TOP FILM FRANCHISES

With Marvel's latest cinematic experience in movie theaters, the BankofMarquis got to thinking about the top Movie Franchises. So here is a countdown of the Top 15 Movie Franchises in cinematic history. But first...some rules..the Franchises need to have at least 5 movies in them, so HUNGER GAMES, MEN IN BLACK and INDIANA JONES are out. Also...the need to have some "connecting tissue" besides the Studios presenting them or the source material they are based on - so "Pixar Movies" and "Stephen King Movies" are out... Here, then, is my top 15 MOVIE FRANCHISES... 15). LORD OF THE RINGS - many of you will be surprised by how low on this list this "franchise" is, but I would argue that this should not even be on the list. The first 3 films are very good (I would recommend watching the EXTENDED VERSIONS of them), but the next 3 - the Hobbit films - are really mediocre with about a film's worth of material spread out over the 3 films, clearly a "cash grab". This does put it on the list, but just barely. 14). SHERLOCK HOLMES - I am referring to, of course, the Basil Rathbone/Nigel Bruce Holmes and Watson films of the 1940's, but to really solidify it on the list, I will add the Robert Downey, Jr. Sherlock Holmes films (and...if I want to cheat...the Benedict Cumberbatch BBC Series). I will just ignore the Will Ferrell stinker HOLMES AND WATSON comedy from late 2018. If you haven't seen the 1940's Sherlock Holmes films...check them out...they're quite fun. 13). PLANET OF THE APES - I loved the 1969 Charlton Heston film in my youth and I headed to the multiplex for every (ever decreasing in quality) sequel that occurred. I rather liked the failed Tim Burton reboot in 2001 and - like everyone else - was surprised by how good RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES was in 2011 (though, the 2 sequels decreased in quality). Give me Man vs. Apes fighting any day! 12). The BOURNE Franchise - While I can complain all day about this franchise inventing the "quick-cut edit" fight sequences that are so overused nowadays, these Matt Damon films are darn good - even the Jeremy Renner led, failed expansion of the Franchise is worth checking out - so will head to the multiplex when Bourne returns. 11). PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN - While folks complain of the decreasing quality of these films and the increasing annoyance of the Johnny Depp Captain Jack Sparrow character and the increasing reliance on CGI - I couldn't disagree more. I LOVE these films - enjoy every one - and can't wait for the next one to come out. 10). UNIVERSAL HORROR FILMS - The classic black and white Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Wolfman and Dracula films (and their sequels) starring such great names as Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi are a must watch for every film fan. 9). DC EXTENDED UNIVERSE (including 1980's Superman and Batman) - While I wouldn't put the current DC Universe films on this list - though I do rather enjoy them, even though they lack humor. The modern Wonder Woman is a very good film and Aquaman is an enjoyable enough, mess. But if I add the 1980's version of Superman starring Christopher Reeve and the Micheal Keaton Batman films, then it makes the list. And...if I add to this the Christopher Nolan/Christian Bale Batman films of the early 2000's, then this might not be high enough on this list. 8). X-MEN - The Patrick Stewart/Hugh Jackman films of the past 20 years show that Comic Book/Superhero films can work and the "re-boot" with the younger generation works...mostly...it will be interesting to see if the upcoming DARK PHOENIX film will cap these films off or bury them. But...if you haven't caught the dark, brooding and foreboding LOGAN from 2017 (Patrick Stewart deserved and Oscar nomination for his acting in this film) then do yourself a favor and check this out. 7). STAR TREK - The William Shatner films are fun, topping off with the "Save The Whales" STAR TREK IV, add to that the Next Generation films (FIRST CONTACT being the best one) and then swinging back with the "Kelvin Universe" Star Trek films starring Chris PIne and you have a strong franchise over 50 years in the making... 6). FAST AND FURIOUS - Who knew when the first 3, really dumb, really disposable FAST AND FURIOUS films came out that the makers of these films would "figure it out" and (with FAST 5) really turbo-charged this franchise as it gets bigger, better and more preposterous and more fun with each installment. And now with HOBBS AND SHAW coming out this summer (the 9th film in the franchise, if I count correctly), they are expanding their universe. Now...before I get to my "top 5", here are numbers 16 through 25... 16). The Muppets 17). Rocky 18). Alien 19). Jurassic Park 20). Die Hard 21). Terminator 22). Transformers 23). Airport 24). Rambo 25). Police Academy

And now...back to the countdown... 5). MISSION IMPOSSIBLE - The Ethan Hunt/Tom Cruise Impossible Mission films get bigger and better every time out - with the last installment, the 8th film in this franchise, the best of the bunch. I don't know how much longer Mr. Cruise can run around and make these films, but I'll be attending these with high expectations every time they come out. 4). STAR WARS - The original trilogy (episodes 4-6) are very good (4 & 5 are GREAT with 6 being pretty good). The pre-quel trllogy (episodes 1-3) are a disaster and the current trilogy (episodes 7-9) are shaping up to be very good. But...for me...the best film in this bunch is 2016's ROGUE ONE, a crackerjack action/adventure flick unencumbered by the "Skywalker Family" Saga (for the most part). I even enjoyed the standalone SOLO film (though the lead in that was weak). I hear the makers of GAME OF THRONES are tabbed to make the next "non-Skywalker family" Star Wars trilogy, so I'm excited to see that. 3). HARRY POTTER - the original 8 films of the "Harry Potter-verse" really set the template for how to do a franchise, each one building on the previous film, increasing in complexity and emotional depth as they go. Unfortunately, the "Fantastic Beasts" films (thus far) don't quite live up to this level, so am knocking this franchise down a peg for this. I understand that there are 3 films yet to come in that series, so...there's hope. But...the first 8 films...fantastic. 2) JAMES BOND - whether it's Sean Connery, Roger Moore or Daniel Craig this series defines the term "franchise" reinventing itself over and over again when a new Bond takes control. In over 50 years of film making, these movies never failed to entertain, reflecting the standards and tastes of their times while delivering top notch action along the way. And now...the #1 Film Franchise of all time... 1). THE MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE - 'nuff said, as Stan Lee might say. The 22 interconnected movies in this film franchise shows remarkable planning and intricate design, culminating in AVENGERS: ENDGAME which was the endgame in more ways than 1. With this latest - and greatest - of the Marvel films, we say goodbye to some fan favorites from the past while opening the door to new heroes and new adventures yet to come. All I can say is "Bravo, Marvel, for a job well done." and I can't wait to see what comes next. And you can take these rankings to the Bank (ofMarquis)