Franchises and Sequels Reign Supreme at the 2024 Box Office
The year 2024 was dominated by franchises and sequels at the global box office, with blockbuster hits such as “Inside Out 2” and “Deadpool & Wolverine” leading the charge. This trend underscores the continuing profitability of established cinematic universes and adaptations, leaving little room for original stories in the top ranks.
The Reign of Franchises and Sequels
Franchise films and sequels accounted for nearly all of the top 15 highest-grossing movies in 2024, according to data from Box Office Mojo. Notable entries included “Dune: Part Two,” “Gladiator II,” and franchise expansions like “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” and “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.” The only film in the top 15 not adapted from an existing movie was “Wicked,” which drew its storyline from the popular Broadway musical of the same name.
Adaptations Continue to Thrive
Even beyond the top 15, adaptations held a significant presence. “It Ends With Us,” based on a bestselling novel, ranked 16th, while “The Wild Robot,” adapted from a children’s book, secured the 18th spot. Among the top performers, the only original film not based on pre-existing intellectual property was John Krasinski’s “IF,” which earned over $190 million worldwide, landing at number 24.
A Shift from 2023 Trends
The dominance of sequels and adaptations in 2024 marked a shift from 2023, where the top three films—”Barbie,” “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” and “Oppenheimer”—though based on toys, games, and books, were not sequels or part of established cinematic franchises. Additionally, 2023 saw original films like the Chinese blockbuster “No More Bets” and Pixar’s “Elemental” make it into the top 15.
Audience Preferences vs. Box Office Trends
Despite the box office success of sequels and franchises, audience surveys suggest a preference for original content. A study commissioned by Tubi and conducted by The Harris Poll in late 2023 and early 2024 found that 74% of millennial and Gen Z respondents preferred original films over remakes. The survey sampled over 2,500 adults who regularly streamed video content.
The Continued Appeal of Superheroes
Even amid reports of superhero fatigue, “Deadpool & Wolverine” demonstrated the enduring appeal of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This success highlights that, despite shifting audience preferences, established franchises can still draw significant box office revenue.
Theater Attendance and Future Prospects
Michael O’Leary, CEO of the National Association of Theater Owners, noted a positive trend in theater attendance, with approximately 76% of Americans aged 12 to 74 watching a movie in theaters in 2024. He expressed optimism for the industry’s future, a sentiment that was not as prevalent a year prior.
Looking ahead, the momentum of franchises and sequels shows no signs of slowing down. Highly anticipated releases in 2025 include “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning” and a live-action adaptation of “Lilo & Stitch.” These upcoming titles continue to emphasize the industry’s reliance on established properties to drive box office success.
Conclusion
The 2024 box office results highlight a clear trend: sequels, franchises, and adaptations dominate, with original stories struggling to break into the top ranks. While audience surveys indicate a preference for originality, the financial success of franchise films suggests studios will continue to invest heavily in known properties. As the industry evolves, it will be interesting to see how the balance between originality and established franchises plays out in future box office charts.
For more insights, read the original article on Business Insider.
