Marvel Cinematic Universe, the World's Highest-Grossing Film Franchise

According to data from The Numbers, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is the highest-grossing film franchise globally. As of July 31, 2024, the studio producing these superhero films has earned US$30.2 billion.

Debuting in 2008, the MCU has released 45 films in global box offices to date. Most recently, Marvel released *Deadpool & Wolverine* in July 2024.

However, the MCU is now the target of a boycott spearheaded by the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement. They accuse Marvel of engaging in pro-Israel propaganda by introducing the anti-Palestinian character Ruth Bat-Seraph in the film *Captain America: Brave New World*, scheduled for release in 2025.

“By introducing the anti-Palestinian character, Ruth Bat-Seraph, they are involved in Israel's genocidal propaganda,” wrote the BDS movement on its Instagram account on Monday, July 29, 2024.

Under the MCU, Star Wars is the only other film franchise with earnings exceeding US$10 billion.

Harry Potter ranks third, with the film franchise adapted from J.K. Rowling's novels grossing US$9.5 billion.

The following is a list of the highest-grossing film franchises globally, according to data from The Numbers as of July 31, 2024:

1. Marvel Cinematic Universe: US$30.20 billion
2. Star Wars: US$10.32 billion
3. Harry Potter: US$9.56 billion
4. Spider-Man: US$8.96 billion
5. James Bond: US$7.88 billion
6. Avengers: US$7.71 billion
7. Fast and the Furious: US$7.32 billion
8. DC Extended Universe: US$7.14 billion
9. Batman: US$6.8 billion
10. X-Men: US$6.57 billion