40 movie sequels have hit $1 billion or more at the box office — here they all are
A significant number of films that have grossed over $1 billion at the global box office are sequels, marking a shift in industry trends. The article lists major franchise successes, noting that sequels are now expected to outperform their predecessors.
Why it matters
The reliance on sequels for massive box office returns illustrates the current risk-averse strategy of major film studios.
The cast of "Spider-Man: Brand New Day." Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" recently crossed the $2 billion threshold. It's the fourth installment in the Tom Holland-led "Spider-Man" series. It joins 39 other sequels that have made seven figures at the box office. At one time, sequels were expected to have diminishing returns — but not anymore. Now, if a sequel doesn't outgross its predecessor, it can be considered something of a failure. Perhaps that's why, among the 64 films released by US studios that have made $1 billion at the box office , a whopping 40 of them are direct sequels to other movies — 44 if you count "Rogue One," "Minions," "The Phantom Menace," or "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," which are technically prequels.
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