The Lifespan and Size of Film Franchises: An Empirical Analysis
Executive Summary
How many movies does a typical film franchise release? And how many years do these franchises continue to produce new installments? In this empirical analysis, we explore the lifespan and size of 1751 movie franchises
The Lifespan and Size of Film Franchises: An Empirical Analysis
Many people wonder how long movie franchises last and how many movies they typically produce. Are most film series short-lived, or do they span decades with countless sequels?
This report presents a clear look at the average number of movies per franchise and the average age of movie franchises, based on real data. We use two simple but revealing charts to explore these questions.
đź“Š Number of Movies per Franchise
This bar plot shows how many franchises have a given number of movies. The x-axis indicates the number of films per franchise, and the y-axis shows how frequently each occurs.
Key Takeaways:
- The average number of movies per franchise is 2.61.
- 688 franchises have only 2 movies.
- 533 franchises have just 1 movie (meaning no sequel).
- Only 12 franchises have more than 15 movies.
What This Means:
Most movie franchises don't become massive series. In fact, the majority produce just one or two films. Franchises with 5 or more movies are rare, and those with over 10 are exceptional. These findings help explain why big franchises like James Bond, Fast & Furious, or Marvel stand out—they are the exception, not the norm.
🕰️ Lifespan of Movie Franchises (Years)
This bar plot shows how many franchises have a given age. The x-axis indicates the age of franchises, and the y-axis shows how frequently each occurs.
Key Takeaways:
- The average lifespan of a movie franchise is 11.25 years.
- 144 franchises lasted only 1 year.
- Over half lasted fewer than 5 years.
- 22 franchises are more than 50 years old.
What This Means:
While a few legendary franchises survive for generations, most end within a few years. It’s common for studios to release sequels within a short time window and then stop production. Long-running franchises are usually backed by strong fan bases, consistent revenue, or major studio support.
Conclusion
Across movie franchises, the average output is 2.61 films and the typical lifespan is about 11.25 years. Only 12 franchises have more than 15 entries, while 22 are over 50 years old. In other words, most series are short-lived with just a few films, but a small group become pop-culture fixtures that endure for decades.