Entertainment
10 Greatest Movies That Started Long-Running Franchises
We’ve been trained to adore a big blockbuster movie. Some are big action flicks, others are terrifying horror films. Some bring us to magical worlds, others take us to galaxies far, far away. The power to make us feel something while watching is the mark of something special. With so many movies to choose from, especially in the age of streaming, standing out can be hard, but there have been films across the board that we watch and think, “We want more.” And the more we get.
Achieving greatness to become a franchise is no easy feat. Perhaps there is a wealth of source material to pull from, or maybe it’s set up to be a long saga, but when a franchise achieves greatness, it’s because it affects an audience immensely. When it comes to big movie franchises, they all have to start somewhere. Of all the incredible franchises out there, these ten films are the best first films.
10
‘Godzilla’ (1954)
In 1954, the world was introduced to a new creature known as a kaiju, or a Japanese giant monster. This particular monster was known as Godzilla, a prehistoric reptilian monster awakened and powered by nuclear radiation. The epic film, directed by Honda Ishirō, produced and distributed by Toho, marked the first to feature the titular character who terrorized Japan. Little did they know then that it would be a monster smash and launch the longest-running film series ever. Through 38 Godzilla films, the monster has made a major impact on cinema, marking the evolution in filmmaking and technology through each film.
In its 1954 debut, the Japanese authorities are suddenly struck by the appearance of Godzilla as its attack triggers fear of a nuclear holocaust in post-war Japan. Filmed in black and white, the debut of the kaiju received mixed responses from critics and audiences alike. But what was universally met was the intrigue and desire for more. Godzilla was truly ahead of its time, which is why the creature has become timeless. The original film was more than just a monster movie. Deep within, there was a rich commentary on the post-war world. As the Godzilla franchise continued, not every film received the same reaction, proving that Ishirō’s vision was more than remarkable. It was visionary. Thanks to the special effects found in the first film, it was heralded as an important cinematic achievement. There may have been advancements in technology by leaps and bounds. If you look back and take in what it would have been like to see Godzilla in real time, you’d be filled with wonderment. Whether you adore the Japanese films, the Americanized iterations, or just love a creature feature, Godzilla started it all.
9
‘Halloween’ (1978)
Say hello to the birth of the slasher film. In 1978, John Carpenter terrified audiences when Michael Myers (Nick Castle) terrorized the fictional town of Haddonfield. The original follows an escaped mental patient, who was committed after murdering his sister 15 years earlier on Halloween, as he stalks teenage babysitter Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) and her friends while his psychiatrist, Dr. Samuel Loomis (Donald Pleasence), pursues him. Released as an independent film, Halloween became a massive hit thanks to its brilliant direction, the instantly iconic score, and a virtually unkillable antagonist. With consumers’ adoration for horror films, Halloween set the stage for many films to follow, earning a moniker as one of the most influential films in the genre.
So, after a hit in ‘78, certainly there was more Michael Meyrs to go around. The Halloween franchise is one of the most fascinating ones around. Between direct sequels, reboots, reimaginings, and films that completely wipe out the mythology and lore of previous films, Halloween has 13 films that utilize the title. Of course, diehard fans point to the films that scream queen Curtis appears as the premier films. Nevertheless, Halloween has become the most prolific horror franchise of all time.
8
‘Alien’ (1979)
Imagine you are an impressionable child, and you ride The Great Movie ride at Walt Disney World’s MGM Studios (yes, we’re going that far back), and you reach the point in the attraction after you see an animatronic of Sigourney Weaver’s Ellen Ripley huddled in the corner, preparing you for the extraterrestrial Xenomorph about to terrify you by dropping in from the ceiling. At that time, it was a thing of nightmares. But as you grow up and finally go and watch Alien, you understand the brilliance behind the science fiction horror film. In Ridley Scott’s first film in the franchise, the crew of Nostromo is diverted to a desolate planetoid by a distress signal. There, they investigate a derelict space vessel while being hunted by a deadly extraterrestrial creature. The genre-bending film pushed the boundaries of science fiction space-film storytelling. Thanks to its stunning yet shocking filmmaking, brought to life at an exceptional pace, the hype for more was real.
As of now, there are seven films in the franchise, two crossovers with Predator, and the smash-hit new series Alien: Earth. Thanks to the original story’s lore and mythology, Alien has brought audiences to times before and after that first scare. What helped bring the desire for more was the alien antagonist. With its dominating presence, both in stature and image, a legendary villain was born. Furthermore, the ability to explore themes about technophobia, the future of humanity, and the horrors of the unknown brought a wealth of opportunities.
7
‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings’ (2001)
As one of the most prolific writers ever, J.R.R. Tolkien created an extraordinary world thanks to his high fantasy novels The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Though there were some adaptations along the way, it wasn’t until Peter Jackson took the reins that Tolkien’s Middle-earth truly came to life. To kick off the journey, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring tells the tale of the Dark Lord Sauron, who seeks the One Ringto return to power. With the Ring discovered by young hobbit Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood). The fate of Middle-earth hangs in the balance as Frodo and his travel companions begin their perilous trek to Mordor, the only place where the Ring can be destroyed. Filmed exclusively in New Zealand, it offered a beautiful, fantastical landscape, creating a stunning visual landscape that truly transported us. If there’s one thing to take from this film, it’s the remarkable cinematography.
There was always going to be two more films in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, but after the first film took off, the franchise entered a different type of conversation: the Academy Awards. Though the first two films received accolades, it was the third film, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, that walked away with every award they were nominated for, including Best Picture. After this trilogy was completed, it was time to bring Bilbo Baggins’ (Martin Freeman) story to life. Taking place 60 years prior to the events of the previous films, this trilogy follows Bilbo as Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen) convinces him to accompany the 13 dwarves on a quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch). Through six epic films, Jackson united elves, hobbits, dwarves, and more through sweeping visuals and a world of wonderment. The Middle-earth franchise brought Middle-earth to life, bringing people out of the books and into the theaters.
6
‘Toy Story’ (1995)
The world of animation was dominated by Disney in the 90s. In the first few years of the decade, we were taken to a whole new world thanks to titles including Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King. But in 1995, Disney was beaten by themselves in a sense. While their entry, Pocahontas, was a hit, it was the first major Pixar film to change the trajectory of animation. Welcome to the world of 3-D computer-generated animation. Taking place in a world where toys come to life when humans aren’t home, Toy Story follows an old-fashioned pull-string cowboy doll named Woody (Tom Hanks) and a modern space cadet action figure, Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), as they battle to become Andy’s favorite toy. Inspired by the 1988 short film Tin Toy, the film brought us all to this world in which we hoped our favorite toys could come to life.
What took us all by surprise were the visuals on screen. Being used to a very specific animation style in film, Toy Story broke the mold. It proved that advancements in the industry were where films were heading. Furthermore, the Toy Story characters became so beloved that we needed more. Perhaps a brilliant marketing move, the simple fact that you could watch the film and then head to your favorite toy store to bring home your own Woody and Buzz helped spark the franchise’s rise. By 2026, there will be five Toy Story films, a Buzz Lightyear spinoff and animated series, and a massive presence at Disney parks around the world. Toy Story certainly is the centerpiece of Pixar, but the film’s success has launched an array of successful Pixar films that hold a very special place in our hearts.
5
‘Jurassic Park’ (1993)
It’s safe to say that Steven Spielberg is a luminary. Perhaps the greatest director and producer of all time, he has been remarkable in bringing our imaginations to life. In the 70s and 80s, he scared us with a terrifying shark, brought us out of this world, and even invited an alien to partake in our own. Then, in 1993, Spielberg brought us to a fantastical world where dinosaurs roamed in our present. Based on Michael Crichton’s book, Jurassic Park made us love and be terrified of dinosaurs again. A sort of cautionary tale about the dangers of genetic engineering, the film dropped us on Isla Nublar, near Costa Rica, where wealthy businessman John Hammond (Richard Attenborough) and a team of genetic scientists built a wildlife park where genetically recreated dinosaurs roamed free. But when industrial sabotage triggers a catastrophic shutdown of the park’s power facilities and security systems, the visitors to Jurassic Park struggle to survive as carnivorous creatures escape their confines.
One of the most visually beautiful pieces of cinema, Jurassic Park, at its initial release, became the highest-grossing film of all time. Regarded as the godfather of the summer blockbuster, Jurassic Park truly made you believe dinosaurs are real. Between the extraordinary storytelling, spellbinding imagery, and a top-tier cast that included icons like Jeff Goldblum and Laura Dern, the world needed more. Jurassic Park spawned a franchise that continues to dominate today. The first film was followed by two sequels. From there, the universe was rebooted in 2015 with Jurassic World, kicking off a second trilogy. This year, another film, Jurassic World Rebirth, launched with a new set of characters. What remained the same from the start is our adoration of dinosaurs. The moment you hear John Williams’ soaring theme, you are transported right back into the world.
4
‘Iron Man’ (2008)
From a personal standpoint, I will say I am a Marvel stan. The comics have been with me since childhood. I stood by in the early 2000s through the X-Men and Spider-Man films, as well as the one-off films of many Marvel characters. But when the Marvel Cinematic Universe arrived, the world of movies forever changed. And it all began with Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark in Iron Man. Directed by Jon Favreau, Tony Stark’s origin story was told as the world-famous industrialist and master engineer builds a mechanized suit of armor, adopting the name Iron Man.
It was fitting that the bad boy playboy of Marvel went to Downey Jr., trying to rehab his career, the high-stakes role could have been just a superhero bust like some films that came directly before, or it could launch him to his second life. Fortunately for him, and Marvel, it was the latter. Iron Man became a blockbuster hit and officially launched Phase One of the MCU. At first, we thought it might be a small fad, since superhero film success was never guaranteed, but through Iron Man sequels and the debuts of The Incredible Hulk, Thor, and Captain America, the universe was building to something epic.
Now, at the start of Phase Six, the MCU is a non-stop blockbuster machine. With Disney holding the purse and Kevin Feige leading the charge, the MCU is dominating the industry. Is every movie a hit? No. Have all Disney+ series been a success? No. But real talk, what other franchise can bring back its massive stars time after time for single films? I’ll wait. Had Iron Man not blown up the way it did, the landscape of movies might have been drastically different today.
3
‘Dr. No.’ (1962)
One of the most iconic characters ever created is James Bond. The subject of Ian Fleming’s novels jumped from page to screen for the first time in 1962 with Dr. No. Taking on the 007 code was Scottish actor Sean Connery. Inspired by the 1958 novel of the same name, the film follows James Bond heads to Jamaica to investigate the disappearance of a fellow British agent, where the trail leads him to the underground base of Dr. No (Joseph Wiseman), who is plotting to disrupt an early American space launch from Cape Canaveral with a radio beam weapon. Filled with action, thrills, and hallmarks that make Bond films iconic, the first spy film provided an itch for fans of Fleming’s work and moviegoers looking for a long-running, beloved adventure to celebrate for decades to come.
Some may not put Dr. No as their favorite Bond film, but its impact is boundless. We saw our first Bond villain in the titular character. We met our first Bond girl in the sexy Honey Ryder, played by Ursula Andress. We heard the iconic theme music for the first time, which plays in our heads anytime the name James Bond is uttered. Of all the franchises on this list, the Bond franchise is one of the longest-running and rightly so. James Bond is timeless. Even as cinema has changed and how the films look has evolved, there’s still an urge for Fleming’s characters and stories. The character has been portrayed on film in 27 explosive productions as Eon and Non-Eon films. Seven actors have taken on the part. The titular songs have provided an extraordinary, everlasting soundtrack. Whether you’ve watched them all, have a favorite Bond, or simply prefer martini shaken, not stirred, the James Bond franchise is one of the most important and influential of all time.
2
‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ (2001)
The Wizarding World that J.K. Rowling created in her book series was always going to be prime for a big-budget film franchise. Little did we know how massive it would become as one of the most profitable franchises on the planet. It all began with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Based on the first novel in the series, the story brings Harry Potter’s (Daniel Radcliffe) origin story to life. The young wizard begins his first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, discovering that he is a famous wizard and that he is beginning his formal wizarding education. Alongside his new best friends Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson), they must work together to prevent the theft of the stone, which could result in the emergence of the dark wizard who murdered his parents.
To say that the film is magical is an understatement. Audiences, especially fans of the novels, were immediately transported into a world beyond their imagination. There was a joy in seeing places like Hogwarts and Diagon Alley come to life. Riding the Hogwarts Express or playing Quidditch was no longer a fantasy. The adaptation proved that Harry Potter wasn’t just for kids. It was also for kids at heart.
The Harry Potter franchise continued for eight films, becoming one of the biggest franchises ever to hit media and pop culture. The casting, which featured some of the biggest names in British cinema, is exceptional. A prequel series began with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, proving fans can never get enough of this franchise. To the chagrin of day one fans, a brand-new television series is set to debut in 2027 on HBO, bringing Harry Potter to a new audience. And for those who wish to spend a day in the shoes of their favorite characters, fans can proudly wear their house colors, as Universal Studios gave fans the chance to explore the Wizarding World at their theme parks through a highly immersive experience. It should be noted that Harry Potter, as a work of fiction, still remains beloved in many fans’ hearts. With Rowling’s device political and personal beliefs have put a stain on the franchise for those who adamantly oppose her comments.
1
Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope’ (1977)
There was a time when Star Wars didn’t exist. It may sound far-fetched to think, especially given how the franchise has grown over the course of the last four decades. Yet, in 1977, George Lucas changed cinema forever with the release of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. The epic space opera, the first film but fourth chapter in the grander story, brings audiences to a galaxy far away as the tyrannical Galactic Empire rules. The resistance, the Rebel Alliance, seeks to take down the dark side by destroying the Empire’s ultimate weapon: the Death Star. When Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) is captured by Darth Vader (James Earl Jones) and the Galactic Empire, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) acquires plans for the Death Star, setting out to rescue her. But the only way to do so is to utilize the power of the Force.
At the start, few in the industry were confident about the film’s potential for success. Yet, upon opening, it swiftly defied the odds and received universal acclaim. Praised for its special effects and elaborate storytelling, Star Wars was not just a single-film fluke; it was a legacy-creating phenomenon. The characters become icons. The cast became stars. And the adventure fantasy franchise launched at warp speed.
Since the first film’s debut, the franchise exploded through pop culture, making room for two follow-up sequels: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back in 1980, and Episode VI: Return of the Jedi in 1983. From there, smaller projects popped up as the beloved characters became synonymous with the stars. It wouldn’t be until 1999 that three prequel films explored the origins of the galaxy. Despite some mixed reactions, Star Wars wasn’t done yet! The 2010s introduced sequel projects, television series, standalone films, and proof that the fanbase is one of the most loyal in our entire galaxy. Since 1977, Star Wars has been passed down from generation to generation, and the tradition continues today.
- Release Date
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May 25, 1977
- Runtime
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121 minutes
- Director
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George Lucas
- Writers
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George Lucas
- Producers
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Gary Kurtz, Rick McCallum
- Franchise(s)
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Star Wars
