Top 10 Movie Franchises with the Highest Total Box Office Earnings in 2019

1. Marvel Cinematic Universe

The Marvel Cinematic Universe ranks first because its cumulative box office through 2019 exceeded $22.5 billion worldwide, driven by 23 interconnected films. Avengers: Endgame alone grossed $2.798 billion globally, becoming the highest-grossing film of all time at that point. The franchise’s average per-film gross surpassed $978 million, unmatched by any other series. Its 2019 slate, including Captain Marvel and Spider-Man: Far From Home, added over $4 billion in a single year.

This franchise is for audiences seeking a continuous, shared narrative with consistent quality across genres, from heist thrillers to cosmic operas. It trades away standalone simplicity for serialized commitment, requiring viewers to follow multiple films for full payoff. Compared to Star Wars, which ranks below, the MCU offers broader character diversity and a more reliable release cadence, but it lacks the cultural nostalgia and single-saga focus that defines its rival.

2. Star Wars Franchise

Star Wars ranks second with a cumulative box office of approximately $10.3 billion through 2019, anchored by nine episodic films and two anthology movies. The Force Awakens contributed $2.068 billion, while The Rise of Skywalker added $1.074 billion in 2019. Its per-film average of $1.03 billion is the highest among major franchises, reflecting consistent global demand. The brand’s merchandising and re-release revenue further inflate its earnings beyond theatrical grosses.

This franchise is for viewers who value mythic storytelling, practical effects, and a generational legacy spanning four decades. It trades away narrative freshness for familiar tropes, and its 2019 output faced mixed critical reception compared to the MCU’s consistent acclaim. Versus the MCU, Star Wars has fewer films but higher per-entry earnings, yet it lacks the interconnected character arcs and studio-level production volume that give Marvel its top spot.

3. Harry Potter Franchise

Harry Potter ranks third with a cumulative box office of $9.2 billion through 2019, including the eight original films and the Fantastic Beasts spin-offs. The Deathly Hallows Part 2 grossed $1.342 billion, the series’ peak, while Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald added $654 million in 2018. The franchise’s per-film average is $920 million, driven by loyal global readership. Its 2019 earnings were minimal, with no new theatrical release that year.

This franchise is for families and fantasy enthusiasts who prize world-building and character loyalty over action spectacle. It trades away adult complexity for accessible magic, and its spin-offs have underperformed relative to the core saga. Compared to Star Wars, Harry Potter has a more consistent critical reception but a smaller per-film ceiling, and it lacks the MCU’s industrial output, making it a strong but static third.

4. James Bond Franchise

James Bond ranks fourth with a cumulative box office of $7.1 billion through 2019, spanning 25 films from Dr. No to Spectre. Spectre grossed $880 million worldwide, the series’ highest, while Skyfall reached $1.108 billion. The franchise’s per-film average is $284 million, reflecting a long tail of older releases. No Bond film was released in 2019, so its ranking relies on historical totals.

This franchise is for action-adventure purists who prefer grounded espionage over superhero fantasy. It trades away serialized continuity for standalone missions, though recent entries have built loose arcs. Compared to Harry Potter, Bond has a higher film count but a lower per-film gross, and its audience skews older and more male. Its 2020 entry, No Time to Die, was delayed, leaving its 2019 standing static.

5. X-Men Franchise

X-Men ranks fifth with a cumulative box office of $6.0 billion through 2019, including 13 films from X-Men to Dark Phoenix. Dark Phoenix grossed only $252 million, the lowest of the mainline series, while Days of Future Past peaked at $747 million. The franchise’s per-film average is $462 million, boosted by spin-offs like Deadpool and Logan. Its 2019 release, Dark Phoenix, underperformed, capping the series before Disney’s acquisition.

This franchise is for superhero fans who prefer mutant-focused stories with themes of discrimination and identity. It trades away MCU-level cohesion for standalone experiments, resulting in uneven quality. Compared to James Bond, X-Men has a higher per-film average but a shorter history, and its 2019 failure contrasts with Bond’s stable legacy. It remains a strong fifth due to its cultural impact and Deadpool’s breakout success.

6. Fast & Furious Franchise

Fast & Furious ranks sixth with a cumulative box office of $5.9 billion through 2019, spanning nine films from The Fast and the Furious to Hobbs & Shaw. Furious 7 grossed $1.516 billion, the series’ peak, while Hobbs & Shaw added $759 million in 2019. The franchise’s per-film average is $656 million, driven by global appeal in emerging markets. Its 2019 release, Hobbs & Shaw, was a spin-off that maintained momentum.

This franchise is for audiences who enjoy high-octane action, family themes, and practical stunts over plot complexity. It trades away critical prestige for consistent box office returns, with films often scoring below 70% on Rotten Tomatoes. Compared to X-Men, Fast & Furious has a higher per-film average and a more reliable 2019 performance, but it lacks the superhero genre’s cultural breadth. Its appeal is niche but loyal, securing sixth place.

7. Jurassic Park Franchise

Jurassic Park ranks seventh with a cumulative box office of $5.0 billion through 2019, spanning five films from Jurassic Park to Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. Jurassic World grossed $1.671 billion, the series’ highest, while Fallen Kingdom added $1.310 billion in 2018. The franchise’s per-film average is $1.0 billion, the second-highest among major series. No film was released in 2019, so its ranking rests on prior earnings.

This franchise is for general audiences who seek spectacle-driven adventure with prehistoric thrills. It trades away character depth for visual effects and set-piece sequences, and its recent films have been criticized for formulaic plots. Compared to Fast & Furious, Jurassic Park has a higher per-film average but fewer installments, and its 2019 absence contrasts with the action series’ active release. It remains a strong seventh due to its iconic brand.

8. Transformers Franchise

Transformers ranks eighth with a cumulative box office of $4.8 billion through 2019, spanning six films from Transformers to Bumblebee. Transformers: Age of Extinction grossed $1.104 billion, the series’ peak, while Bumblebee added $468 million in 2018. The franchise’s per-film average is $800 million, driven by international markets, especially China. No film was released in 2019, leaving its total static.

This franchise is for action fans who prioritize robot battles and visual chaos over narrative coherence. It trades away critical approval for box office might, with most entries scoring below 30% on Rotten Tomatoes. Compared to Jurassic Park, Transformers has a lower per-film average and a more divisive reception, but it shares a similar reliance on spectacle. Its 2019 inactivity places it eighth, ahead of smaller franchises.

9. Pirates of the Caribbean Franchise

Pirates of the Caribbean ranks ninth with a cumulative box office of $4.5 billion through 2019, spanning five films from The Curse of the Black Pearl to Dead Men Tell No Tales. Dead Man’s Chest grossed $1.066 billion, the series’ peak, while Dead Men Tell No Tales added $794 million in 2017. The franchise’s per-film average is $900 million, reflecting consistent global appeal. No film was released in 2019, so its ranking is historical.

This franchise is for viewers who enjoy swashbuckling adventure, supernatural elements, and Johnny Depp’s iconic portrayal of Jack Sparrow. It trades away narrative tightness for overstuffed plots and diminishing returns in later installments. Compared to Transformers, Pirates has a higher per-film average but a shorter run, and its 2019 absence mirrors the robot series’ inactivity. It remains a solid ninth due to its merchandising and theme park tie-ins.

10. Mission: Impossible Franchise

Mission: Impossible ranks tenth with a cumulative box office of $3.5 billion through 2019, spanning six films from the original to Fallout. Fallout grossed $791 million, the series’ highest, while Rogue Nation added $682 million in 2015. The franchise’s per-film average is $583 million, driven by Tom Cruise’s stunt-driven appeal. No film was released in 2019, but the series’ consistent quality and 2018’s success secure its position.

This franchise is for thriller and action fans who value practical stunts and espionage realism over CGI-heavy spectacle. It trades away franchise-wide continuity for self-contained missions, though it builds on Ethan Hunt’s arc. Compared to Pirates of the Caribbean, Mission: Impossible has a lower cumulative total but a higher critical rating, with Fallout scoring 97% on Rotten Tomatoes. Its smaller scale and dedicated following place it tenth.

How we ranked these

This ranking measured total worldwide box office earnings for each franchise through 2019, including all releases, re-releases, and adjusted for inflation where applicable. Weighting favored franchises with consistent performance across multiple installments, giving higher scores to those with sustained audience engagement and cultural impact over time.

Deliberately ignored were ancillary revenues such as merchandise, streaming, and home video sales, which can significantly inflate a franchise's overall value. Also excluded were unproduced projects and films not officially part of the franchise canon. This focus on theatrical box office alone provides a clear, comparable metric, though it may underrepresent franchises with strong non-theatrical revenue streams.

What to look for

When choosing between these franchises, consider long-term fan loyalty, brand extensibility, and the strength of the intellectual property. A franchise with a dedicated fanbase and multiple successful spinoffs, like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, offers more sustainable growth than a one-hit wonder. Evaluate the production quality, storytelling consistency, and the ability to adapt to changing audience preferences.

The mistake most buyers make is overvaluing past box office numbers without assessing future potential. A franchise may have earned billions but could be nearing creative exhaustion or facing audience fatigue. Conversely, a smaller franchise with a passionate niche following might offer better long-term returns. Look beyond the numbers to the underlying assets, such as characters, worlds, and storytelling potential, which drive enduring success.

Related questions

What are the top 10 movie franchises by box office earnings in 2019?

The top 10 included Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Spider-Man, James Bond, Avengers (as part of MCU), Fast & Furious, Jurassic Park, Transformers, and Batman. These franchises had cumulative earnings ranging from over $20 billion for MCU to around $6 billion for Batman.

How does the Marvel Cinematic Universe compare to Star Wars in box office?

As of 2019, the MCU had earned over $22 billion globally, while Star Wars had earned around $10 billion. The MCU's advantage comes from a larger number of films (23 vs 11) and consistent high-grossing releases, whereas Star Wars has fewer but often blockbuster-level entries.

Which franchise has the highest average box office per film?

Among the top 10, the Avengers franchise (a subset of MCU) had the highest average, with each of its four films grossing over $1.5 billion. Star Wars also had a high average, but Avengers' four films all crossed the $1 billion mark, making it the most consistent performer.

Are these rankings adjusted for inflation?

The ranking provided in the source material is based on nominal box office earnings without inflation adjustment. This means older franchises like James Bond may appear lower than they would be if adjusted, as ticket prices were lower in the past.

What is the total box office for the Harry Potter franchise?

The Harry Potter franchise, including the eight main films and the Fantastic Beasts spinoffs, had earned over $9 billion by 2019. The original eight films alone grossed approximately $7.7 billion, with the spinoffs adding another $1.8 billion.

How many films are in the Fast & Furious franchise?

By 2019, the Fast & Furious franchise had nine main films, including the 2019 spinoff 'Hobbs & Shaw'. The franchise had grossed over $6 billion worldwide, with each film typically earning between $500 million and $1.5 billion.

Which franchise has the most films in the top 10?

The Marvel Cinematic Universe had the most films, with 23 releases by 2019, all of which contributed to its top ranking. Other franchises like James Bond had 25 films, but many older ones earned less, so the MCU's consistent high grosses gave it the top spot.

What is the lowest-grossing franchise in the top 10?

The Batman franchise, including all live-action and animated films, had the lowest cumulative earnings among the top 10, with approximately $6 billion. This is due to fewer high-grossing films and several lower-performing entries.

FAQ

What is the highest-grossing movie franchise of all time?

As of 2019, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is the highest-grossing franchise, with over $22 billion in worldwide box office earnings. This is largely due to its interconnected storytelling and consistent release schedule, with multiple films grossing over $1 billion each.

How are box office earnings calculated for franchises?

Box office earnings are calculated by summing the worldwide theatrical gross of every film in the franchise. This includes re-releases and special editions. The figures are typically in nominal dollars, not adjusted for inflation, which can affect comparisons across different eras.

Why is the MCU so successful at the box office?

The MCU's success stems from its interconnected universe, high production values, and strong fan engagement. Each film builds on previous ones, creating a sense of continuity and anticipation. Additionally, the franchise has a diverse range of characters and genres, appealing to a broad audience.

Does the ranking include animated films?

Yes, the ranking includes all theatrical releases, including animated films. For example, the Batman franchise includes animated movies like 'The Lego Batman Movie' and various direct-to-video animated features that had theatrical releases in some markets.

What is the average box office per film for the top 10?

The average varies widely. For the MCU, it's about $950 million per film. For Star Wars, it's around $900 million. For franchises like Transformers, the average is lower, around $700 million, due to fewer films and some underperformers.

Are there any franchises that dropped out of the top 10?

Yes, franchises like 'The Hunger Games' and 'Pirates of the Caribbean' were in the top 10 in earlier years but fell out by 2019 due to newer releases from other franchises. Their cumulative earnings were surpassed by more active franchises.

How does the James Bond franchise compare to others?

James Bond has 25 films, but its cumulative earnings are around $7 billion, placing it fifth. Its per-film average is lower than many newer franchises because older films earned less in nominal terms. However, it remains one of the most enduring franchises.

What is the impact of re-releases on box office totals?

Re-releases can add significant amounts to a franchise's total. For example, 'Star Wars' re-releases have added hundreds of millions to its total. However, the ranking uses official cumulative figures that include these re-releases, so they are already factored in.

Which franchise has the highest single film gross?

The highest single film gross among the top 10 is 'Avengers: Endgame' (2019), which earned over $2.7 billion worldwide. This is the highest-grossing film of all time, surpassing 'Avatar' (2009) which is not in this franchise list.

Are these rankings based on worldwide or domestic box office?

The rankings are based on worldwide box office earnings, which include all international markets. This is standard for such comparisons, as it reflects a franchise's global appeal. Domestic (US and Canada) earnings are often a smaller portion of the total.

Sources

• https://www.boxofficemojo.com/franchise/
• https://www.statista.com/statistics/317408/highest-grossing-film-franchises/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_highest-grossing_films
• https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2019/12/26/box-office-the-top-10-highest-grossing-movie-franchises-of-all-time/
• https://www.the-numbers.com/movies/franchises/

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