Can You Guess the Top 5 Highest Grossing Media Franchises?

August 27, 2022
12:34 am

As of 2022, one thing is certain when it comes to global media franchises: You can’t beat the classics.

With billions of dollars racked in over the past few decades, these franchises have turned their savvy business into utter dominance across the board. Video games, movies, merchandise, and even collaborations with other well-known brands have turned these brands into juggernauts that are showing no signs of slowing down. I bet you cannot guess who comes in at number 1.

#5 – Star Wars ($65 billion)

The franchise has successfully appealed to multiple generations of fans by combining classic characters with new storylines and series, such as ‘The Mandalorian’ on Disney Plus, which is regarded as one of the more daring moves to come from the entire series. Aside from Baby Yoda, years of animated series and games on multiple consoles, collectibles, and the ever-popular lightsaber have all added to the Star Wars Empire.

#4 – Mickey Mouse ($70 billion)

There probably isn’t a more recognizable media mascot that the leading man (mouse) for Disney. Debuting in 1928, Mickey has stood the test of time with over 90 years worth of cartoons, movies, and merchandise to his name. Not only is the silhouette of his head considered an “iconic image”, but his gloves would also go on to influence other characters, such as Bugs Bunny, Mario, and Sonic The Hedgehog.

With designs and collaborations in big and small stores alike, Mickey has accumulated over $70 billion in merchandise.

#3 – Winnie The Pooh ($75 billion)

Proving that sometimes things just get better with age, the chronicles of Winnie the Pooh has connected with audiences time and time again by providing a connection to the nostalgic curiosity of childhood. Pooh bear has earned a staggering $75 billion for the endeavor.

Originally created in 1924, the newest movie rendition “Christopher Robin” became the highest-grossing film in the franchise, grossing $197 million worldwide. Now that friendly Pooh Bear and Piglet are public domain, We’ll have to wait and see how the newest addition to the brand performs in its not-so-child-friendly new adaption.

#2 – Hello Kitty ($80 billion)

Created in 1974, Hello Kitty has become a classic symbol for all that is cute. But to be clear, you don’t earn over $80 billion without a few savvy tricks up your sleeve, and versatility has been the secret of the brand’s superpower.

With a new line of clothes dropping in Forever 21 (for the second time), Hello Kitty has masterminded a style that can adapt to, well, anything. Any aesthetic, time period, country, language, or demographic. Even if you don’t directly interact with the brand, there are brands like Puma, ASOS, and even Balenciaga that have made sure to reserve a spot for the fashionable feline.

#1 – Pokémon ($92 billion)

Versatility is king, and there’s not a franchise on planet Earth able to change and evolve quite like Pokemon. With multiple mainline TV shows and movies, Highly rated video games, and trading cards for almost 30 years, Pikachu has led the charge on marketing with no sign of slowing.

The mind-boggling success of pokemon GO just a few years ago, as well as landing a new home for their shows on Netlfix, Pokemon’s moves have only ever led to more opportunities for growth. The lovable figures can be plastered on just about any item you can think of, and have been since the inception of the first game back in 1997. With over $92 billion in earnings officially made for their endeavors, and another new game arriving just in time for the holiday season, it’s easy to see how Pokemon sit comfortably atop the list.

Second Trailer | Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet

Did the list surprise you? What’s your favorite media franchises?