Introduction

A film series or movie series (also referred to as a film franchise or movie franchise) is a collection of related films in succession that share the same fictional universe, or are marketed as a series.

Defining a Film Series

“A film series is a collection of related movies released in succession over a period of time, for instance, the Tarzan movies. Usually, films in a series include common elements, such as characters (i.e., the Frankenstein films), actors/actresses (Astaire & Rogers), or names in a title (the Pink Panther films), etc. Sometimes, a film series is based upon the same director (i.e., Robert Rodriguez’ Mariachi Trilogy, or Baz Luhrmann’s Red Curtain Trilogy), or it can be based upon the studio (i.e., Hammer’s Dracula films).” (Filmsite.org).

Background

Sometimes the work is conceived from the beginning as a multiple-film work – for example, the Three Colours series – but in most cases the success of the original film inspires further films to be made.

Individual sequels are relatively common, but are not always successful enough to spawn further instalments.

As of August 2020, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is the highest grossing film series even when adjusted for inflation, surpassing the Wizarding World, Star Wars, James Bond, and J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-Earth series.