The Never-Ending Franchise: 9 Film Series That Defied Expectations

1. The Unstoppable Saga of Action and Family

The Fast & Furious franchise has defied all expectations with its enduring success and unprecedented expansion. What began as a series of adrenaline-pumping movies has evolved into a multimedia empire, spanning films, TV shows, and video games. With the upcoming release of Fast X: Part 2 in 2025, the franchise shows no signs of slowing down, continually incorporating new stars and exploring new storylines. Through multiple iterations and spin-offs, the Fast & Furious series has managed to stay fresh and captivating, with Vin Diesel emerging as the iconic hero of the saga.

Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson standing beside each other in Fast & Furious

The franchise's ability to reinvent itself and appeal to diverse audiences has been key to its longevity, cementing its status as a cultural phenomenon that continues to captivate fans worldwide.

Vin Diesel and Brian O'Conner in Fast & Furious's ending scene

2. The Endless Pursuit of Fate

The Final Destination franchise has defied the odds by delivering a series of supernatural horror films that have endured over the years. Despite initial skepticism and low critical reception, the franchise has managed to release five profitable films, surprising audiences with its consistent box office performance. The upcoming reboot promises to breathe new life into the franchise, offering a fresh perspective on the gripping narrative of fate and the unrelenting forces of destiny.

Ali Larter in Final Destination

3. The Scorpion King's Resilience

Originating as a spin-off of The Mummy Returns, The Scorpion King franchise has defied critical reception to carve out its own enduring legacy. Despite facing mixed reviews, the franchise has continued to thrive, spawning a total of five films, with a dedicated fan base that has sustained its success. The series' ability to resonate with audiences and maintain a strong presence in the direct-to-video market is a testament to its lasting appeal and resilience.

Dwayne Johnson in the snow in The Scorpion King

4. The Marvel Cinematic Universe: A Cinematic Marvel

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has redefined the landscape of superhero films, defying all expectations with its monumental success and expansive storytelling. Beginning in 2008, the MCU has grown into a sprawling universe of interconnected movies and TV shows, captivating audiences with its larger-than-life characters and epic narratives. As the highest-grossing franchise of all time, the MCU continues to push the boundaries of live-action superhero storytelling, introducing new and exciting heroes while maintaining its cultural impact.

Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man snaps the Infinity Stones in Avengers: Endgame

The franchise's ability to integrate diverse storylines and characters has solidified its status as a groundbreaking cinematic achievement, setting a new standard for superhero storytelling in the film industry.

Several Avengers stand around in casual clothing in Avengers: Endgame

5. The Enduring Legacy of Fear

The Halloween franchise has defied the odds by maintaining its grip on the horror genre for over four decades. Despite the challenges of sustaining a successful slasher series, Halloween has endured with a total of thirteen films, each contributing to the enduring legacy of the original 1978 classic. While some sequels have faced criticism, the franchise's ability to maintain its presence in the horror genre is a testament to its enduring impact and the timeless appeal of the iconic slasher.

Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie looking worried at Michael in Halloween Exclusive header

6. The Unyielding Terror of the Unknown

Hellraiser, a horror franchise that began in 1987, has defied expectations by continuing to deliver bone-chilling sequels that have captivated audiences. With a total of thirteen films released over the years, the saga has maintained a consistent presence in the horror genre, offering a blend of terror and intrigue that has endured over time. Despite the challenges of replicating the success of the original, Hellraiser has persisted in delivering compelling narratives that continue to resonate with horror enthusiasts.

Pinhead looking angry in Hellraiser

7. The Endless Battle of Darkness and Shadows

The Underworld franchise, despite facing critical scrutiny, has defied all expectations by persisting in the action-horror genre. With five films released between 2003 and 2017, the series has maintained a dedicated audience, drawing viewers into its modern gothic premise and captivating them with its intense and immersive storytelling. While not without its critics, the franchise's ability to endure in the face of adversity is a testament to its enduring appeal and its ability to transport audiences into a world of darkness and danger.

Kate Beckinsale as Selene with blood on her forehead in Underworld.

8. The Eternal Legacy of Terror

Jaws, a groundbreaking thriller that debuted in 1975, defied all expectations with its enduring legacy in the world of cinema. Despite the challenges of creating successful sequels, the franchise persisted with four films, each contributing to the timeless allure of the original shark terror. While some sequels faced diminishing returns, the franchise's ability to maintain its place in the annals of horror cinema is a testament to its enduring impact and the indelible mark it has left on the genre.

The shark from Jaws

9. The Unforgettable Quest for Adventure

The Indiana Jones franchise has defied all odds by continuing to capture the spirit of adventure and exploration over the years. With five films released between 1981 and 2023, the franchise has endured, captivating audiences with its iconic hero and timeless tales of daring escapades. Despite facing challenges in maintaining the franchise's momentum, the enduring appeal of Indiana Jones is a testament to its ability to transport audiences into a world of thrilling adventure and unforgettable quests.

Indiana Jones in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)