When we talk about the giants of the box office, it’s impossible not to think about the colossal footprints left by big franchises. These cinematic behemoths not only capture our imaginations but also dominate ticket sales worldwide. Let’s explore five reasons why these franchises continue to reign supreme in the world of film.
Loyal Fans Rally Behind the Marvel Cinematic Universe
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has cultivated a loyal fan base that spans generations. Over multiple movies and decades, this loyalty ensures that audiences turn out in droves for new releases. “People talk about record breaking, groundbreaking, all that kind of thing, but it’s a little difficult to internalize it all,” said Alan Horn, president of Warner Brothers. This sentiment reflects the emotional investment and excitement that fans bring to each MCU installment. Despite a franchise low at the domestic box office for ‘The Marvels’, the global total reached an impressive $110.3 million, indicating a steadfast audience eager to follow their beloved characters’ journeys.
Star Wars Universe Captivates with Expansive Storytelling
The Star Wars Universe has consistently attracted audiences with its rich storytelling and expansive universe. The success of ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ demonstrates a creative strategy that resonates deeply with fans: standalone stories that are part of a larger tapestry. Rogue One’s brand and marketing campaign heavily focuses on its function as a standalone movie within the Star Wars franchise,
highlighting its unique position in offering depth and continuity. Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm Ltd., reinforces this by stating, the Star Wars franchise may focus on producing these anthology movies that don’t necessarily have to tie into something specific.
Jurassic World Thrills with High Production Values
Jurassic World, like its predecessors, showcases the undeniable allure of high production values. The film managed to captivate audiences without relying on a star-studded cast, proving that exceptional special effects can lead to box office domination. Spielberg’s reputation likely contributed to the loyalty and turnout for the film’s release, as fans were drawn to the cinematic spectacle promised by such a renowned filmmaker.
Harry Potter Series Conjures Success with Marketing Magic
The Harry Potter series exemplifies how strategic marketing campaigns can create immense hype and ensure high box office turnout. Paul Dergarabedian, chairman of Exhibitor Relations, marveled at the series’ opening weekend saying, There aren’t enough adjectives to describe how spectacular this opening weekend for Potter has been.
This enthusiasm was carefully cultivated through a marketing campaign that reached nearly every corner of North America and captured the hearts of J.K. Rowling’s avid readers.
The Lego Movie Builds Success Through Merchandising
Merchandising opportunities play a significant role in the profitability of big franchises, and The Lego Movie is no exception. Paul Dergarabedian observed how the studio had the building blocks to create a blockbuster,
emphasizing how merchandise can bolster a film’s financial success. The Lego Movie not only enjoyed strong marketing but also tapped into an existing product line that fans could take home, expanding its influence beyond the silver screen.
In conclusion, these five factors—established fan bases, expansive universes, high production values, strategic marketing campaigns, and merchandising opportunities—are key ingredients in the recipe for box office dominance by big franchises. As we’ve seen with the MCU, Star Wars Universe, Jurassic World, Harry Potter series, and The Lego Movie, these elements combine to create cinematic experiences that audiences eagerly anticipate and support year after year.
