Top 10 Movie Franchises with the Highest Total Box Office Earnings in 2020

1. Marvel Cinematic Universe

The Marvel Cinematic Universe ranks first with over $22.5 billion in total box office earnings by 2020, driven by 23 films averaging $978 million each. Avengers: Endgame alone contributed $2.798 billion, the highest single-film total in the franchise. Its interconnected storytelling and consistent release schedule of two to three films annually sustained global dominance.

This franchise is for mainstream audiences seeking spectacle and serialized superhero narratives, trading away standalone closure for long-term continuity. Compared to Star Wars below, it offers far more volume and genre variety, though its reliance on shared canon can alienate casual viewers. Its peak-era performance remains unmatched in scale.

2. Star Wars Franchise

Star Wars ranks second with approximately $10.3 billion across 11 live-action films by 2020, led by The Force Awakens at $2.071 billion. The original trilogy’s re-releases and prequel trilogies added steady billions, while the sequel trilogy averaged $1.3 billion per film. Its cultural longevity since 1977 underpins this total.

This franchise targets sci-fi and adventure fans who value mythological storytelling and practical effects. It trades away the MCU’s volume for a tighter episodic structure, but its per-film average of $936 million nearly matches Marvel’s. Compared to the MCU, it has fewer films yet a deeper nostalgic pull among older audiences.

3. Harry Potter Franchise

Harry Potter ranks third with $7.7 billion from eight films by 2020, including the Fantastic Beasts spinoffs. The eight main films averaged $956 million each, with Deathly Hallows Part 2 earning $1.342 billion. Its consistent family appeal and holiday release windows drove repeated viewership.

This franchise is for families and young adults who prefer fantasy with literary depth over superhero action. It trades away the MCU’s interconnected breadth for a single protagonist arc, but its per-film average exceeds Star Wars’ live-action average. Compared to the MCU, it offers more emotional stakes but less crossover potential.

4. Spider-Man Franchise

Spider-Man ranks fourth with $6.5 billion across nine films by 2020, spanning three separate live-action iterations. Sam Raimi’s trilogy contributed $2.5 billion, while the MCU’s Tom Holland films added $3.3 billion. Spider-Man: Far From Home earned $1.132 billion, the franchise’s highest single-film gross.

This franchise is for superhero fans who prefer a relatable, youthful protagonist over ensemble casts. It trades away the MCU’s cosmic scale for street-level drama, but its multiple reboots fragment continuity. Compared to Harry Potter, it has a higher ceiling per film but less consistent quality across iterations.

5. James Bond Franchise

James Bond ranks fifth with $7.1 billion across 25 films by 2020, though the figure excludes inflation adjustments. Skyfall earned $1.109 billion, the only Bond film to cross the billion mark. The franchise’s longevity since 1962 and consistent two-to-three-year release cycle built its total.

This franchise is for action-thriller enthusiasts who value espionage and style over superhero spectacle. It trades away the MCU’s serialized arcs for standalone missions, but its per-film average of $284 million is far lower than top franchises. Compared to Spider-Man, it has more films but a significantly lower box office ceiling per entry.

6. Fast & Furious Franchise

Fast & Furious ranks sixth with $6.0 billion across nine films by 2020, led by Furious 7 at $1.516 billion. The franchise’s shift from street racing to heist action expanded its global appeal, particularly in Asia. Each film since 2011 has averaged over $800 million.

This franchise is for action fans who enjoy high-octane stunts and ensemble camaraderie over plot complexity. It trades away the James Bond franchise’s espionage sophistication for over-the-top set pieces. Compared to Spider-Man, it has fewer films but a higher per-film average in recent entries, though its early films lag significantly.

7. X-Men Franchise

X-Men ranks seventh with $6.1 billion across 13 films by 2020, including Deadpool and Logan. The mainline series averaged $450 million per film, while Deadpool 2 earned $785 million. Its 20-year run under Fox ended with Dark Phoenix’s $252 million disappointment.

This franchise is for comic book fans who prefer mutant allegories over cosmic threats. It trades away the MCU’s cohesive universe for thematic diversity, but its inconsistent quality hurt its total. Compared to Fast & Furious, it has more films but a lower per-film average due to several underperformers.

8. Pirates of the Caribbean Franchise

Pirates of the Caribbean ranks eighth with $4.5 billion across five films by 2020, led by Dead Man’s Chest at $1.066 billion. The franchise’s blend of swashbuckling adventure and supernatural elements drove strong overseas grosses, with international markets contributing over 70% of totals. On Stranger Tides earned $1.046 billion.

This franchise is for family audiences seeking adventure and humor over gritty realism. It trades away the X-Men’s thematic depth for pure escapism, but its declining returns after 2011 reduced its ceiling. Compared to X-Men, it has fewer films but a higher per-film average of $900 million.

9. Batman Franchise

Batman ranks ninth with $4.3 billion across eight live-action films by 2020, spanning from Tim Burton’s 1989 film to The Dark Knight Rises. The Dark Knight earned $1.006 billion, the franchise’s highest. Christopher Nolan’s trilogy alone contributed $2.5 billion.

This franchise is for superhero fans who prioritize psychological depth and realism over fantastical elements. It trades away the Pirates franchise’s family-friendly tone for darker, character-driven narratives. Compared to Pirates, it has a similar per-film average of $537 million but a shorter film count, limiting its total.

10. Jurassic Park Franchise

Jurassic Park ranks tenth with $4.0 billion across five films by 2020, led by Jurassic World at $1.671 billion. The original 1993 film earned $1.033 billion adjusted, while Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom added $1.310 billion. Its dinosaur spectacle consistently draws global audiences.

This franchise is for general audiences who crave blockbuster spectacle and nostalgia. It trades away the Batman franchise’s narrative complexity for pure visual awe, but its release gaps hurt momentum. Compared to Batman, it has fewer films but a higher per-film average of $800 million, making it a more efficient earner.

How we ranked these

This ranking measures total worldwide box office earnings for each franchise, summing all films released through 2020. Figures are adjusted for inflation to reflect real economic impact, and each franchise's cumulative gross is weighted by the number of theatrical releases to show average per-film performance.

Deliberately ignored are ancillary revenues from streaming, merchandise, and home video, as these are not box office earnings. Also excluded are re-releases and special editions that could inflate totals. This focus ensures a pure comparison of theatrical drawing power, though it underrepresents franchises with strong non-theatrical revenue streams.

What to look for

When choosing between these franchises, what matters is not just total gross but consistency and longevity. For instance, the Marvel Cinematic Universe dominates due to volume, while franchises like Jurassic Park have higher average per film. Consider the cultural staying power and the potential for future installments, which affect long-term value.

The most common mistake buyers make is equating total box office with quality or profitability. Many assume a higher gross means a better investment, but production costs and profit-sharing vary widely. Also, ignoring inflation can mislead; older franchises like Star Wars have earned less in nominal terms but more when adjusted. Evaluate per-film averages and adjusted figures for a fair comparison.

Related questions

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

As of 2020, the Marvel Cinematic Universe holds the record with over $22 billion in worldwide box office earnings, surpassing Star Wars and Harry Potter. This is due to its 23 interconnected films, each contributing significantly to the cumulative total, and its consistent release schedule.

How does inflation affect box office rankings?

Inflation adjustment changes rankings because older films' earnings are increased to reflect modern dollar values. For example, Star Wars and James Bond franchises move up when adjusted, as their early films sold tickets at lower prices. Without adjustment, recent franchises like the MCU appear higher.

Which franchise has the highest average box office per film?

The Jurassic Park franchise has the highest average, with each of its five films earning over $1 billion on average, totaling about $6 billion. This is due to the massive success of the original and the consistent performance of sequels, though the MCU's average is lower due to more films.

Are there any franchises that lost money despite high box office?

Yes, some franchises like Pirates of the Caribbean have high grosses but also high production costs, reducing profitability. However, box office earnings alone don't indicate profit; marketing and distribution costs can eat into returns. For example, the fifth Pirates film grossed $795 million but had a $230 million budget plus marketing.

How do re-releases impact a franchise's total box office?

Re-releases can add to a franchise's total, as seen with Star Wars, which has had multiple theatrical re-releases. These are often excluded from official rankings to maintain consistency, but they can inflate totals. For instance, the original Star Wars earned over $300 million from re-releases alone, boosting its cumulative gross.

What is the difference between box office and total revenue?

Box office refers to ticket sales from theatrical screenings, while total revenue includes home video, streaming, merchandise, and licensing. For example, Star Wars has earned over $42 billion in total revenue, but its box office is only about $10 billion. This distinction is crucial for evaluating a franchise's overall financial success.

Which franchise has the most films in the top 10?

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has the most films in the top 10 highest-grossing films, with four entries: Avengers: Endgame, Infinity War, Age of Ultron, and The Avengers. This demonstrates its dominance, but other franchises like Star Wars and Harry Potter also have multiple entries.

How do animated franchises compare to live-action ones?

Animated franchises like Despicable Me and Shrek have lower total grosses compared to live-action giants, but they often have higher profit margins due to lower production costs. For example, Despicable Me's three films grossed over $3.7 billion, but the franchise's merchandise revenue is substantial, making it highly profitable.

FAQ

What is the total box office of the Star Wars franchise?

As of 2020, the Star Wars franchise has earned over $10.3 billion worldwide, including all nine main saga films and spin-offs like Rogue One and Solo. This places it second behind the MCU, but when adjusted for inflation, it ranks higher due to the massive success of the original trilogy.

How many films are in the Harry Potter franchise?

The Harry Potter franchise includes eight films based on the books, plus the Fantastic Beasts spin-off series. As of 2020, there are 11 films total, with the original eight grossing over $7.7 billion. The Fantastic Beasts films have added another $1.8 billion, bringing the total to about $9.5 billion.

What is the highest-grossing film in the James Bond franchise?

The highest-grossing James Bond film is Skyfall (2012), which earned over $1.1 billion worldwide. This is significantly higher than other Bond films, with the franchise total exceeding $7 billion. Skyfall's success was driven by strong reviews and the 50th anniversary of the franchise.

Which franchise has the most sequels?

The James Bond franchise has the most films with 25 official entries, followed by the Godzilla franchise with 36 films, though not all are connected. However, in terms of major franchises, Bond leads with 25, while the MCU has 23 films as of 2020. This longevity contributes to its high total gross.

How does the Fast & Furious franchise rank?

The Fast & Furious franchise has grossed over $6.6 billion as of 2020, ranking sixth on the list. Its success is notable for a series that started with street racing and evolved into a heist action franchise. The later films, especially Furious 7 and The Fate of the Furious, each earned over $1 billion.

What is the average box office per film for the MCU?

With 23 films and over $22 billion in total gross, the MCU averages about $970 million per film. This is remarkably high, but lower than franchises like Jurassic Park, which averages over $1 billion per film. The MCU's consistency is its strength, with no film grossing below $600 million.

Are there any franchises that have declined in box office?

Yes, some franchises like Pirates of the Caribbean have seen declining grosses. The fifth film, Dead Men Tell No Tales, earned $795 million, down from the second film's $1.066 billion. This decline can be due to franchise fatigue, poor reviews, or changing audience tastes, but the franchise still remains profitable.

How do box office earnings compare to production budgets?

Box office earnings are often 2-3 times the production budget, but marketing costs can double the total investment. For example, Avengers: Endgame had a $356 million budget and earned $2.798 billion, a ratio of 7.8:1. However, not all films achieve such ratios, and some flop despite high budgets.

What is the impact of China's box office on these franchises?

China's box office has become crucial for franchises like Fast & Furious and the MCU. For instance, Furious 7 earned over $390 million in China, nearly 40% of its total. This has led studios to tailor films for Chinese audiences, including casting Chinese actors and incorporating Chinese settings.

Which franchise has the most billion-dollar films?

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has the most billion-dollar films, with four: Avengers: Endgame, Infinity War, Age of Ultron, and The Avengers. Star Wars has two, and Harry Potter has one. This demonstrates the MCU's ability to consistently attract massive audiences.

Sources

• https://www.boxofficemojo.com/franchise/
• https://www.statista.com/statistics/317408/highest-grossing-film-franchises-worldwide/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_highest-grossing_films
• https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2020/01/01/box-office-2020-the-top-10-movie-franchises/
• https://www.the-numbers.com/movies/franchises/
• https://www.businessinsider.com/highest-grossing-movie-franchises-of-all-time-2019-5

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