Hollywood's Crystal Ball: The 2020s Franchises Set to Dominate for Years

Remember when we thought a movie franchise had a good run with a trilogy, maybe a quadrilogy if it was truly special? Oh, how times have changed! In today's Hollywood, if a film even sniffs success, studios are already plotting its cinematic descendants for years, if not decades. And honestly, looking at some of the breakouts from the 2020s, it's clear a few are built for serious endurance. We're talking about franchises that, ten years from now, will almost certainly still be churning out new installments. Let's dive into a few prime examples that seem destined for sequel after sequel.

First up, and perhaps a bit surprisingly to some, is the phenomenon born from the internet's darkest, most liminal corners: The Backrooms. Directed by the incredibly talented Kane Parsons and distributed by A24, this analog horror concept tapped into something deeply unsettling in our collective subconscious. With a global box office haul already exceeding $384 million, it's not just a hit; it's a movement. There's something genuinely captivating about those infinite, unsettling spaces, isn't there? It’s the kind of premise that's ripe for endless exploration, for new terrors around every yellowed corner. My prediction? This franchise is going to become a shorthand for horror, much like 'Amityville' did, inspiring countless spin-offs and sequels, official or otherwise, for years to come. It just has that enduring, adaptable terror at its core.

Next, let's talk about a franchise that literally brings decades of joy to the big screen: The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Seriously, did anyone not expect this to be a monster hit? Nintendo has nurtured Mario for over forty years across countless games, so adapting that vibrant, fantastical world for cinema was practically printing money. The first film alone pulled in over $1.3 billion globally, and its successor, 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,' wasn't far behind, raking in a cool $1.01 billion. This isn't just about nostalgia; it's about pure, unadulterated fun and characters that have truly transcended generations. With a universe as rich as Mario's, the storytelling possibilities are virtually endless. Think about it: a 'Super Smash Bros.' movie is practically begging to be made, uniting all those beloved Nintendo icons. We'll be seeing Mario and Luigi on the big screen for a very, very long time.

Finally, we come to a modern horror sensation that perfectly understands the economics of fear: Smile. Parker Finn's original 'Smile' in 2022 was an absolute sleeper hit, terrifying audiences to the tune of $217 million worldwide on a measly $17 million budget. Talk about bang for your buck! The sequel, 'Smile 2' in 2024, continued the trend, earning $138 million globally on a slightly larger, but still incredibly efficient, $38 million budget. This studio, bless its horror-loving heart, has a real knack for churning out these kinds of profitable nightmares; they famously delivered eight 'Friday the 13th' movies in just nine years! And with new ownership even more keen on building franchises, 'Smile' is a guaranteed golden goose. While 'Smile 3' hasn't hit theaters yet—perhaps Parker Finn is busy with that 'Possession' remake, which sounds intriguing—it's surely just a matter of time. The simple, unsettling premise is just too lucrative to ignore. The smiles will keep coming, believe me.

So, there you have it. These three franchises—from an indie horror phenomenon to a global gaming icon and a masterclass in profitable terror—aren't just fleeting trends. They represent the enduring power of good concepts, smart filmmaking, and undeniable audience appeal. Expect to see their stories unfold, sequel after sequel, well into the next decade. Hollywood is always looking for its next big thing, and these 2020s breakouts have certainly proven they have the staying power.