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- The 25 Highest-Grossing Media Franchises of All Time
Written by Carly Hallman
Did you grow up watching Pokémon or collecting Pokémon cards? Or perhaps you discovered the colossally successful entertainment franchise during the Pokémon Go craze. Launched on July 6, 2016, a record-breaking 130 million people downloaded the free app. Today, the Pokémon Go community is still thriving with over 5 million players. It made an estimated 795 million dollars worldwide in 2018 alone. This contributed to Pokémon being the highest grossing media in global history.
The 25 Highest-Grossing Media Franchises of All Time infographic
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The top 25 highest grossing media franchises of all time worldwide (by total revenue in U.S. dollars) are as follows:
- Pokémon – $92.121 billion
- Hello Kitty – $80.026 billion
- Winnie the Pooh – $75.034 billion
- Mickey Mouse & Friends – $70.587 billion
- Star Wars – $65.631 billion
- Anpanman – $60.285 billion
- Disney Princess – $45.187 billion
- Mario – $36.143 billion
- Shōnen Jump / Jump Comics – $34.117 billion
- Harry Potter – $30.871 billion
- Marvel Cinematic Universe – $29.128 billion
- Spider-Man – $27.078 billion
- Gundam – $26.457 billion
- Batman – $26.448 billion
- Dragon Ball – $24.031 billion
- Barbie – $24.003 billion
- Fist of the North Star – $21.818 billion
- Cars – $21.794 billion
- Toy Story – $20.743 billion
- One Piece – $20.515 billion
- Lord of the Rings – $19.937 billion
- James Bond – $19.900 billion
- Yu-Gi-Oh! – $19.848 billion
- Peanuts – $17.428 billion
- Transformers – $17.220 billion
Pokémon was created in 1996, meaning that it has earned an average of nearly $4 billion a year. This number is impressive, but it does not fully convey what franchises have been wildly successful in recent times. While not included in the top 25, the film Frozen earned $11.3 billion in just 6 years!
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is estimated to have grossed over $29 billion including box office, merchandise, home entertainment, and comic volume revenue; over $19 billion came from the box office alone. It’s important to note that this estimate was calculated BEFORE the release of Captain Marvel and Avengers: Endgame which have already added billions to the MCU’s total gross and Endgame is only just getting started!
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The article you shared delves into the highest-grossing media franchises, showcasing the financial powerhouses across various entertainment domains. As an enthusiast and someone deeply immersed in media and entertainment trends, I'm well-versed in these franchises and the industries they represent.
The list covers an impressive array of franchises, highlighting the incredible revenue they've generated over the years. Pokémon leads the pack with a staggering $92.121 billion in total revenue. Its launch in 1996 marked the beginning of an empire that's consistently earned an average of nearly $4 billion annually. This growth trajectory showcases not just a successful brand but a cultural phenomenon that spans generations.
The diversity of these franchises is notable. From timeless classics like Winnie the Pooh and Mickey Mouse to contemporary giants like Marvel Cinematic Universe and Harry Potter, each has carved its niche in the global market. The breadth of revenue sources, including box office earnings, merchandise, home entertainment, and comic volumes, underscores their multifaceted success strategies.
The article also highlights the recent successes of certain franchises. For instance, Frozen's $11.3 billion earnings in just six years exemplify the rapid and immense financial triumphs possible in today's entertainment landscape. Similarly, the Marvel Cinematic Universe's $29 billion gross across various revenue streams, especially with massive box office hits like Avengers: Endgame, demonstrates the enduring appeal and profitability of superhero franchises.
Beyond the franchises themselves, the article touches on the financial considerations related to personal finance and home buying. It emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and planning for a secure future, urging individuals to manage their money wisely, save diligently, and make informed decisions in various financial matters.
Overall, the article provides a comprehensive glimpse into the powerhouse franchises that have shaped the entertainment industry's landscape while also advocating for financial prudence and empowerment in personal finance matters.
