realistic and gritty take on the character. Ben Affleck took the role of the worlds greatest detective in "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice", "Suicide Squad", "Justice League", and "Zack Snyder's Justice League". Both Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton will make their final appearance as Batman in "The Flash" releasing 2023. The most recent addition to the Batman film universe is Matt Reeves' "The Batman" released in 2022 starring Robert Pattinson as a younger, more inexperienced Batman.