Last year, I revealed the five filmmakers that mean the most to me, based on either their approach to filmmaking, their storytelling prowess or simply the personal impact they’ve had on my love of movies. However, just as certain writers or directors instantly make a film a must-watch for me, there are a handful of film franchises that will always have a special place in my heart.
Over time, these franchises and their characters may be brought to life by different actors, appear in films crafted by different creative teams or even be reinterpreted/rebooted for the next generation. However, regardless of any discrepancy in quality behind the films, I find myself falling in love with these characters over and over again, even when I can honestly admit that a particular appearance is below par.
To clarify, the following is limited to major theatrical releases and is in order of the character(s) first big-screen depiction:
Batman (1966)
What It Is:
Created by Bob Kane, the Caped Crusader mostly commonly known as Batman still stands as one of the most beloved characters of all time and the superhero with the most consistent box office success. From Adam West’s campy take to Christian Bale’s gruff-voiced hero in director Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy, the character has been re-interpreted a number of times over his nine film appearances, and his fanbase has rarely wavered (1997 disaster Batman & Robin, notwithstanding).
What It Means to Me:
The 1989 Tim Burton version of the character hit theaters when I was only six years old, and the film – along with its first two sequels (Batman Returns, Batman Forever) – proved to be standard viewing for my family and I back in the day. In addition, Batman toys, video games and the excellent 1990s animated series were all mainstays of my childhood, and I can’t remember a time I didn’t regularly rock a tee with the character’s iconic logo on it. Michael Keaton’s Batman was the first comic book character to attract me to the superhero genre and remains the one that all others are stacked up against in my mind. While The Dark Knight is undoubtedly the franchise’s creative apex thus far, it was those earlier films that made me a lifelong Bat-fan.
Future Franchise Plans:
Anyone who follows today’s entertainment news is well aware that Ben Affleck is set to bring yet another version of Bruce Wayne’s alter-ego to life in 2016 with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (and, presumably, the subsequent Justice League film). Only sparse details are confirmed regarding how his version of the character will differ from his predecessors. Meanwhile, Keaton will appear in a darkly comic take on his Bat-past in this fall’s awards contender Birdman.
Star Wars (1977)
What It Is:
The world didn’t quite know what to make of news that the director behind American Graffiti and THX-1138 was spearheading an ambitious space opera, but against all odds, George Lucas’ Star Wars forever changed the entertainment industry in 1977. On a budget of just $11 million, that film went on to earn $775 million worldwide, spawning a franchise that has led to five more live-action “Episodes,” an animated film, several television series, comic books, novels, video games and more. It’s also responsible for creating the summer blockbuster and inspiring generations to mimic the distinctive sounds of a lightsaber.
What It Means to Me:
Considering the fact that I’m a man in his 30s, it should already be pretty self-explanatory why the Star Wars saga is on this list. Unlike many men and women my age, however, I wasn’t formally introduced to the original trilogy until the 1997 Special Editions hit theaters. That was when I fell in love with the “galaxy far, far away,” and I’ve been inspired by its spirit of adventure and archetypal storytelling ever since. Although Lucas’ prequel trilogy didn’t reach the heights of The Empire Strikes Back – still the best installment, by the way – they are not completely without merit (stay tuned for an eventual feature on that). Episode III – Revenge of the Sith comes closest to matching it, but regardless, I have affection for all the films without even trying. After all, it’s what Master Yoda would want.
Future Franchise Plans:
Ever since Disney’s earth-shattering purchase of Lucasfilm in 2012, fans have known that the Star Wars franchise was on its way back in a big way. Director J.J. Abrams is helming the still-untitled Episode VII for release next year, and acclaimed filmmakers Rian Johnson (Looper), Gareth Edwards (Godzilla) and Josh Trank (Chronicle) are onboard for upcoming entries in the series. For the first time in years, the Force is strong with the Star Wars franchise.
Muppets (1979)
What It Is:
Kermit the Frog. Miss Piggy. Gonzo the Great. Do I really need to go on? At this point, Jim Henson’s lovable creations are global icons known for their positive energy, message of togetherness and determination, and subversive sense of humor. The characters first shot to prominence on The Muppet Show, which ran from 1976 to 1981, and their first full-length adventure hit theaters in 1979 with the aptly named The Muppet Movie.
What It Means to Me:
As a child, there are few films I watched and re-watched as often as The Muppets Take Manhattan. Yet, that release – the third Muppet film – is merely one example of how prevalent Kermit and company have been throughout my life. I can recall seeing The Muppet Christmas Carol (still an annual favorite) in theaters, and I still tear up whenever I hear the Oscar-nominated song “The Rainbow Connection” or, truthfully, whenever a group of Muppets sing together. These off-the-wall little creations still tug at my heartstrings like no other fictional characters on the planet Earth. Their 2011 franchise revival has renewed my love even more in recent years.
Future Franchise Plans:
This year’s Muppets Most Wanted was criminally underrated upon its theatrical release. So, at the moment, it’s unclear exactly what parent company Disney has planned for the characters. Rumors indicate that another television series may be in the cards, but it may depend on how well their latest film performs on home video. Here’s hoping that director James Bobin, writer Nicholas Stoller and composer Bret McKenize reunite for a third time.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)
What It Is:
From their comic book origins to the recent Michael Bay-produced reboot, the heroes on a half shell have had throngs of fans coming back for more martial arts action and slapstick comedy. Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael are perhaps still best known for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series that aired from 1987 to 1996, but as far as their big-screen endeavors, the original 1990 film still reigns supreme (sorry, Mr. Bay).
What It Means to Me:
Along with Ghostbusters and Power Rangers, the TMNT universe and all its associated characters comprised a significant chunk of my toy collection growing up. A huge fan of the 1980s cartoon, I (of course) went as Michelangelo for one Halloween in the early 1990s and still hold great affection for the original film and its sequel (that third one is another story). Most shamefully, the turtles marked my first concert experience. That’s right, kids… This guy loves the ninja turtles so much that he once attended their Coming Out of Their Shells musical tour. If that’s not love, then I don’t know what is. Cowabunga?
Future Franchise Plans:
Now that this year’s CGI turtles have brought in $280 million at the worldwide box office, fans have a sequel to look forward to. Regardless of how one may have felt about the reboot (really? Megan Fox?), the TMNT universe has now been cracked way open. Krang, Bebop, Rocksteady and all the insanity of Dimension X can’t be far behind. Right?!?
X-Men (2000)
What It Is:
Believe it or not, once upon a time there was an X-Men world that had absolutely nothing to do with Hugh Jackman. Marvel Comics introduced the superheroic mutants back in the 1960s, but they’ve only become a household name since the first film adaptation in 2000, starring the aforementioned Jackman as Wolverine and a wheelchair-bound Patrick Stewart as Professor X. Six more films later, the X-Men franchise is as strong as ever.
What It Means to Me:
Longtime fans (or simply those who are old enough to have been around in the early 1990s) may remember the X-Men animated series that famously adapted classic stories like the Dark Phoenix saga and Days of Future Past long before they were brought to the big screen. In addition to being a fan of this series, I had an impressive collection of X-Men trading cards and had even fan-cast my own film version years before director Bryan Singer’s take. At least I correctly predicted that Stewart would be the perfect Professor X, even in my youth. While the films have been hit-and-miss, I still find slivers of enjoyment in them all (yes, even the dreadful X-Men Origins: Wolverine).
Future Franchise Plans:
Lately, it’s been a lot easier to be a fan of the X-Men franchise, however. The 2011 prequel/reboot X-Men: First Class marked Singer’s return to the series (as a producer) and its followup – this year’s X-Men: Days of Future Past – is arguably the best X-Men film thus far. Finally restored to its previous glory, the franchise will continue with 2016’s X-Men: Apocalypse, with Singer expected to return as director. Talk about evolution.
Did we miss your favorite film franchise? Sound off in the comments with your thoughts, or reach out to Rob directly on Twitter @crookedtable.