<![CDATA[The most successful movie franchise of all time is the "Harry Potter" series, which recently edged out another famous Brit: James Bond.<\/p>\n
According to Box Office Mojo, the first six adaptations of J.K. Rowling’s beloved books have earned a staggering $5.4 billion worldwide, not adjusted for inflation.<\/p>\n
The 22 films considered part of the official Bond canon (the 1967 spoof “Casino Royale” and the 1983 out-of-continuity “Never Say Never Again” don’t count) have earned an estimated $5 billion globally. But even if the earnings of those two films were included, it still wouldn’t be enough to put 007 on top.<\/p>\n
If only U.S. box-office totals are counted, then the six-film “Star Wars” saga would be the top draw, with $1.9 billion in receipts, compared to $1.7 billion for the “Harry Potter” movies and $1.6 billion for Bond films. (Worldwide, the “Star Wars” movies have earned $4.2 billion.)<\/p>\n
But the box-office receipts may not tell the whole story. When other sources of money such as merchandising are included, then George Lucas’ Star Wars universe of Jedi, droids and Wookiees is Hollywood’s highest-grossing franchise. In 2005, Forbes estimated the Star Wars Empire had grossed $20 billion from movie tickets, books, games and anything else you could possibly license.<\/p>\n
Still, Bond is certainly Hollywood’s greatest franchise in terms of endurance and longevity. Since the first Bond adventure, “Dr. No” in 1962, it has thrived for 48 years, although the 23rd Bond picture is reportedly on hold for now.<\/p>\n
Special thanks to “Former Bond Fan”<\/p>\n