Which is the Greatest Science Fiction Movie Franchise?

The Best Sci-Fi Movie Franchises of All Time

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Star Wars

Taking our top spot is the ever popular and hugely influential Star Wars. Birthing numerous films, TV shows, games, merchandise and even its own theme park, Star Wars continues to have a lasting cultural impact all over the world.

Did you know? George Lucas originally intended to have a Monday play Yoda in Star Wars Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back.

Star Trek

Coming in a close second in the inimitable Star Trek. Originating from the 1960’s television series, this series has spawned a number of films, TV shows, games and merchandise and continues to be loved by audiences globally.

Did you know? Spock has greenish skin, but it was originally meant to be red.

Terminator

Beginning with The Terminator in 1984, this franchise saw Arnold Schwarzenegger in his most famous role, and has since gone on to produce six feature films, television shows, games, comics and novels. Still a much-loved franchise to this day.

Did you know? The studio wanted the hero to have a cyborg canine sidekick.

Blade Runner

Originating from Philip K. Dick’s 1968 novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, Blade Runner has inspired scores of other stories, and the franchise has seen two feature films, comics, novels, documentaries, books and games. Deckard is still considered one of sci-fi’s most iconic characters.

Did you know? Blade Runner’s title comes from William S. Burrough’s Blade Runner (a movie), a film treatment based on Alan E. Nourse’s 1974 novel The Bladerunner (alternatively published as The Blade Runner).

Alien

Beginning with Alien in 1979, this series has grown into one of the world’s most loved sci-fi franchises. Since the original film, there have been 5 sequels, short films, a popular web series, print media, games, merch and high-profile theme park attractions.

Did you know? All the aliens in the movie, the Facehugger, the Chestbuster, the humanoid Space Jockey and the big bad adult were designed by the surrealist painter H.R. Giger.

Back To The Future

This hugely popular franchise began in 1985, and has since produced two sequels, a short film, a TV show, comics, books, video games, documentaries and a theme park ride. The films are so iconic, they have even been turned into pinball machines and featured in car commercials.

Did you know? Eric Stoltz was the original Marty McFly but was fired for being too dark and brooding in what was supposed to be a more comedic role. The decision wasted about six weeks in shoots and nearly $4 million.

The Matrix

This franchise currently consists of three movies, although a fourth is currently in development. Beginning with The Matrix in 1999, the franchise has gone on to produce video games, comics and a hugely popular animated series. The fourth film will be released in December 2021.

Did you know? Morpheus, in Greek mythology, is the god of dreams.

Mad Max

The last spot on our list goes to Mad Max, which has produced 4 movies, with 2 more scheduled to release in 2023. Beginning with Mad Max in 1979, the franchise has gone on to include merchandise, novels, video games and comic books.

Did you know? In Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior, Mel Gibson only has 16 lines of dialogue.

Bonus: The Top Sci-Fi TV Show

Star Trek takes our award for the top sci-fi TV franchise, but these two shows definitely deserve an honourable mention…

Battlestar Galactica

One of television’s most loved science-fiction shows, Battlestar has been on the air since 1978, with several different series in the franchise.

The Twilight Zone

Running between 1959 and 2020 through four different series, The Twilight Zone remains one of the most respected sci-fi TV shows in existence.

Sources: numbers.com, ranker.com, moviefone.com, screenrant.com, rottentomatoes.com