10 Best Movie Franchises That Have More Than 10 Films

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 influence over modern movie-making.

Whether that’s telling the 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 that these 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.

10 Friday The 13th

12 Movies

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The Friday the 13th franchise 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 first Friday the 13th movie 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 of Friday the 13th, particularly on slashers and horror movies. By consistently delivering the pure slasher entertainment that audiences are craving, Friday the 13th has secured its longevity. While the franchise hasn’t released anything since 2009, the future of Friday the 13th is bright, with a TV show spinoff being in production, ensuring that the franchise’s legacy survives for a new generation.

Film

Release Year

Friday the 13th

1980

Friday the 13th Part 2

1981

Friday the 13th Part III

1982

Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter

1984

Friday the 13th: A New Beginning

1985

Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives

1986

Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood

1988

Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan

1989

Jason Goes To Hell: The Final Friday

1993

Jason X

2002

Freddy vs. Jason

2003

Friday the 13th

2009

9 Halloween

13 Movies

Michael Meyers in Halloween standing on a porch next to a pumpkin

If Friday the 13th is a temple of slasher movies, then Halloween is the franchise that laid the foundation for this to be built upon. John Carpenter’s 1978 movie Halloween, 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, Halloween has constantly evolved, adapting to constantly provide audiences with new stories concerning the iconic, and terrifying, Michael Myers.

Halloween is 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, Halloween is a cultural heavyweight of horror, and Michael Myers is still as terrifying as ever.

Movie

Year Released

Halloween

1978

Halloween II

1980

Halloween III: Season of the Witch

1982

Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers

1988

Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers

1989

Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers

1995

Halloween H20: 20 Years Later

1998

Halloween: Resurrection

2002

Halloween

2007

Halloween II

2009

Halloween

2018

Halloween Kills

2021

Halloween Ends

2022

Halloween Franchise Poster Halloween Created by John Carpenter , Debra Hill First Film Halloween (1978) Cast Jamie Lee Curtis , Nick Castle , James Jude Courtney , Donald Pleasence , Brian Andrews , Anthony Michael Hall , Kyle Richards , Nancy Stephens , Charles Cyphers , Andi Matichak , Judy Greer

8 Planet Of The Apes

10 Movies

Caesar in Rise of the Planet of the Apes

The Planet of the Apes franchise began with the groundbreaking 1968 original movie starring Charlton Heston. Based off of the 1963 novel La Planéte des singes by 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 Apes also has the title of the longest running sci-fi franchise in US history, cementing its permanent endurance to fans across the world (via Variety).

A rebooted series began in 2011 with Rise 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 Apes also 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 (via Rotten Tomatoes).

Movie

Release Year

Planet of the Apes

1968

Beneath the Planet of the Apes

1970

Escape from the Planet of the Apes

1971

Conquest of the Planet of the Apes

1972

Battle for the Planet of the Apes

1973

Planet of the Apes

2001

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

2011

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

2014

War for the Planet of the Apes

2017

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

2024

Planet of the Apes Franchise Poster Planet of the Apes

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.

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Created by Pierre Boulle First Film Planet of the Apes First TV Show Planet of the Apes Cast Charlton Heston , Roddy McDowall , Kim Hunter , Maurice Evans , James Whitmore , Linda Harrison , Mark Wahlberg , Helena Bonham Carter , Tim Roth , Michael Clarke Duncan , Paul Giamatti , James Franco , Andy Serkis , John Lithgow , Freida Pinto , Gary Oldman , Keri Russell , Kodi Smit-McPhee , Jason Clarke , Toby Kebbell , Judy Greer , Woody Harrelson , Amiah Miller , Kevin Durand , Dichen Lachman , William H. Macy , Owen Teague , Freya Allan TV Show(s) Planet of the Apes , Return to the Planet of the Apes Expand $214 at AmazonSee at TargetSee at Walmart

7 The Fast And The Furious

11 Movies

Vin Diesel as Dom Toretto in The Fast and the Furious

The true culmination of high-octane Hollywood blockbuster entertainment, The Fast and the Furious franchise has evolved from a small-scale street racing movie to a global phenomenon. Beginning with 2001’s The 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 (via The Numbers). Thrilling car chases, legendary stunts, and heart-pumping action sequences have defined The Fast and the Furious franchise, 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 make
The Fast and the Furious
such 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 is these ridiculous stunts that make The Fast and the Furious such 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.

Movie

Release Year

The Fast and the Furious

2001

2 Fast 2 Furious

2003

The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift

2006

Fast & Furious

2009

Fast Five

2011

Fast & Furious 6

2013

Furious 7

2015

The Fate of the Furious

2017

Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw

2019

F9

2021

Fast X

2023

Fast_and_Furious_Poster 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.

Movie(s) The Fast And The Furious , 2 Fast 2 Furious , The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift , Fast & Furious , Fast Five , Fast and Furious 6 , Furious 7 , The Fate of the Furious , Hobbs and Shaw , F9: The Fast Saga , Fast X , Hobbs and Shaw 2 , Fast X: Part 2 (2026) First Film The Fast And The Furious Cast Vin Diesel , Paul Walker , Michelle Rodriguez , Tyrese Gibson , Eva Mendes , Lucas Black , Sung Kang , Bow Wow , Jordana Brewster , Dwayne Johnson , Jason Statham , Charlize Theron , Idris Elba , John Cena Expand

6 Godzilla

38 Movies

Godzilla in Godzilla Minus One

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 seen Godzilla 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 (via Guinness World Records). Through a mix of sheer spectacle, occasional campy fun, and horror, Godzilla is a franchise with unmatched longevity and incredible influence.

Movie

Release Year

Godzilla

1954

King Kong vs. Godzilla

1962

Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla

1974

The Return of Godzilla

1984

Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla

1994

Godzilla

1998

Shin Godzilla

2016

Godzilla: King of the Monsters

2019

Godzilla vs. Kong

2021

Godzilla Minus One

2023

godzilla 1954 poster tldr vertical 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.

Movie(s) Godzilla , Godzilla 2 , Godzilla 3 , Shin Godzilla , Godzilla (2014) , Godzilla (1998) , Godzilla Vs Kong , Godzilla Minus One , Mothra vs. Godzilla , Godzilla Vs King Kong , Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. , godzilla: monster planet , Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972) , Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla , Godzilla: Final Wars (2004) , King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962) , Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II , Godzilla: The Showa Era Films , Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989) Created by Tomoyuki Tanaka , Akira Watanabe First Film Godzilla Latest Film Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire Cast Akira Takarada , Momoko Kôchi , Akihiko Hirata , Takashi Shimura , Anna Sawai , Kiersey Clemons , Ren Watabe , Kurt Russell , Wyatt Russell TV Show(s) Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Expand

5 The Wizarding World

11 Movies

Daniel Radcliffe as Harry, Rupert Grint as Ron, and Emma Watson as Hermione during the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 ending

The release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in 2001 brought the iconic book series to the big screen in an incredible way. Through eight Harry Potter movies and three Fantastic Beasts spinoffs, the Wizarding World brought the magic of Hogwarts to audiences all around the world. In particular, the Harry Potter movies 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.

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Both the book and movie editions of
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
were renamed to the
Sorcerer’s Stone
for 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 the Fantastic Beasts movies never really hit the same heights as Harry 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.

Movie

Release Year

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

2001

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

2002

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

2004

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

2005

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

2007

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

2009

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1

2010

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2

2011

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

2016

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

2018

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore

2022

Harry Potter Franchise Poster Harry Potter $89 $94 Save $5

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.

Created by J.K. Rowling First Film Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone First TV Show Harry Potter Cast Daniel Radcliffe , Emma Watson , Rupert Grint , Tom Felton , Alan Rickman , Matthew Lewis , Bonnie Wright , Evanna Lynch , Maggie Smith , Michael Gambon , Richard Harris , Ralph Fiennes , Helena Bonham Carter , Alfred Enoch , Harry Melling , Gary Oldman , Robert Pattinson , Warwick Davis , Oliver Phelps , James Phelps , David Bradley , David Thewlis , Katie Leung , Jason Isaacs , Imelda Staunton , David Tennant , Jamie Campbell Bower , Timothy Spall , Robbie Coltrane , Eddie Redmayne , Jude Law , Katherine Waterston , Ezra Miller , Dan Fogler , Alison Sudol , Johnny Depp , Mads Mikkelsen Expand $89 at AmazonSee at TargetSee at Walmart

4 Batman

11 Movies

The Batman 2022 Robert Pattinson as Batman flying through the air on his grappling hook

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, the Batman movie 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’s Dark Knight trilogy or the gothic tone of Tim Burton’s Batman and Batman 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 with Batman & Robin. For almost 60 years, Batman has been a crucial part of the movie industry, a testament to the franchise’s incredible longevity.

Movie

Release Year

Batman

1966

Batman

1989

Batman Returns

1992

Batman Forever

1995

Batman & Robin

1997

Batman Begins

2005

The Dark Knight

2008

The Dark Knight Rises

2011

Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice

2016

The Lego Batman Movie

2017

The Batman

2022

Batman-Franchise-Image-1 Batman Created by Bob Kane , Bill Finger First Film Batman (1989) Latest Film The Batman Upcoming Films The Batman Part II First TV Show Batman (1966) Latest TV Show Batman: The Brave and the Bold Expand

3 James Bond

25 Movies

Daniel Craig as James Bond in No Time to Die

Based on the spy novels of Ian Fleming, the James Bond movies have become the definitive spy franchise. Starting with the release of Dr. No in 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) and
Never Say Never Again
(1983) are omitted.

Constant debates about who will be the next James Bond are 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.

Movie

Release Year

Dr. No

1962

From Russia With Love

1963

Goldfinger

1964

Thunderball

1965

You Only Live Twice

1967

On Her Majesty’s Secret Service

1969

Diamonds are Forever

1971

Live and Let Die

1973

The Man With the Golden Gun

1974

The Spy Who Loved Me

1977

Moonraker

1979

For Your Eyes Only

1981

Octopussy

1983

A View to a Kill

1985

The Living Daylights

1987

License to Kill

1989

Goldeneye

1995

Tomorrow Never Dies

1997

The World Is Not Enough

1999

Die Another Day

2002

Casino Royale

2006

Quantum of Solace

2008

Skyfall

2012

Spectre

2015

No Time To Die

2021

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No Time to Die Film Poster 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.

Created by Ian Fleming , Albert R. Broccoli First Film Dr. No Latest Film No Time to Die Upcoming Films James Bond 26 Cast Sean Connery , George Lazenby , Roger Moore , Timothy Dalton , Pierce Brosnan , Daniel Craig

2 The Marvel Cinematic Universe

34 Movies

The final battle against Thanos in avengers endgame

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 (via Statista). 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 into the release of various TV shows on Disney+, but it is ultimately the MCU’s movies that have had the biggest impact on popular culture.

Movie

Release Year

Iron Man

2008

The Incredible Hulk

2008

Iron Man 2

2010

Thor

2011

Captain America: The First Avenger

2011

The Avengers

2012

Iron Man 3

2013

Thor: The Dark World

2013

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

2014

Guardians of the Galaxy

2014

Avengers: Age of Ultron

2015

Ant-Man

2015

Captain America: Civil War

2016

Doctor Strange

2016

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

2017

Spider-Man: Homecoming

2017

Thor: Ragnarok

2017

Black Panther

2018

Avengers: Infinity War

2018

Ant-Man and the Wasp

2018

Captain Marvel

2019

Avengers: Endgame

2019

Spider-Man: Far From Home

2019

Black Widow

2021

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

2021

Eternals

2021

Spider-Man: No Way Home

2021

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

2022

Thor: Love and Thunder

2022

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

2022

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

2023

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3

2023

The Marvels

2023

Deadpool & Wolverine

2024

Marvel Cinematic Universe Image Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Created by Kevin Feige First Film Iron Man Latest Film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever First TV Show WandaVision Latest TV Show She-Hulk: Attorney at Law

1 Star Wars

11 Movies

Anakin vs Obi-Wan in Revenge of the Sith

Potentially the most iconic movie franchise of all time, Star Wars needs 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 visionary Episode IV: A New Hope (initially just titled Star Wars) in 1977, the Star Wars franchise has grown to dominate popular culture across 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 Wars is 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 Wars is the greatest movie franchise of all time.

Movie

Release Year

Episode IV: A New Hope/Star Wars

1977

Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

1980

Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

1983

Episode I: The Phantom Menace

1999

Episode II: Attack of the Clones

2002

Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

2005

Episode VII: The Force Awakens

2015

Rogue One

2016

Episode VIII: The Last Jedi

2017

Solo: A Star Wars Story

2018

Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker

2019

Sources: Variety, Rotten Tomatoes, The Numbers, Guinness World Records, Statista.

Star Wars Franchise Poster 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.

Created by George Lucas First Film Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope Cast Mark Hamill , James Earl Jones , David Prowse , Carrie Fisher , Harrison Ford , Daisy Ridley , Adam Driver , Ian McDiarmid , Ewan McGregor , Rosario Dawson , Lars Mikkelsen , Rupert Friend , Moses Ingram , Frank Oz , Pedro Pascal TV Show(s) The Mandalorian , Andor , Obi-Wan Kenobi , The Book of Boba Fett , Ahsoka , The Acolyte , Star Wars: Skeleton Crew , Lando , Star Wars: The Clone Wars , Star Wars Rebels , Star Wars: The Bad Batch , Star Wars: Resistance , Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures , Star Wars: Visions Expand

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