The 10 Best Movie Franchises of the Last 10 Years

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This is an intriguing (or potentially disheartening) game to try out. The next time you visit a cinema, check the schedule and see how many movies listed are part of a series. My local theater in New York City has ten films on sale this coming Friday, six of which are sequels, remakes, or spinoffs within an ongoing franchise. That’s six! (To be more specific, four are sequels, one is a remake, and the remaining one is a spinoff.)

It’s quite clear that Hollywood’s current state is contrasted sharply, as it seems we’re constantly witnessing a rehash or remake of older films these days.

On the brighter side, some of those franchises are genuinely excellent. Given the vast resources and skilled creators associated with them, it is only reasonable to expect that they would be at least quite enjoyable. Today, we will be reviewing the top franchises from the past decade.

As a devoted cinephile, I’ve got to set some ground rules for this list: A series had to drop at least two flicks in the past ten years to make the cut. If it’s a long-running franchise and only one movie came out during that timeframe, no matter how brilliant it might have been, it didn’t get included in this roundup. (So, sadly, you won’t find Top Gun on here.)

In addition to seeking consistency, it was observed that the Star Wars series produced some exceptional films in recent years, but unfortunately, it also released a few disappointing blockbusters during the same timeframe. The outstanding movies did not quite compensate for the subpar ones. It becomes challenging to rank this franchise among the top when it experienced two near-flops within a decade.

So what did make the cut? Keep scrolling to see our picks:

The 10 Best Franchises of the Last 10 Years (2016-2025)

10. Happy Death Day

As a die-hard fan, I’ve got to say that the intriguing premise of a character stuck in a time loop is just perfect for sequels, and the transition from the original “Groundhog Day” into the horror-comedy flick “Happy Death Day” was simply flawless, leading to the satisfying continuation in “Happy Death Day 2U.” Jessica Rothe brings her character Tree to life, a young woman who’s forced to repeat the day of her murder until she can unmask her killer. The loops get even more intricate in the second movie, and it even hints at a third installment – but here we are, six years later, still eagerly waiting for its release! Hopefully, they’ll drop that film before my personal time loop resets again!

9. Bad Boys

In a surprising twist, the ’90s action series “Bad Boys” has made a comeback after a 17-year hiatus, and it seems to have improved upon its original glory. Directed by Adil & Bilall, the new “Bad Boys” movies manage to retain the essence of their predecessors while extracting compelling performances from veterans Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. The action scenes are thrilling, but what truly stands out is the emotional depth these films display. With a focus on friendship in middle age, the stories delve into the long-standing bond between the leads, as well as their grappling with the realities of aging, making us eagerly anticipate “Bad Boys 5: The Cholesterol Chronicles”.

8. Planet of the Apes

In contrast to many other lengthy film franchises, the Planet of the Apes series is not shy about delving into dark themes. Since its inception in 1968, it has consistently explored grim turns, existential motifs, and the demise of its noble characters. This somber approach persisted in the latest movies, War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024), which served as melancholic parables for racial conflict and authoritarian rule, suggesting that a conflict between humans and apes, representing possibly any real-world groups, might be an inevitable reality. This is quite profound material for a summer blockbuster or, indeed, any movie in general.

The Planet of the Apes series, unlike many long-lasting film franchises, isn’t hesitant to delve into somber topics. Since its debut in 1968, it has consistently depicted bleak twists, philosophical undertones, and the loss of its heroic figures. This somber tone carried over to the recent films, War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024), which offered poignant reflections on racial strife and autocracy, hinting at an inevitable war between humans and apes, symbolizing perhaps any real-world groups. This is quite profound content for a summer blockbuster or, in fact, any movie.

7. Mission: Impossible

Films: Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018), Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning (2023), Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025)

While the Mission: Impossible series may not have ended on a particularly high note over the past decade, it still managed to churn out three big-budget blockbusters that were generally well-received. One of these films, Fallout, was particularly impressive. Even the less successful installments in the franchise offered plenty of action; the biplane sequence in The Final Reckoning is arguably the most visually stunning moment across all the movies.

6. The Avengers

Movies: Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and Avengers Endgame (2019)
It’s hard to believe it was that long ago, but the first Avengers film feels like a daring gamble now. Marvel managed to weave together multiple ongoing franchises and introduce numerous other characters into one massive crossover movie – a feat that seemed nearly impossible at the time. The success of this movie led to three more sequels, with Avengers: Endgame serving as an epic climax that left fans (and Marvel Studios) struggling to find ways to continue the MCU beyond such a definitive ending. Perhaps future Avengers films will offer new directions, or they may necessitate removing The Avengers from this list.

5. Guardians of the Galaxy

Movies: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017), Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

Over the past decade, the Avengers films have been impressive, but the Guardians of the Galaxy movies outshine them due to their more compact casts. This allowed writer/director James Gunn to delve deeper into his band of oddball characters, particularly the humorous, angry, and wounded Rocket Raccoon. Under Gunn’s guidance, Rocket was evolved from a one-dimensional joke character into one of the most profound heroes in the entire Marvel Universe.

The Guardians of the Galaxy movies have been more enjoyable than the Avengers ones, mainly because they had smaller casts which gave James Gunn the opportunity to explore his collection of quirky characters, especially Rocket Raccoon who was transformed from a simple joke character into a complex and tragic hero by Gunn.

4. Knives Out

In 2019, Rian Johnson found an endless source of inspiration: Reviving the classic whodunit genre by gathering a rotating cast of top-tier suspects who were questioned by the witty and peculiar detective Benoit Blanc (played by Daniel Craig). So far, this formula has resulted in two highly enjoyable detective films. (The third one titled Wake Up Dead Man will soon be available on Netflix.) Johnson mentioned he intends to keep making Knives Out movies as long as Daniel Craig wishes to continue starring in them. These movies are so engaging that it’s a puzzle why he would ever want to discontinue this series.

3. Dune

In this rephrasing, I’ve focused on maintaining the essence of your text while making it more conversational and easier to read:

Movies: Dune (2021) and Dune: Part Two (2024)
Although these two films are split from the same novel, I’d like to argue they aren’t exactly the same story. Director Denis Villeneuve produced the first film, released it, and then had the opportunity to create the second half due to additional funding. Both movies are fantastic, offering a blend of sci-fi, action, drama, world-building, stunning production and costume design, political intrigue, and even featuring Stellan Skarsgård adorned in grisly prosthetics while submerged in the black oil from the X-Files… It’s everything a fan could dream of from this franchise.

2. The Spider-Verse

Movies: Spider-Man: Into the Multiverse (2018), Spider-Man: Through the Multiverse (2023)

In the last decade, amongst the countless comic book series flooding cinemas, it’s safe to say that the two installments of the animated Spider-Verse saga stood out by doing justice to their source material and masterfully transitioning it for film. With a vast team of directors, writers, and producers delving into the rich history of Marvel and Spider-Man comics, they skillfully blended iconic characters with state-of-the-art animation, stunning character designs, and sharp humor. While you could argue that the Tom Holland Spidermen are equally excellent, the animated Spider-Verse certainly offers a unique and entertaining cinematic experience for Spider-Man fans today.

1. John Wick

Movies: John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017), John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019), John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023), and Ballerina (2025)

For the past ten years, no franchise has been as successful as John Wick: Four movies, all of them excellent to outstanding. Even though there were delays in releasing Ballerina, due to rumors of extensive reshoots, it was definitely worth the wait. Director Chad Stahelski and star Keanu Reeves are currently working on a fifth John Wick, and while I’m excited about it, I’m also a little apprehensive. The run they achieved over the past ten years has been so impressive that it seems impossible for them to surpass themselves again.

However, I would have said the same thing after John Wick: Chapter 3. So you know what? It’s good to see you back, John. May you continue to be troubled by the loss of your beloved puppy for a long time to come.

The 10 Best Movies of the Last 10 Years (2015-2024)

10. The Favourite (2018)

In the indulgent richness and fulfillment of a luxurious cake lies “The Favourite”, a power struggle among the influential women who governed England in the early 18th century: Cunning Lady Sarah (portrayed by Rachel Weisz), cunning Abigail (Emma Stone), and the comical yet pitiful Queen Anne, played by Olivia Colman. Despite being adorned with the conventional elements of a predictable Awards Season Costume Drama, “The Favourite” was far from ordinary Oscar bait (although Colman did win 2018’s Best Actress award). It skillfully explored themes of sexuality, gender roles, and politics, all while becoming one of the most discreetly quotable movies of the decade. And even though one character remarks that favor is “a wind that changes direction constantly”, I suspect “The Favourite” will endure as a favorite of mine for a long time to come.

9. The Fabelmans (2022)

What stands out about The Fabelmans is that, even after 70 years since the real events depicted in its opening scene, Steven Spielberg still seems as enamored with movies as young Sammy Fabelman, who is captivated by The Greatest Show on Earth and spends his days trying to replicate the scenes he sees at home. Through the years, Spielberg has honed his skills in filmmaking – learning how to use images and sounds to evoke emotions like joy, empathy, fear, and understanding. However, he’s never forgotten the reason why.
The reason for The Fabelmans, in this case, is to share his own origin story and shed light on both the beauty and the darkness of movies and life. For Sammy, discovering cinema helps him cope with anxiety and loneliness – but sometimes it only deepens his isolation, both at home and school. His burgeoning interest in directing allows him to bond with his artistic mother (brilliantly portrayed by Michelle Williams) – yet it also threatens to reveal her deepest secrets. And now, many years later, it has given Spielberg the means to tell this compelling story, which is filled with life, love, joy, and sadness – just like any great movie.

8. Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar (2021)

Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo finally released their highly anticipated sequel to “Bridesmaids” with this hilarious comedy they both wrote and starred in. The story follows two long-time friends who lose their jobs at Jennifer Convertibles in Soft Rock, Nebraska and decide to use their severance pay for a luxurious trip to Florida. While there, they become smitten with an attractive stranger (portrayed by Jamie Dornan, humorously poking fun at his own image as a muscular ladies’ man) who turns out to be involved in a scheme to destroy the town using genetically modified mosquitoes. (Yes, the classic trope.) Wiig and Mumolo are outstanding in their roles, discussing various topics such as Tommy Bahama clothing and the charm of the name Trish, and the script will remain memorable until the genetically modified mosquitoes arrive for us all. In these difficult times, “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar” came as a pair of sparkling culottes, shining like a beacon to guide us out of the darkness.

7. Inside Out (2015)

Prior to his tenure as Pixar’s chief creative officer, Pete Docter was renowned for his genius within the company. He was a scriptwriter for “Toy Story,” “Toy Story 2,” and “WALL-E,” and served as director for three of the studio’s most acclaimed films: “Monsters, Inc.,” “Up,” and “Inside Out.” The latter, a thoughtfully crafted tale about an 11-year-old girl’s inner life, stands out for its imaginative portrayal of her brainscape. When Riley and her family move from Minnesota to San Francisco, her world is turned upside down, leading to a struggle between the personified emotions in her mind. The design of Riley’s brainscape is consistently inventive, offering something intriguing in every shot of every scene. Above all, “Inside Out” is one of the most insightful films ever produced on the significance of sadness and loss in our lives, serving as a testament to Docter’s remarkable career thus far.

6. Nickel Boys (2024)

In this line of work, I often get to watch an array of good and exceptional films, but seldom do I encounter one that seems fresh or pushes the boundaries of cinema. However, every once in a while, a movie like “Nickel Boys” appears. This is not just original, it’s daring, and it offers a unique perspective – or perspectives, in this case.

This is so because co-screenwriter and director RaMell Ross took the risky approach of filming most of his adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel from the point-of-view of its main characters. Along with cinematographer Jomo Fray, Ross used remarkable point-of-view camera work to immerse viewers in the minds and experiences of two young men enduring a Florida reform school in the 1960s. (It’s a mystery to me why Fray wasn’t nominated for an Oscar for Best Cinematography.) If executed poorly, this technique could become a distracting trick. But in Ross’ skilled hands, you genuinely feel as if you’ve experienced the world differently – and perhaps even glimpsed the future of cinema.

5. Past Lives (2023)

In a poignant exploration of the unseen forces guiding our lives, whether we call them fate, destiny or simply ‘in-yun’, this drama delves into the complex pull and push between individuals that can bring them together and yet drive them apart. The story revolves around two characters, Nora (Greta Lee), a writer, and Hae Sung (Teo Yoo), an engineer, who have an intense connection that keeps drawing them back to each other despite their inability to stay together. Their paths cross throughout their lives – as children, college students, adults – with the world around them changing, but their fundamental relationship remains constant, albeit complicated by Nora’s marriage to an American named Arthur (John Magaro). As you follow the unfolding of this subtle love triangle, you will find yourself questioning whether Nora should stay with her husband or be with Hae Sung. The heart-wrenching conclusion leaves a profound impact, making you ponder the critical moments and decisions that have molded your own journey, even if their significance only becomes clear in retrospect.

4. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Fury Road” is more than just an exceptional car chase movie of the past decade; it’s also one of the most spiritually profound films of recent years. It can be seen as a modern-day exodus story, where a band of valiant women, led by the legendary Imperator Furiosa (played by Charlize Theron), journey through the desert in search of a new paradise, guided by a mad prophet figure, Max (portrayed by Tom Hardy). George Miller’s chaotic masterpiece demonstrates that action movies can indeed be both exciting and intelligent. If someone tries to persuade you otherwise, you should confidently tell them, “That’s nonsense.

3. Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)

In his eighties now, Martin Scorsese continues to challenge himself and his viewers, eliciting exceptional performances from actors, and delving into familiar themes that have graced many of his masterpieces: the enticing yet destructive nature of wealth, and the ominous shadows cast by American history. The backdrop for this tale is the “Reign of Terror” that claimed the lives of multiple members of the Osage Nation in the 1920s, following their control of oil-rich lands in Oklahoma, making them a target of their white neighbors, including Leonardo DiCaprio’s Ernest Burkhart, who is married to an Osage oil millionaire, Lily Gladstone’s Mollie. It seems I say this with each new Scorsese film, but it may be truer than ever for Killers of the Flower Moon. If it turns out to be his final work, it would undoubtedly serve as a fitting capstone on an illustrious career.

2. Lady Bird (2017)

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but be captivated by Greta Gerwig’s masterpiece, “Lady Bird.” This movie is a beautiful exploration of dualities that resonate deeply throughout the narrative. The protagonist, Lady Bird herself, bears two names, mirroring the multiple relationships she navigates – two boyfriends and two best friends.

The story unfolds across two school semesters, each marked by its unique school play. There are not one but two dances and parties that add to the film’s vibrant atmosphere. The relationship with her parents is also complex, offering two distinct perspectives. She applies to two colleges and attends two churches, each offering a different path. All these dualities make “Lady Bird” a poignant movie about choice – choices that, at Lady Bird’s age, seem like life-altering decisions. And in many ways, they are.

1. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)

In the Musso & Frank Grill, producers meet Rick Dalton and Cliff Booth. Marvin Schwarz suggests Rick star in Italian Westerns, leaving him disappointed and crestfallen, thinking his career is over. As they step outside, tears flow from Rick’s eyes. Quentin Tarantino cleverly frames the shot to emphasize the Musso & Frank Grill sign towering above them, reminding viewers it’s the “Oldest in Hollywood.” Despite having a few good years left, Rick seems to be nearing the end of his career. “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” is an exceptional movie, full of thoughtful details like this one.

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2025-07-01 18:27