7 Biggest ’90s Movie Franchises That Are Still Going

As a child of the ‘90s, I grew up with the magic of animated movies like Toy Story and the adrenaline rush of action films such as Mission: Impossible. The former was a staple in my VHS collection, while the latter was always a treat during family trips to the cinema.

The 1990s stood out as a pivotal decade, an era rich in cultural impact, particularly for cinema and television. It brought forth some of the most iconic films and series, providing endless entertainment for us. This period was marked by a wave of creativity and commercial success beyond expectations. Emerging technologies and groundbreaking special effects allowed directors to create movies that revolutionized the way we experience films worldwide.

In this free-spirited environment, unexpected phenomena arose, marking the earliest signs of something that took hold during the blockbuster era and has persisted and flourished for many years. Indeed, we’re referring to movies that were initially believed to be one-time successes but had the latent capacity to extend beyond a solitary film and become powerful franchise staples in Hollywood.

In the early part of the decade, some began, while others joined in as the 1990s was nearing its end. Yet, all eight film series on this list hinted at an ongoing future filled with sequels, remakes, and interconnected universes that continue to captivate audiences today. Their enduring popularity and knack for reinvention serve as a testament to the transformative impact the 1990s had on cinema.

7 The Jurassic Park Franchise

Started with Jurassic Park (1993)

1993 saw the premiere of “Jurassic Park,” a movie adaptation of Michael Crichton’s 1990 novel, which sparked an enduring dinosaur-themed franchise. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this film took audiences to an island theme park teeming with genetically recreated dinosaurs. However, when the park’s power fails, these ancient beasts break free, trapping the tour group in a life-or-death struggle for survival and escape.

Following its groundbreaking achievement in CGI technology and visual effects, breaking box-office records to become the top-earning film of the year, it opened the door for the sequels The Lost World: Jurassic Park and Jurassic Park III, as well as the subsequent trilogy titled Jurassic World, which includes Jurassic World, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, and the upcoming film Jurassic World Dominion.

The reason why the original “Jurassic Park” continues to be a staple is its remarkable success. In fact, when it was re-released in 2013, it became the first film to surpass $1 billion in revenue. To date, it has grossed over $5 billion globally, making it one of the most financially successful movie franchises ever. And with “Jurassic World Rebirth” on the horizon, it seems the success story of “Jurassic Park” is far from over.

6 The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Franchise

Started with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)

In 1984, Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird dreamt up an original comic book spoof of superhero tales that eventually evolved into an animated series and the first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film in 1990. This movie focused on four mutated turtles – Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael – who had been trained in ninjitsu by their sensei, a rat named Splinter. These turtle heroes joined forces to fight off evil lurking in the New York City sewers and streets, earning acclaim for its thrilling action and witty humor.

Today, the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” franchise continues to thrive, adapting to the changing preferences of fans while offering numerous adaptations of the turtles’ escapades. The initial film led to two follow-ups, “The Secret of the Ooze” in 1991 and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III” in 1993. An animated feature, simply titled “TMNT,” and a reboot series beginning with “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014)” and its sequel “Out of the Shadows (2016)” have kept the franchise vibrant.

The popularity of this franchise in pop culture is astonishingly powerful. It’s fueled by the side-splitting and action-packed adventures of two turtle brothers who love pizza and always stand together, no matter the circumstances. The latest release Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem brings a revitalized animated charm to the series, ensuring that its nostalgia will stay potent for future generations.

5 The Scream Franchise

Started with Scream (1996)

When it comes to horror films in the 1990s, it’s challenging to find a match for “Scream”. This franchise, crafted by Kevin Williamson and directed by Wes Craven, essentially transformed the genre with its debut in 1996. The film unfolds in the fictional town of Woodsboro, where high school student Sidney Prescott receives a chilling phone call and becomes the focus of an enigmatic killer called Ghostface. Noteworthy for its clever dissection of horror conventions, “Scream” intertwines a classic whodunit plot with a suspenseful narrative that keeps hearts racing.

The movie “Scream” became famous for its meta-slasher style, sharp social critique, and self-aware elements. Its popularity paved the way for several numbered sequels from 1996 to 2000. “Scream 4”, released in 2011, passed on the Ghostface legacy to a new group of fans. To explore further the mythos and impact of this slasher series, an anthology show was created in 2015, spanning over three seasons. The franchise was revitalized with the release of “Scream (2022)” and the upcoming “Scream VI (2023)”. These movies serve as a reminder to viewers about Ghostface’s unique ability to subvert slasher film conventions.

4 The Bad Boys Franchise

Started with Bad Boys (1995)

In 1995, the “Bad Boys” movie franchise made its debut as a blend of action and comedy, featuring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence in the roles of unconventional Miami detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett. This film, helmed by director Michael Bay, had the duo working to recover $100 million worth of stolen heroin within 72 hours, a mission that also required them to safeguard a key witness from an assassination attempt orchestrated by a merciless criminal mastermind. The hilarious rapport and well-timed humor between Smith and Lawrence established the foundation for a series destined for box office triumph.

One way to rephrase the given text in natural and easy-to-read language is: “What makes Bad Boys still significant is its knack for evolving while maintaining the key aspects that initially made it appealing. The sequel, Bad Boys II, took things up a notch with larger stunts and more complex scenes, including one of cinema’s most memorable car chases. Despite receiving mixed feedback, it led to an 17-year break before the release of Bad Boys for Life in 2020. The blend of nostalgia and contemporary elements resonated well with fans, offering them Bad Boys: Ride or Die. The latest films successfully captured the essence of the extravagant, awe-inspiring spectacle that made the original a success.

3 The Lion King Franchise

Started with The Lion King (1994)

Back in 1984, I found myself utterly captivated by Disney’s magnificent creation, “The Lion King,” a film that transformed into an animated masterpiece. It mesmerized audiences with its harmonious blend of musical narratives, stunning African landscapes, and profound themes revolving around letting go of the past and embracing one’s fate.

The astounding animation paired with an unforgettable soundtrack composed by Elton John and Tim Rice made The Lion King an instant classic. It also became a critical and box office phenomenon, and decades later, maintains its cultural significance. The direct-to-video sequel, The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride, continued Simba’s story, while The Lion King 1½ told the same one from Timon and Pumbaa’s perspective.

2019 saw a sensational computer-generated revamp captivating fresh audiences with the timeless tale. Moreover, this series boasts a cherished TV show, “The Lion Guard,” and an upcoming prequel titled “Mufasa: The Lion King.” Although it sparked mixed opinions, such reactions underscore the intense devotion of fans to Disney’s most prominent and thriving franchise.

2 The Toy Story Franchise

Started with Toy Story (1995)

Discussing animated series giants, Pixar is no less impressive. A trailblazer in this field, the franchise kicked off with Pixar’s revolutionary 1995 film, “Toy Story.” This was the very first full-length movie created entirely using computer-generated imagery (CGI) and it was brimming with imaginative ideas under the guidance of director John Lasseter. “Toy Story” revolved around Woody, a cowboy doll, and Buzz Lightyear, an action figure space ranger, who navigated their roles as playthings in Andy’s world.

Without a doubt, Toy Story resonated strongly with viewers. It skillfully blended humor, emotion, and advanced technology into a deeply touching tale about finding one’s place. A perfect combination, indeed. Released in 1999, Toy Story 2 broadened the realm of enchanted toys. Toy Story 3 wrapped up the narrative on a moving note and was even nominated for an Academy Award for Best Film. The fourth film introduced fresh characters and exciting journeys, while the spin-off, Lightyear, delved into Buzz’s backstory.

Each installment in the series has preserved the emotional depth and lofty quality that define the franchise, demonstrating why Toy Story stands as a groundbreaking milestone in animation. The fifth film, scheduled to hit screens in 2026, suggests that the franchise remains robust and vibrant.

1 The Mission: Impossible Franchise

Started with Mission: Impossible (1996)

The Mission: Impossible series, renowned for its death-defying stunts and intense spy missions, initially aired as a TV show in the ’60s, but it was Brian De Palma who kicked off the film series in 1996, with Tom Cruise taking on the role of Ethan Hunt, an exceptional agent from the IMF. In this first adventure, Hunt is falsely accused of murdering his team and must track down the true traitor who betrayed them to clear his name. The complex narrative, thrilling action sequences, and Cruise’s risky stunts set the stage for a series of movies that would revolutionize the action genre.

The reason behind Mission: Impossible’s triumph was largely due to Tom Cruise’s rising fame and his commitment to personally executing all stunts. In the ensuing years, the series continued to enthrall audiences with its mix of captivating and original films. John Woo’s Mission: Impossible 2 introduced a touch of style, while J.J. Abrams’ Mission: Impossible III infused the series with deeper emotional layers.

2011’s “Ghost Protocol” and 2015’s “Rogue Nation” set new standards for thrilling narratives and jaw-dropping action sequences, earning them a spot as essential viewing for fans. The latest film in the series, “Mission: Impossible – Fallout”, raked in $791.1 million and broke records as the highest-grossing installment to date. More than two decades after its debut, the franchise continues to thrive following the release of the boundary-testing movie, “Dead Reckoning Part One”. A follow-up is already in production.

2024-10-05 01:32