20 film franchises from the 20th century that are still making new movies

The James Bond series began in 1962 and has become the blueprint for all modern spy thrillers. Six decades and multiple actors later, the hunt is on for the next 007 to continue the iconic MI6 agent's adventures.

The Star Wars saga first transported audiences to a galaxy far, far away in 1977, forever changing the landscape of cinema. The franchise continues to expand with new films that explore different eras of its vast and beloved universe.

The Indiana Jones franchise first cracked its whip in 1981, introducing the world to the adventurous archaeologist with a fear of snakes. He recently returned for one last adventure, proving that a thirst for history and a desire to punch bad guys never get old.

The Batman franchise has been rebooted for generations, starting its modern cinematic life with Tim Burton's 1989 gothic blockbuster. Today, the character is more popular than ever, with a new take on the classic scheduled to hit theaters in 2027.

The Superman series set the standard for superhero movies with its groundbreaking 1978 film. A brand-new chapter for the Man of Steel was released in July 2025. 

The Mission: Impossible franchise started in 1996, transforming a classic TV show into a vehicle for Tom Cruise's incredible stunt work. The series continues to push the boundaries of practical action filmmaking with new installments still being released.

The Jurassic Park franchise first awed audiences by bringing dinosaurs to life in 1993. That original park has now expanded into a global phenomenon, with new films continuing to explore the chaos of a world where dinosaurs and humans coexist.

The Godzilla franchise began its city-stomping rampage back in 1954. Today, the King of the Monsters is a global icon, starring in a blockbuster cinematic universe where he battles other legendary titans.

The Planet of the Apes series first shocked audiences with its classic twist ending in 1968. Decades later, the franchise is thriving with a new saga that explores the rise of the ape civilization.

The Alien franchise terrified moviegoers with its claustrophobic sci-fi horror in 1979. The franchise continues to haunt the galaxy with new films and prequels exploring the horrific origins of the xenomorph.

The Predator series introduced its iconic alien hunter in 1987, pitting it against Arnold Schwarzenegger in the jungle. The franchise has since been revitalized with prequels that show the formidable warrior hunting prey throughout different periods of history.

The Ghostbusters franchise first asked "Who you gonna call?" in 1984, mixing supernatural comedy with genuine scares. A new generation has now taken up the proton packs to continue the family business of busting ghosts.

The Mad Max saga kicked off its high-octane post-apocalyptic chaos with the original 1979 film. The world of the road warrior is still expanding, with recent prequels that dive into the origins of its most iconic characters.

The Rocky franchise first inspired audiences with its underdog story of a Philadelphia boxer in 1976. The Italian Stallion's legacy now lives on through the Creed series, which follows the journey of his protégé, Adonis Creed.

The Scream franchise revitalized the slasher genre with its meta-commentary and terrifying Ghostface killer in 1996. The series continues to scare new generations of moviegoers with sequels that cleverly satirize the latest horror trends.

The Toy Story series revolutionized animation in 1995, introducing the world to Woody and Buzz Lightyear. The beloved toy box is set to open once again, with new cinematic adventures planned for the iconic group of friends in 2026. 

The Lion King franchise began with the beloved 1994 animated masterpiece about the circle of life. The story continues today with prequels that explore the history of its legendary royal family.

The Bad Boys franchise first teamed up Will Smith and Martin Lawrence for their explosive buddy-cop action-comedy in 1995. The duo is still on the job, bringing their signature blend of chaos and comedy to the streets of Miami in recent sequels.

Dune was first brought to the big screen in 1984. The universe has since been stunningly revitalized in a new series of epic blockbusters, with more adaptations planned for the future.

The Karate Kid film first premiered in 1984; however, audiences love the 2010 remake with Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith. In May 2025, a sequel, Karate Kid: Legends, premiered in theaters, grossing more than $100 million at the box office.