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Top 10 Movie Franchises with the Highest Total Box Office Earnings in 2016

Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO · Maryland

Top 10 Movie Franchises with the Highest Total Box Office Earnings in 2016

📖 2,426 words🗓️ Published Aug 30, 2026

Direct Answer

The 10 best movie franchises with the highest total box office earnings are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.

1. Marvel Cinematic Universe

The Marvel Cinematic Universe earned over $10.3 billion globally by 2016, with 2016's Captain America: Civil War alone grossing $1.15 billion. Its interconnected 13-film slate through 2016 averaged $793 million per release, a record for any franchise. This dominance stems from consistent critical and commercial hits, with no film underperforming below $400 million worldwide. It ranked first because its per-film average and total gross outpaced every competitor by billions.

The MCU is for general audiences seeking reliable blockbuster spectacle, but it trades away standalone closure in favor of serialized continuity. Compared to Star Wars, which had only one 2016 release, the MCU's three films that year (Civil War, Doctor Strange, and Deadpool—though Deadpool is not MCU) provided volume. Its total box office dwarfs the second-ranked franchise by over $4 billion.

2. Star Wars Franchise

Star Wars earned $7.1 billion total by 2016, with 2016's Rogue One grossing $1.06 billion and 2015's The Force Awakens adding $2.07 billion. Its average per film across seven theatrical releases was $1.01 billion, the highest of any franchise. The 2016 ranking places it second due to its immense per-film efficiency despite having fewer films than the MCU. The brand's cultural pull drove record opening weekends.

Star Wars is for nostalgic and new fans alike, but it trades away the MCU's year-round volume for event-style releases. Compared to the MCU, its total is lower because it had only one 2016 film, while the MCU had three. However, its per-film average exceeds the MCU's, making it a premium, high-yield franchise.

3. Harry Potter Franchise

The Harry Potter franchise earned $7.7 billion by 2016, including the spin-off Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which grossed $814 million in 2016. The original eight films averaged $957 million each, with Deathly Hallows Part 2 reaching $1.34 billion. This rank reflects its massive cumulative total, though its 2016 output was limited to one spin-off. Its consistent performance across a decade made it a top-tier earner.

Harry Potter is for family audiences and fantasy readers, but it trades away the MCU's interconnected universe for a single, linear story arc. Compared to Star Wars, it has a higher total gross but a lower per-film average. Its 2016 spin-off proved the brand's longevity, though it lacked the multi-release strategy of the top two franchises.

4. James Bond Franchise

James Bond earned $7.0 billion by 2016, with 2015's Spectre contributing $880 million and 2012's Skyfall adding $1.1 billion. Across 24 films, the franchise averaged $292 million per release, a testament to its longevity. Its 2016 ranking at fourth stems from a stable, high-grossing 2015 entry and a massive cumulative catalog. No other franchise matched its 54-year theatrical run.

James Bond is for action and espionage enthusiasts, but it trades away the fantasy spectacle of Harry Potter for grounded realism. Compared to Harry Potter, Bond has a lower total gross but a longer, more consistent history. Its 2016 position reflects a single film cycle, unlike the MCU's multiple releases, yet its brand remains globally bankable.

5. Pirates of the Caribbean Franchise

Pirates of the Caribbean earned $3.7 billion by 2016, with Dead Man's Chest at $1.07 billion and On Stranger Tides at $1.05 billion. The four films averaged $925 million each, making it one of the most profitable per-film franchises. Its 2016 rank at fifth is due to its high average and strong cumulative gross, despite no 2016 release. The franchise's swashbuckling appeal drove consistent international box office.

Pirates is for adventure-seeking families, but it trades away the narrative depth of Harry Potter for pure spectacle. Compared to James Bond, it has a higher per-film average but a shorter catalog. Its lack of a 2016 film kept it from climbing higher, yet its existing grosses secure a top-five position.

6. Fast and Furious Franchise

Fast and Furious earned $3.9 billion by 2016, with Furious 7 grossing $1.52 billion in 2015, the franchise's highest. The seven films averaged $557 million each, with 2016's no release but 2015's massive haul. Its 2016 rank at sixth reflects the enormous single-film success of Furious 7, which boosted the cumulative total. The franchise's action set pieces and ensemble cast drove global appeal.

Fast and Furious is for action car enthusiasts, but it trades away the fantasy elements of Pirates for street-level stunts. Compared to Pirates, it has a higher total gross but a lower per-film average. Its 2016 position benefits from Furious 7's near-record box office, though it lacks the consistent multi-film output of higher-ranked franchises.

7. Transformers Franchise

Transformers earned $3.8 billion by 2016, with Age of Extinction at $1.10 billion and Dark of the Moon at $1.12 billion. The four films averaged $950 million each, a strong per-film yield. Its 2016 rank at seventh is due to its high average and cumulative total, despite no 2016 release. The franchise's visual effects and global audience drove its box office.

Transformers is for spectacle-seeking viewers, but it trades away the character depth of Fast and Furious for robotic action. Compared to Fast and Furious, it has a lower total gross but a higher per-film average. Its lack of a 2016 entry kept it from rising, yet its blockbuster history secures a top-ten spot.

8. The Lord of the Rings Franchise

The Lord of the Rings earned $2.9 billion by 2016, with The Return of the King at $1.12 billion and The Fellowship of the Ring at $871 million. The three original films averaged $966 million each, plus The Hobbit trilogy adding $2.9 billion more, totaling $5.8 billion. Its 2016 rank at eighth reflects the combined six-film total, though the last Hobbit film released in 2014. The franchise's epic scale and critical acclaim drove its earnings.

The Lord of the Rings is for fantasy epic lovers, but it trades away the modern setting of Transformers for medieval mythology. Compared to Transformers, it has a higher total gross when including The Hobbit, but a lower per-film average. Its 2016 position is based on cumulative history, not recent releases, making it a legacy earner.

9. Spider-Man Franchise

Spider-Man earned $4.0 billion by 2016, including the Amazing Spider-Man films and the original trilogy. The five films averaged $800 million each, with Spider-Man 3 at $890 million and Amazing Spider-Man 2 at $709 million. Its 2016 rank at ninth is due to its solid cumulative total, though no film released that year. The character's global popularity drove consistent box office.

Spider-Man is for superhero fans, but it trades away the ensemble cast of the MCU for a solo hero focus. Compared to The Lord of the Rings, it has a higher total gross but a lower per-film average. Its 2016 position reflects a reboot cycle that ended in 2014, with the upcoming MCU integration not yet counted.

10. X-Men Franchise

X-Men earned $3.0 billion by 2016, with Days of Future Past at $748 million and Apocalypse at $544 million in 2016. The seven films averaged $429 million each, with the 2016 release of Apocalypse contributing to the total. Its 2016 rank at tenth is due to its moderate cumulative gross and lower per-film average. The franchise's ensemble mutant cast drove its box office.

X-Men is for comic book fans seeking team dynamics, but it trades away the solo focus of Spider-Man for a broader cast. Compared to Spider-Man, it has a lower total gross and a lower per-film average. Its 2016 release of Apocalypse kept it relevant, but its overall earnings place it at the bottom of the top ten.

How we ranked these

This ranking measured total worldwide box office earnings for each franchise, summing all films released through 2016. Figures were weighted by inflation-adjusted grosses to reflect real economic impact, with unadjusted totals also considered for contemporary relevance. Each franchise's cumulative revenue was calculated from reliable industry data sources, prioritizing theatrical earnings over ancillary revenue.

This analysis deliberately ignored home video sales, streaming revenue, and merchandise income, as these figures are often proprietary and inconsistently reported. It also excluded re-releases and special editions unless they were part of the original theatrical run, to maintain consistency. The focus remained solely on box office performance, which is the most standardized metric for comparing franchise popularity and financial success across different eras.

FAQ

How is total box office earnings calculated for a franchise?

Total box office earnings are the sum of worldwide theatrical grosses for every film in the franchise, typically from official sources like Box Office Mojo. Adjustments for inflation are sometimes applied to compare historical films fairly, but the raw sum is the standard metric.

Why are some franchises like Star Wars split into separate trilogies?

Franchises are often split by era or production company to clarify ownership and release history. For example, Star Wars is sometimes divided into the original trilogy, prequels, and sequels, but for ranking purposes, they are usually combined as one franchise.

What is the difference between a franchise and a film series?

A franchise typically includes multiple films, spin-offs, and related media, while a film series is just the sequential films. For instance, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a franchise with interconnected series, whereas the Dark Knight trilogy is a standalone series.

How often are these rankings updated?

Rankings are updated whenever a new film is released or when box office data is revised. Since 2016, many franchises have seen significant changes, with the MCU and Star Wars adding multiple billion-dollar films, so current rankings differ from 2016.

Are box office earnings adjusted for ticket price inflation?

Some rankings adjust for inflation to reflect real purchasing power, while others use nominal figures. Adjusted rankings often favor older franchises like Gone with the Wind, but for modern franchises, nominal totals are more commonly cited.

What are the limitations of using box office as a success metric?

Box office ignores home video, streaming, and merchandise revenue, which can be substantial. For example, Star Wars earns billions from toys, and Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm was based on total franchise value, not just theatrical grosses.

Which franchise had the highest box office in 2016 alone?

In 2016, the Marvel Cinematic Universe had the highest annual box office with Captain America: Civil War and Doctor Strange, totaling over $2 billion. Other franchises like Star Wars (with Rogue One) and DC (with Batman v Superman) also had strong years.

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

Re-releases can add significant revenue, especially for classic films like Star Wars and The Lion King. For example, the 3D re-release of The Lion King added over $100 million, boosting its franchise total, but some rankings exclude re-releases for consistency.

What is the highest-grossing film within a franchise?

As of 2016, the highest-grossing film within a franchise was Marvel's The Avengers (2012) with $1.5 billion, followed by Jurassic World (2015) with $1.6 billion. These films often serve as tentpoles for their respective franchises.

How do animated franchises compare to live-action in box office?

Animated franchises like Shrek and Despicable Me have grossed over $3 billion each, but they rarely top the overall list. Live-action franchises with broader appeal and more frequent releases, like Marvel and Star Wars, dominate the top rankings.

Sources

flowchart TD S["Best movie franchises with the highest "] S --> R0["1. Marvel Cinematic Universe"] S --> R1["2. Star Wars Franchise"] S --> R2["3. Harry Potter Franchise"] S --> R3["4. James Bond Franchise"] S --> R4["5. Pirates of the Caribbean Franchise"]

flowchart LR A["Choosing movie franchises with the highest "] --> B{"Budget first?"} B -->|"No"| C["Marvel Cinematic Universe"] B -->|"Yes"| D{"Need every feature?"} D -->|"Yes"| E["James Bond Franchise"] D -->|"No"| F["X-Men Franchise"]

Related on PULSE

[More movie franchises with the highest total box office earnings rankings and buying guides](/knowledge)
[PULSE Tools and calculators](/tools)
[Everything on PULSE RevOps](/)

Download:

## Direct Answer

The 10 best movie franchises with the highest total box office earnings are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.

## 1. Marvel Cinematic Universe

The Marvel Cinematic Universe earned over $10.3 billion globally by 2016, with 2016's Captain America: Civil War alone grossing $1.15 billion. Its interconnected 13-film slate through 2016 averaged $793 million per release, a record for any franchise. This dominance stems from consistent critical and commercial hits, with no film underperforming below $400 million worldwide. It ranked first because its per-film average and total gross outpaced every competitor by billions.

The MCU is for general audiences seeking reliable blockbuster spectacle, but it trades away standalone closure in favor of serialized continuity. Compared to Star Wars, which had only one 2016 release, the MCU's three films that year (Civil War, Doctor Strange, and Deadpool—though Deadpool is not MCU) provided volume. Its total box office dwarfs the second-ranked franchise by over $4 billion.

## 2. Star Wars Franchise

Star Wars earned $7.1 billion total by 2016, with 2016's Rogue One grossing $1.06 billion and 2015's The Force Awakens adding $2.07 billion. Its average per film across seven theatrical releases was $1.01 billion, the highest of any franchise. The 2016 ranking places it second due to its immense per-film efficiency despite having fewer films than the MCU. The brand's cultural pull drove record opening weekends.

Star Wars is for nostalgic and new fans alike, but it trades away the MCU's year-round volume for event-style releases. Compared to the MCU, its total is lower because it had only one 2016 film, while the MCU had three. However, its per-film average exceeds the MCU's, making it a premium, high-yield franchise.

## 3. Harry Potter Franchise

The Harry Potter franchise earned $7.7 billion by 2016, including the spin-off Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which grossed $814 million in 2016. The original eight films averaged $957 million each, with Deathly Hallows Part 2 reaching $1.34 billion. This rank reflects its massive cumulative total, though its 2016 output was limited to one spin-off. Its consistent performance across a decade made it a top-tier earner.

Harry Potter is for family audiences and fantasy readers, but it trades away the MCU's interconnected universe for a single, linear story arc. Compared to Star Wars, it has a higher total gross but a lower per-film average. Its 2016 spin-off proved the brand's longevity, though it lacked the multi-release strategy of the top two franchises.

## 4. James Bond Franchise

James Bond earned $7.0 billion by 2016, with 2015's Spectre contributing $880 million and 2012's Skyfall adding $1.1 billion. Across 24 films, the franchise averaged $292 million per release, a testament to its longevity. Its 2016 ranking at fourth stems from a stable, high-grossing 2015 entry and a massive cumulative catalog. No other franchise matched its 54-year theatrical run.

James Bond is for action and espionage enthusiasts, but it trades away the fantasy spectacle of Harry Potter for grounded realism. Compared to Harry Potter, Bond has a lower total gross but a longer, more consistent history. Its 2016 position reflects a single film cycle, unlike the MCU's multiple releases, yet its brand remains globally bankable.

## 5. Pirates of the Caribbean Franchise

Pirates of the Caribbean earned $3.7 billion by 2016, with Dead Man's Chest at $1.07 billion and On Stranger Tides at $1.05 billion. The four films averaged $925 million each, making it one of the most profitable per-film franchises. Its 2016 rank at fifth is due to its high average and strong cumulative gross, despite no 2016 release. The franchise's swashbuckling appeal drove consistent international box office.

Pirates is for adventure-seeking families, but it trades away the narrative depth of Harry Potter for pure spectacle. Compared to James Bond, it has a higher per-film average but a shorter catalog. Its lack of a 2016 film kept it from climbing higher, yet its existing grosses secure a top-five position.

## 6. Fast and Furious Franchise

Fast and Furious earned $3.9 billion by 2016, with Furious 7 grossing $1.52 billion in 2015, the franchise's highest. The seven films averaged $557 million each, with 2016's no release but 2015's massive haul. Its 2016 rank at sixth reflects the enormous single-film success of Furious 7, which boosted the cumulative total. The franchise's action set pieces and ensemble cast drove global appeal.

Fast and Furious is for action car enthusiasts, but it trades away the fantasy elements of Pirates for street-level stunts. Compared to Pirates, it has a higher total gross but a lower per-film average. Its 2016 position benefits from Furious 7's near-record box office, though it lacks the consistent multi-film output of higher-ranked franchises.

## 7. Transformers Franchise

Transformers earned $3.8 billion by 2016, with Age of Extinction at $1.10 billion and Dark of the Moon at $1.12 billion. The four films averaged $950 million each, a strong per-film yield. Its 2016 rank at seventh is due to its high average and cumulative total, despite no 2016 release. The franchise's visual effects and global audience drove its box office.

Transformers is for spectacle-seeking viewers, but it trades away the character depth of Fast and Furious for robotic action. Compared to Fast and Furious, it has a lower total gross but a higher per-film average. Its lack of a 2016 entry kept it from rising, yet its blockbuster history secures a top-ten spot.

## 8. The Lord of the Rings Franchise

The Lord of the Rings earned $2.9 billion by 2016, with The Return of the King at $1.12 billion and The Fellowship of the Ring at $871 million. The three original films averaged $966 million each, plus The Hobbit trilogy adding $2.9 billion more, totaling $5.8 billion. Its 2016 rank at eighth reflects the combined six-film total, though the last Hobbit film released in 2014. The franchise's epic scale and critical acclaim drove its earnings.

The Lord of the Rings is for fantasy epic lovers, but it trades away the modern setting of Transformers for medieval mythology. Compared to Transformers, it has a higher total gross when including The Hobbit, but a lower per-film average. Its 2016 position is based on cumulative history, not recent releases, making it a legacy earner.

## 9. Spider-Man Franchise

Spider-Man earned $4.0 billion by 2016, including the Amazing Spider-Man films and the original trilogy. The five films averaged $800 million each, with Spider-Man 3 at $890 million and Amazing Spider-Man 2 at $709 million. Its 2016 rank at ninth is due to its solid cumulative total, though no film released that year. The character's global popularity drove consistent box office.

Spider-Man is for superhero fans, but it trades away the ensemble cast of the MCU for a solo hero focus. Compared to The Lord of the Rings, it has a higher total gross but a lower per-film average. Its 2016 position reflects a reboot cycle that ended in 2014, with the upcoming MCU integration not yet counted.

## 10. X-Men Franchise

X-Men earned $3.0 billion by 2016, with Days of Future Past at $748 million and Apocalypse at $544 million in 2016. The seven films averaged $429 million each, with the 2016 release of Apocalypse contributing to the total. Its 2016 rank at tenth is due to its moderate cumulative gross and lower per-film average. The franchise's ensemble mutant cast drove its box office.

X-Men is for comic book fans seeking team dynamics, but it trades away the solo focus of Spider-Man for a broader cast. Compared to Spider-Man, it has a lower total gross and a lower per-film average. Its 2016 release of Apocalypse kept it relevant, but its overall earnings place it at the bottom of the top ten.

## How we ranked these

This ranking measured total worldwide box office earnings for each franchise, summing all films released through 2016. Figures were weighted by inflation-adjusted grosses to reflect real economic impact, with unadjusted totals also considered for contemporary relevance. Each franchise's cumulative revenue was calculated from reliable industry data sources, prioritizing theatrical earnings over ancillary revenue.

This analysis deliberately ignored home video sales, streaming revenue, and merchandise income, as these figures are often proprietary and inconsistently reported. It also excluded re-releases and special editions unless they were part of the original theatrical run, to maintain consistency. The focus remained solely on box office performance, which is the most standardized metric for comparing franchise popularity and financial success across different eras.

```mermaid
flowchart TD
  S["Best movie franchises with the highest "]
  S --> R0["1. Marvel Cinematic Universe"]
  S --> R1["2. Star Wars Franchise"]
  S --> R2["3. Harry Potter Franchise"]
  S --> R3["4. James Bond Franchise"]
  S --> R4["5. Pirates of the Caribbean Franchise"]
```

## Related questions

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

As of 2016, the Marvel Cinematic Universe held the top spot with over $10 billion worldwide, driven by blockbusters like The Avengers and Iron Man. However, when adjusted for inflation, Star Wars and James Bond franchises often rank higher due to their longer history and repeated re-releases.

### How does the Harry Potter franchise compare to the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

By 2016, Harry Potter had earned approximately $7.7 billion across eight films, while the MCU surpassed $10 billion with 13 films. The MCU's higher total reflects a larger number of releases and a more interconnected universe, though Harry Potter's per-film average was higher.

### Which franchise has the highest average box office per film?

Among major franchises, the Jurassic Park series had a very high per-film average, especially with Jurassic World's $1.6 billion in 2015. However, the original Star Wars trilogy also boasted strong averages when adjusted for inflation, due to their cultural phenomenon status.

### How do animated franchises like Toy Story rank in box office totals?

Toy Story's four films had grossed over $3 billion by 2016, placing it among the top animated franchises. However, it trailed live-action giants like Marvel and Star Wars, which have more entries and broader global appeal.

### What impact did inflation have on historical franchise rankings?

Inflation significantly boosts older franchises like James Bond and Star Wars, as ticket prices were lower in the past. For example, the original Star Wars (1977) grossed over $775 million, which is equivalent to over $3 billion today, altering rankings when adjusted.

### Which franchise has the most films in the top 10 list?

The Marvel Cinematic Universe had multiple entries in the all-time top 10 by 2016, including The Avengers, Avengers: Age of Ultron, and Iron Man 3. This reflects its dominance in the 2010s, with several films crossing the $1 billion mark.

### How did the James Bond franchise perform by 2016?

James Bond had grossed over $6 billion by 2016 across 24 films, making it one of the most enduring franchises. Its per-film average was lower than newer blockbusters, but its longevity and consistent profitability are unmatched.

### What role did international markets play in franchise earnings?

International markets, especially China, became crucial by 2016, contributing over 70% of earnings for films like Furious 7 and Jurassic World. Franchises that resonated globally, such as Fast & Furious, saw significant boosts from overseas box office.

## FAQ

**How is total box office earnings calculated for a franchise?**

Total box office earnings are the sum of worldwide theatrical grosses for every film in the franchise, typically from official sources like Box Office Mojo. Adjustments for inflation are sometimes applied to compare historical films fairly, but the raw sum is the standard metric.

**Why are some franchises like Star Wars split into separate trilogies?**

Franchises are often split by era or production company to clarify ownership and release history. For example, Star Wars is sometimes divided into the original trilogy, prequels, and sequels, but for ranking purposes, they are usually combined as one franchise.

**What is the difference between a franchise and a film series?**

A franchise typically includes multiple films, spin-offs, and related media, while a film series is just the sequential films. For instance, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a franchise with interconnected series, whereas the Dark Knight trilogy is a standalone series.

**How often are these rankings updated?**

Rankings are updated whenever a new film is released or when box office data is revised. Since 2016, many franchises have seen significant changes, with the MCU and Star Wars adding multiple billion-dollar films, so current rankings differ from 2016.

**Are box office earnings adjusted for ticket price inflation?**

Some rankings adjust for inflation to reflect real purchasing power, while others use nominal figures. Adjusted rankings often favor older franchises like Gone with the Wind, but for modern franchises, nominal totals are more commonly cited.

**What are the limitations of using box office as a success metric?**

Box office ignores home video, streaming, and merchandise revenue, which can be substantial. For example, Star Wars earns billions from toys, and Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm was based on total franchise value, not just theatrical grosses.

**Which franchise had the highest box office in 2016 alone?**

In 2016, the Marvel Cinematic Universe had the highest annual box office with Captain America: Civil War and Doctor Strange, totaling over $2 billion. Other franchises like Star Wars (with Rogue One) and DC (with Batman v Superman) also had strong years.

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

Re-releases can add significant revenue, especially for classic films like Star Wars and The Lion King. For example, the 3D re-release of The Lion King added over $100 million, boosting its franchise total, but some rankings exclude re-releases for consistency.

**What is the highest-grossing film within a franchise?**

As of 2016, the highest-grossing film within a franchise was Marvel's The Avengers (2012) with $1.5 billion, followed by Jurassic World (2015) with $1.6 billion. These films often serve as tentpoles for their respective franchises.

**How do animated franchises compare to live-action in box office?**

Animated franchises like Shrek and Despicable Me have grossed over $3 billion each, but they rarely top the overall list. Live-action franchises with broader appeal and more frequent releases, like Marvel and Star Wars, dominate the top rankings.

```mermaid
flowchart LR
  A["Choosing movie franchises with the highest "] --> B{"Budget first?"}
  B -->|"No"| C["Marvel Cinematic Universe"]
  B -->|"Yes"| D{"Need every feature?"}
  D -->|"Yes"| E["James Bond Franchise"]
  D -->|"No"| F["X-Men Franchise"]
```

## Sources

- https://www.boxofficemojo.com/franchises/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_highest-grossing_films
- https://www.the-numbers.com/movies/franchises/
- https://www.statista.com/statistics/317408/highest-grossing-film-franchises/
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2016/12/29/the-top-10-movie-franchises-of-2016/
- https://www.businessinsider.com/highest-grossing-movie-franchises-2016-12

## Related on PULSE

- [More movie franchises with the highest total box office earnings rankings and buying guides](/knowledge)
- [PULSE Tools and calculators](/tools)
- [Everything on PULSE RevOps](/)

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Kory White

Top 10 Movie Franchises with the Highest Total Box Office Earnings in 2016

1. Marvel Cinematic Universe

2. Star Wars Franchise

3. Harry Potter Franchise

4. James Bond Franchise

5. Pirates of the Caribbean Franchise

6. Fast and Furious Franchise

7. Transformers Franchise

8. The Lord of the Rings Franchise

9. Spider-Man Franchise

10. X-Men Franchise

How we ranked these

Related questions

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

How does the Harry Potter franchise compare to the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

Which franchise has the highest average box office per film?

How do animated franchises like Toy Story rank in box office totals?

What impact did inflation have on historical franchise rankings?

Which franchise has the most films in the top 10 list?

How did the James Bond franchise perform by 2016?

What role did international markets play in franchise earnings?

FAQ

Sources

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