It’s a beautifully rare thing when amovie franchisecan manage to continue withone fantastic entry after anotherand never put a foot wrong. It’s sadly far too common for a film series to start off great and then decline in quality over the years as audiences are subjected to new installments in afranchise that should have called it quitslong ago. That’s why it’s important to lavish praise upon series that have done things right and kept viewers continually excited for each new top-quality release.
Many of thegreatest movie franchises of all timeare still ongoing and have managed to maintain their appeal over the years. From classic horror releases that have stayed relevant for decades to once-dormant franchises that have triumphantly returned, it’s a truly impressive achievement on the part of actors, directors, and writers that all these series have yet to disappoint with a lackluster installment. Whileaudiences may complain about franchise fatigue, it’s great to be able to honor the select few who have got things right.
Three films and various spin-offs
Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic the Hedgehog is a multimedia franchise that began with Sonic the Hedgehog’s release for the Sega Genesis in 1991. The franchise follows the adventures of the titular Blue Blur, Sonic, as he fights the nefarious Dr. Eggman to protect his friends, family, and the world. The series has expanded into several video games, multiple comic book series, television shows, and a Hollywood feature film series.
It’s notoriously difficult to make a good video game movie adaptation, and that’s whythe continued success of theSonic the Hedgehogfilm franchisehas been so impressive. So many things could have gone wrong with this series, but thankfully, the studio has listened to viewers and evenredesigned Sonic’s lookafter fans openly voiced how unhappy they were with his planned design. This openness to adapt has served the series well, and its stellar voice cast, unique sense of humor, and engaging worldbuilding meant that each installment has been a success.
Another major factor in the success of theSonic the Hedgehogfranchise is the addition of Jim Carrey as Doctor Ivo “Eggman” Robotnik. Carrey has been notably picky with his film roles in recent years and even teased potentially stepping back from acting; however, it’s clear he’s having a ball playing Eggman, and his commitment to the role makes for truly engrossing viewing.Sonic the Hedgehoghas yet to put a foot wrong, and as it expands with spin-off TV shows likeKnuckles, it’s hoped that it can maintain this high level of quality across the board.
Creed
TheCreedfranchise, a continuation of theRockyseries, centers on Adonis Creed, son of Apollo Creed, as he rises in the boxing world under the mentorship of Rocky Balboa. The series explores Adonis’s personal growth, relationships, and rivalries.Creed(2015),Creed II(2018), andCreed III(2023) combine intense boxing drama with character-driven storytelling, with Michael B. Jordan leading as both star and director of the latest installment. The series is praised for bringing new energy to theRockylegacy, with further sequels and spin-offs under consideration.
While theRockymovies were truly a mixed bag featuring some knockout successes and some real clunkers, the spin-off seriesCreedhas managed to maintain its quality throughout. As the story of the son of Rocky Balboa’s old rival-turned-friend Apollo Creed, the sports franchise starred Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Creed, the famed boxer’s illegitimate son. While seeing Sylvester Stallone reprise his role as Rocky in a mentorship position drew audiences to the first movie, as the series went on,Creedcarved out an identity of its own and stands as one of the best sports movie franchises ever.
Creedhas paid tribute to the legacy of theRockyfranchise as old foes like Ivan Drago return to have his son fight and attempt to restore his legacy. By maintaining the signature training montage and epic underdog narrative,Creedquickly won over fans of the original movies, yet Adonis’s backstory and struggles to prove himself gave the narrative extra resonance, and these movies felt like they had something new and exciting to say. With a fourthCreedmovie in active development, it looks like this franchise is not down for the count yet.
Two main films and various spin-offs
Wallace & Gromit
Wallace, an eccentric inventor, and his loyal, resourceful dog, Gromit, embark on a series of whimsical and adventurous escapades. From thwarting a nefarious penguin criminal to battling a were-rabbit menace, the duo’s exploits are filled with inventive gadgets and humorous mishaps. The bond between Wallace and Gromit shines throughout their adventures as they navigate both mundane and extraordinary challenges with wit and ingenuity.
Barring fish and chips or English tea, few things can claim to be more British than the claymation institution that isWallace & Gromit. This stop-motion series centered on Wallace, an eccentric, cheese-loving inventor, and Gromit, his loyal and intelligent anthropomorphic beagle, and their haphazard adventures. This franchise began life as the 1989 short filmA Grand Day Outby Nick Park and has remained an important part of the British public consciousness ever since, with two excellent feature films released in 2005 and 2024.
The appeal ofWallace & Gromitis that it never overstays its welcome, and Park always seems to bring them back after the public has had enough time to miss them.The Curse of the Were-RabbitandVengeance Most Fowlstand out not only because of their hilarious sense of humor but also due to the serious amount of work the creators put into every installment. By utilizing over a ton of clay for each movie (viaNew York Times), the fact that every moment inWallace & Gromitis painstakingly molded in real life means not a second is wasted.
7Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014 - Present)
Three films
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has dominated the film industry since its debut withIron Manin 2008, and although this sprawling franchise has had its ups and downs, one series-within-the-series that has not put a foot wrong is theGuardians of the Galaxy. From director James Gunn, this epic superhero adaptation follows a group of extraterrestrial criminals as they traverse the galaxy. With some of the best movie soundtracks of all time, a unique sense of humor, and truly astonishing special effects, theGuardianswere truly the crown jewel in the MCU.
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Led by Chris Pratt as Peter Quill, theGuardians of the Galaxyhas been such a hit with viewers because it always blended emotional resonance with big-budget spectacle. While the action is epic,audiences care about the characters inGuardians of the Galaxy,and its emotional third movie was a poignant way to say goodbye to these universe-saving heroes. While Gunn is open to making moreGuardians of the Galaxyfilms, this trilogy felt like the end of an era, and the director said a fourth film would focus on a new group.
Five films
Mad Max
Mad Max is an Australian post-apocalyptic franchise created by George Miller and Byron Kennedy. The first three films star Mel Gibson as Max Rockatansky, a former police officer who seeks revenge after his family is murdered. Tom Hardy took over the role for 2015’s Mad Max: Fury Road, which was followed by Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga starring Anya Taylor-Joy as Furiosa.
As a franchise that started way in 1979, it’s impressive thatMad Maxhas managed to maintain its relevance right up to modern times. The original dystopian action film starred Mel Gibson as Max Rockatansky and introduced viewers to its drought-ridden, apocalyptic landscape. As the series expanded into a trilogy during the 1980s, it leaned further into its gritty aesthetics and populated its world with an array of outrageous characters and creations.
Had the story ended right there,Mad Maxwould be remembered as a great trilogy from writer and director George Miller. However, in 2015, after years of false starts, Miller finally returned withMad Max: Fury Road, which recast Gibson with Tom Hardy in a piece of filmmaking that has been dubbed the director’s magnum opus and one of the very best movies of the 2010s. Although the recent prequelFuriosa: A Mad Max Sagaunderperformed at the box office and put future installments in question, it was still an engaging entry that expanded upon the lore of the Wasteland.
Toy Story
Toy Storyis a beloved animated franchise created by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. The series centers on the secret life of toys, primarily focusing on the friendship between Woody, a cowboy doll, and Buzz Lightyear, a space ranger action figure. The films explore themes of friendship, loyalty, and growing up, resonating with audiences of all ages.Toy Storyis widely credited with revolutionizing animation, as the first film was the first fully computer-animated feature. The franchise is not only a critical success but also a cultural icon, influencing a generation of films and storytelling in animation.
The release ofToy Storyin 1995 was a watershed moment in the history of animation that signaled the dawning of a new age of CGI. With impressive visuals, an emotional story, and creative worldbuilding,Toy Storyput Pixar on the map as the studio’s success rivaled even that of Disney. Pixar has been careful about not tarnishingToy Story’slegacy, and each subsequent sequel has been a true labor of love that added something unique and interesting to the franchise.
While the spin-off filmLightyearhas its detractors, the mainToy Storyseries has never put a foot wrong as Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the others have become animation icons. AlthoughToy Story 3felt like the perfect, emotional ending to the trilogy and Pixar took a big risk with returning forToy Story 4, their commitment to artistic integrity meant they managed to naturally continue the series in a way that pleased audiences and critics. WithToy Story 5slated for release in 2026, it will be interesting to see how audiences react to its “Toy meets Tech”premise.
Four films
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.
ThePlanet of the Apesfilm franchise began with the undisputed classic original film starring Charlton Heston, although the campy nature of its sequels meant that some of the later films did not have the same impact. However, with the release of the rebootRise of the Planet of the Apesin 2011, this series went in a new direction as itexplored an alternate origin story for how Earth became dominated by primates. With an intriguing premise that lent itself well to sequels, this reboot series featured stunning visual effects, serious narrative heft, and an impressive amount of world-building.
As audiences followed the story of the lab chimpanzee Caesar and his evolution from a test subject into a deified revolutionary figure,Planet of the Apeswent beyond its source material to explore the very foundations of a new civilization. With themes of life, legacy, religion, and the nature of warfare, subsequent installments,Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,War for the Planet of the Apes, andKingdom of the Planet of the Apesfleshed out this world in a natural and compelling way.
How to Train Your Dragon
How to Train Your Dragonis a critically acclaimed animated franchise that began with the 2010 film of the same name, inspired by Cressida Cowell’s book series. The story is set in the mythical Viking world of Berk, where young Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III befriends a dragon named Toothless, challenging his tribe’s tradition of dragon slaying. The franchise expanded into a trilogy of films, several TV series, short films, and an upcoming live-action adaptation, becoming one of DreamWorks Animation’s most successful properties.
With franchises likeShrek,Kung Fu Panda, andMadagascar, DreamWorks Animation has proven itself a studio capable of rivaling Disney and Pixar in the 21st century. One of the studio’s crowning achievements isHow to Train Your Dragon, a family-friendly franchise that has maintained its quality across the board. With a richly imagined world followingthe adventures of a young Viking named Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, this series' blend of action, fantasy, and mythology makes for truly compelling viewing.
The firstHow to Train Your Dragonwas a smash success whose emotional core and intelligent script helped it stand out. The series' two sequels also received overwhelmingly positive reviews as themes of family and love came to the forefront through Hiccup and his dragon Toothless’s deep connection and bond. While this franchise has yet to put a foot wrong so far, the 2025 live-action version ofHow to Train Your Dragonhas a lot to live up to.
Five films and various spin-offs
Evil Dead
Created by Sam Raimi, Evil Dead is a horror-comedy franchise that began with the release of the original film, The Evil Dead, in 1981. The series follows protagonist Ashley “Ash” Williams as he and his friends venture into a cabin for a vacation only to discover it harbors a demonic book that can summon terrifying creatures known as Deadites, hell-bent on torturing and slaying them all. As the series progresses, Ash becomes more of a masculine B-movie action hero until the soft reboot helmed by Eli Roth occurs, which shifts the franchise deeper into its horror roots.
Long-running horror franchises normally suffer from serious quality issues throughout their run. While other series popular in the 1980s, likeA Nightmare on Elm StreetorFriday the 13th, have had their fair share of terrible installments, every movie in theEvil Deadfranchise has been defined by a high level of quality. With the acclaimed original trilogy from Sam Raimi featuring Bruce Campbell’s Ash Williams facing off against Deadites across cabins and Medieval worlds, what’s most impressive is the way this series reimagined itself for the 21st century.
Although many longtime viewers were wary whenEvil Deadwas rebooted in 2013, the reimagined franchise managed to deliver scares and carry the series forward for a new generation. The sequel,Evil Dead Rise, was another success that took in over $147 million (viaBox Office Mojo) and became the highest-grossing entry in the franchise.Evil Deadmanaged to carve out a new legacy while not forgetting the past, as the TV spin-offAsh vs Evil Deadalso acted as a satisfying continuation of the original trilogy.
John Wick
“John Wick” is a neo-noir action-thriller franchise centered around a retired hitman who returns to the criminal underworld to seek vengeance. Known for its intense and stylistic action sequences, the franchise has redefined modern action cinema with its choreographed gunfights, hand-to-hand combat, and intricate world-building. The series explores themes of loyalty, honor, and survival in a secret society of assassins.
It’s hard to think of an action movie franchise that has kept the quality as consistently high asJohn Wick. With Keanu Reeves as the titular assassin, this series started off with the simple premise of a grieving man determined to exact revenge on the men who killed his dog and naturally grew into a sprawling universe with its own unique set of rules. Although the action got more intense and the choreography more complex with each subsequent installment,it was the worldbuilding ofJohn Wickthat meant audiences wanted to continually revisit this series.
While Reeves’ performance was central to the success ofJohn Wick, its impressive supporting cast, including Ian McShane, Willem Dafoe, Donnie Yen, and Mark Dacascos, elevated thefranchise. As the perfect blend of martial arts cinema and Hollywood action,John Wicknot only maintained its quality but actually got better as it went on. While the upcoming spin-offFrom the World of John Wick: Ballerinahas a lot to live up to, if the past is anything to go by, it should surpass the lofty standards set by this series.
