The Hollywood film franchise, in today’s world, is the most profitable artistic endeavor in all of media. Millions and sometimes billions of dollars are raked in by studios and executives year after year by cashing in on the love, admiration, and nostalgia that audiences feel for our favorite properties. Be it Star Wars, DC, 007, or you’re online obsessing over seeing the new Marvel in Infinity Vision, the odds are that your favorite film franchise was either started in the ’80s or owes its string of sequels to the format popularized in the ’80s.
What I’m saying is, the ’80s was the true dawn of the Hollywood franchise. And today, we’re going to talk all about it.
In today’s episode, we’re taking the DeLorean out for a spin, and you’re riding shotgun as we travel back to the ’80s and break down the rise of film sequels, merchandising, and the absolute money pool that was founded during the greatest decade for movies. We’ll talk about where the idea came from, how it became a bankable formula for studios to make profits, and potentially how it destroyed movies the way we knew them and rebuilt an industry of endless dead-horse beating. Let’s get into it.
In our previous episodes in this series, we’ve talked about the action heroes of the decade, the B- and C-list stars, the martial arts movement, the stuntmen, directors, aesthetics, VHS gems, and even what makes ’80s villains the true standouts of the era. All of our previous installments have been leading to this, so, in a way, this video is kind of part of a franchise… where’s my billion bucks?!
How Do We Define a Film Franchise?
Now, how do we define a “film franchise”? Well, to me, a movie or character that receives multiple sequels, spin-offs, or ventures into other forms of media qualifies. I don’t know that I’d consider some of the great trilogies of the ’80s to be full-on franchises, though, so the Back to the Future trilogy is respectfully being excluded from today’s video, as it’s an iconic trilogy that really doesn’t have much else in terms of franchise success. And ya know what? That’s a good thing. Let some things stay precious and sacred forever, I say.
Before the ’80s, you’d of course see the occasional film sequel or series of film sequels pop up here and there, particularly with the Western genre, but in those days, movie studios were always looking for the next big thing. Looking ahead at the future of cinema and mining for golden ideas.
However, when the ’80s rolled in, the world was changing, and it was necessary for the film industry to adapt. During the ’80s, movies shifted from being gritty character dramas with relatable, morally grey characters to being idealized and stylized aspirational blockbusters that showed us what we WANTED to be and not what we WERE.
This came at the perfect time as filmmaking technology was improving at a rapid rate and movies were starting to feel bigger than they ever had before.
Star Wars Showed Hollywood the Way
Star Wars was released in the late ’70s, and I think this is really where it all starts. George Lucas brought us a film that took audiences to worlds we’d never seen but gave us a found-family space adventure that was somehow also full of hope, meaning, and characters we’d come to love and cherish. But the ’80s? That’s where this iconic film became a massive franchise with enough cash flow to fill both Death Stars.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. You’re probably about to comment that Star Wars was nothing more than a trilogy in the ’80s as well and it wasn’t until years later that Hollywood expanded it with prequels. Well, that’s where you’re wrong.
See, the ’80s saw two sequels that completed the original Star Wars trilogy but also led to an unprecedented explosion of merchandising and continued media. There was even the often-maligned Star Wars Holiday Special, which honestly was so bizarre and ugly that it could have ruined the series. There were novelizations, comic books, and magazines dedicated to the film which brought awareness to other types of consumers. But where the money REALLY came from outside of movies was toys.
Star Wars toys took on a life and identity of their own in the 1980s and cemented this iconic trilogy as a staple in pop culture that continues today. Most people forget this but Star Wars just released a theatrical film THIS YEAR in 2026; they don’t seem to be slowing down on Disney+ streaming shows either.
Now what did this movement do for cinema specifically franchises? Well, Star Wars was first real example of just how big movies and their characters could get OUTSIDE of box office revenue. The merchandise and toy sales showed studios there was money to be made by making each film a brand unto itself.
Rocky Proved a Franchise Could Keep Reinventing Itself
You’ll notice this throughout decade as we got sequels for just about everything. Like look at Rocky. An indie movie made in late ’70s somehow became huge hit franchise throughout ’80s,’90s,’2000s,’2010s with only occasional slip-up in quality.
This is a franchise that dominated ’80s with three films releasing that decade capped off by a ’90s installment only to be brought back in 2000s with Rocky Balboa, a sort of legacy sequel to send Rocky off in style followed by Creed spin-off trilogy which launched Michael B. Jordan as director in its third installment. This method of franchise filmmaking has launched SO many careers in industry it’s almost unbelievable.
But not all franchises were career-starting box office bangers like Star Wars or Rocky. Some like many horror franchises were smaller productions producing multiple subsequent installments cheaply so they did just that.
Franchises like Friday The 13th, Child’s Play, Leprechaun, even The Stepfather, which saw three films AND remake all became iconic recognizable because Hollywood kept churning them out. When we see Freddy Krueger or Michael Myers or Jason Voorhees or even Lubdan Leprechaun we see products of ’80s franchises beating us over head with cool characters until we refused let go thus keeping their franchises alive long after some should have ended.
The thing remember here is this all about money right? Studios have success with something so they make more things like it. I heard quote once said “I’ll stop beating dead horse when it stops spitting out money.” And that truly sums up what motivates studios do things like make an Indiana Jones movie 2020s with 80-year-old Harrison Ford just squeeze tube dry.
Indiana Jones and The Danger Of Never Letting Go
Speaking of Indiana Jones, THIS is an iconic franchise nearly ruined by its own fame popularity. Raiders Of The Lost Ark would one Spielberg’s best films starring his friend Harrison Ford who still counting cash from success role Han Solo Star Wars .
This movie had all makings great franchise-able film starring likable action hero relatable everyman quality lore lived-in world-building felt like there was more explore future films perhaps most importantly made STUPID amounts money.
This led us receiving initial Indiana Jones trilogy started wrapped up Indy dad literally riding off into sunset all 1980s only reborn with Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull 2000s further diminished recent James Mangold-directed Dial Of Destiny .
I think originally planned three movies but after few duds Spielberg enough desperation from 2008 recession Lucasfilm right back saddle relive glory days problem obviously despite Ford being incredible actor simply too old keep doing this plain simple.
Total Indiana Jones franchise pulled billions dollars with being said please leave well enough alone STOP making these movies.
Ghostbusters Becomes A Pop Culture Phenomenon
Anyway in ‘80s none these lessons were learned so franchises kept coming.
Ghostbusters was planned single film originally meant star Eddie Murphy Chevy Chase John Belushi alongside creator Dan Aykroyd later became beloved classic we all adore similar Indy characters Ray Stantz Winston Zeddmore Peter Venkman Egon Spengler won us over tune millions dollars theaters which obviously made prime franchising.
We’re talking Ghostbusters II ’80s The Real Ghostbusters cartoon also ‘80s new Ghostbusters cartoon ‘90s reboot 2016 two legacy sequels 2020s billions dollars made merchandising if you’re any kind movie fan especially ‘80s movie fan own SOMETHING logo on it promise.
This interesting case because many this franchise hasn’t been great since first film while admit original 1984 movie superior anything came after think one those franchises will always find place somewhere pop culture first movie famously hailed “movie about nothing” exactly what love about it.
The second movie trying harder do little more ultimately lacks charm first one despite having more polished colorful look failure second haunted any new live-action Ghostbusters from being developed but cartoon hit kids grew Saturday morning cartoons kept brand public consciousness years come.
There hit video game served third installment original two films very cool great story then 2016 time inevitable film reboot — by way feel like film REBOOTS deserve own video one day — but movie did impress audiences nor did seem breathe new life ghost franchise.
Directed great Paul Feig replaced usual characters all-new set ghost-hunting blue-collar workers time they’d be all-girl lineup starring Melissa McCarthy Kristen Wiig Leslie Jones Kate McKinnon admit don’t love movie think people WAY too hard on still pretty good even if somehow even lower-brow version what used to.
I also think first legacy sequel Ghostbusters: Afterlife excellent felt tried-and-true legacy sequel had all makings nostalgia bomb brought back original cast even dead ones directed original director Ivan Reitman’s son picked years after events second film ignoring reboot completely.
Unfortunately all good shit this movie did kind undone Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire seems have done what Ghostbusters II did ruined series live action however Ghostbusters ain’t going anywhere mark my words.
The Karate Kid Just Keeps Going
The Karate Kid came out same year asThe Karate Kidand starred Ralph Macchio Daniel LaRusso New Jersey transplant living L.A learns discipline karate mentor old maintenance man called Miyagi teaches Daniel defend himself do honor.
This should always been single standalone movie opinion It’s just simple scope bullied kid learns fight takes down bully end However this movie cleaned up too well box office let single bolt lightning sitting bottle.
The Karate Kid Part II came out took Daniel Miyagi Japan expand lore Miyagi’s past while adding new characters mix This movie pretty good has amazing set pieces fight rain end ultimately didn’t carry same weight original.
The Karate Kid Part III released shortly after again expanded past lore set future lore introduced characters Terry Silver Mike Barnes blend Characters we’d sure see again day.
The Next Karate Kid Pat Morita reprising role Miyagi taking new pupil Hilary Swank don’t like this movie has Karate Kid setup way less likable protagonist less going There’s like bully task force this movie something IDK hate it.
Audiences didn’t like either franchise went ice while time reboot 2010 reinvented knew original followed new characters including Jaden Smith tiny ass-kicking machine student Jackie Chan Han movie Mr Miyagi This relative success didn’t excite audiences sequel just kind came went.
Cobra Kai revival TV series form show called Cobra Kai follow villain original frame hero story.
This show eventually moved Netflix remaining seasons released know show got kind lame stupid later seasons man love Cobra Kai think show does more original film than any other movies ever could It brings back every single character every movie truly lives up source material.
The rave success show also led recent Karate Kid: Legends sucks Again This crosses over original film Jackie Chan reboot has Daniel Han training new kid care sure don’t either because nobody saw this movie.
The Terminator Becomes an Icon
<The Terminator becomes hit franchise something iconic warning now very real threat AI.
This original film introduced Arnold Schwarzenegger Terminator helped launch career stratosphere neon-soaked horror-action romp became popular films era started here 1984 going against already iconic films Ghostbusters Gremlins Karate Kid even Conan Destroyer ANOTHER Arnold outing.
This only Terminator flick come out ‘80sand admit T2 better film best series released ‘90 But numbers movie did way wouldn’t get sequels.
Eearly ‘90 got Judgment Day kind reimagined version original leading early 2000 Terminator 3: Rise Machines bad Very bad hot new robot fanboys gush over.
This follows now-grown John Connor mission shut Skynet blah blah blah isn’t great completely forgotten few years later Christian Bale took role John Terminator Salvation This technically same continuity third movie honestly don’t know how Salvation okay made money more war-thriller-esque installment series didn’t crush box office also forgotten shortly after release.
This only until mid ‘10 when got Terminator Genisys set alternate reality multiple T-800 different timelines This first truly awful Terminator movie just doesn’t belong lineup.
DURING ALL THESE ATTEMPTS RELAUNCH CHARACTER FILM THERE TV SHOWS Sarah Connor Chronicles takes AFTER events T2 some pretty fun video games ‘90.
This franchise made ANOTHER attempt capture former glory Terminator: Dark Fate seemingly finally ended franchise This fun nostalgia trip ultimately hollow doing anything audiences really felt need want time came out.
This franchise say hasta la vista baby Actually wait animated thing called Terminator Zero released Netflix few years ago Is any good?
Arnold Schwarzenegger Predator
&And Arnold basically king franchise ‘80 Similar Stallone Rocky Rambo similar Harrison Ford doing Indy Star Wars Arnold making waves Terminator kicking off Predator franchise Dutch
&Now Predator unique case started great quickly bad then very bad then came back around recent years now being great once again Predator mess production paid big box office established action horror viable genre Schwarzenegger
&Film kind leans idea strongest baddest dude means nothing adversary miles ahead physical prowess dominance Series went rails subsequent films Predator 2 starring Danny Glover Gary Busey taking place metropolitan city Los Angeles crossed Xenomorphs Alien vs Predator both fun concepts opinion don’t really make interesting developments either saga Although admit idea Aliens Predators Earth cool idea
&In 2010 Predators released also came went Adrien Brody attempt action star more less sloppy uninspired rehashing original film
&Then 2018 time official reboot Predator See added “The” before original title know new This Shane Black’s Predator film much love Shane Black probably forgettable Predator film yet
&Cast stacked Boyd Holbrook Jacob Tremblay Keegan-Michael Key even Thomas Jane Jake Busey plays son father character second film
&After financial failure movie took years Hollywood knew do franchise until Fox acquired Disney known pumping out films well beyond welcome actually turned things around Prey directed Dan Trachtenberg Hulu original film kicks much ass prequel doesn’t bother original lore hadn’t happened yet timeline Great way go
&Trachtenberg would also direct recent Predator: Killer Killers another prequel animated anthology separate films recent Predator: Badlands opinion best installment since original follows Predator hero tale flips thought knew monsters awesome
RoboCop Franchise That Never Recovered
&Of course movies RoboCop couldn’t avoid becoming massive franchises die slow agonizing death unfortunately wouldn’t come back from.
&Of course RoboCop Paul Verhoeven masterpiece perfect action commentary capitalism police systems class divides brought gore gunshots whatever hell dude can called chemical bath yikes.
&First easily Peter Weller recognizable movie hits levels every time rewatch It such hit returned role RoboCop significant step down quality led quit job before could squeeze RoboCop worst one series.
&These movies truly never got good again first However many hit ‘80 movies had PG-rated cartoon did okay ratings while movies floundered video store bottom shelf.
&In mid ‘10 Joel Kinnaman starred Alex J Murphy RoboCop remake simply cannot stand Look know gets too much hate as is just don’t like love Joel character sleek redesign black costume story villain played Michael Keaton boring lame tremendous lack understanding original whole point.
&This soulless smell desperation reignite franchise all over.
&However much Ghostbusters eventually proper revisit RoboCop: Rogue City follow-up let play Alex Murphy voiced Peter Weller once again Rogue City almost perfect RoboCop movie honestly Comics okay too specifically RoboCop: Mortal Coils should read like original.
The ’80 Changed Hollywood Forever
&Of course had Die Hard franchise many horror franchises Mad Max so many more look back era movies made franchises popular.
&Franchises aren’t going anywhere anytime soon They lifeblood Hollywood today world something drives everything They make money because can’t help see favorite characters up even if it’s 30 years after met seen them.
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Sarah Parker is a research analyst and content contributor with a strong interest in business strategy, organizational behavior, and social development. With a background in sociology and public policy, she focuses on exploring the intersection between research and real-world application. Sarah regularly contributes articles that bridge academic insights and practical relevance, aiming to foster critical thinking and innovation across sectors.
