Why It Feels Like Every Movie Is Just Another Sequel

Key Concepts

• Franchise Films: Movies based on pre-existing intellectual property (IP) – characters, stories, or brands – with established fanbases.
• Intellectual Property (IP): Creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, and symbols, names, and images used in commerce.
• Eventising: The practice of turning movie releases into large-scale spectacles to attract audiences, often through marketing and cross-promotion.
• Box Office Haul: The total amount of money generated from ticket sales for movies.
• Original Films: Movies based on new, non-pre-existing stories and characters.

The Rise of Franchises in Hollywood

The video details a significant trend in the film industry: the increasing dominance of franchise films over original content. This has been a decades-long shift, but has become particularly pronounced recently, with over half of all movies released in 2025 being part of an existing franchise. The primary driver behind this trend is risk mitigation; studios prioritize guaranteed success by leveraging established characters and narratives.

Transitioning Franchise Types & Defining a Franchise

The video highlights a shift in the types of franchises dominating the box office. While comic book franchises (Avengers, Justice League) previously reigned supreme, the industry is now transitioning towards video game adaptations. Recent successes include Sonic the Hedgehog, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Minecraft, and Five Nights at Freddy's.

The definition of a “franchise” is also discussed. The video argues that even films based on well-known figures or concepts, like a potential Formula One movie or a Michael Jackson biopic, should be considered franchises due to the pre-existing fan base.

The Strategy of "Eventising" Movies

Beyond simply relying on established IP, studios are increasingly employing a strategy called “eventising.” This involves turning movie releases into large-scale events to maximize audience turnout and spending. Examples include the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon – the simultaneous release and cultural impact of Barbie and Oppenheimer – and the use of elaborate merchandise, such as specialized popcorn buckets, to generate excitement. This strategy is significantly easier to implement with known IP.

Financial Risks of Original Content

The video emphasizes the financial risks associated with original films. Elio, a 2025 Pixar film, serves as a case study. It cost an estimated $150 million to produce but grossed only $154 million globally. Considering that Disney doesn’t retain the full ticket revenue (it’s split with theater owners) and marketing costs can equal half the production budget, Elio failed to break even. This failure reinforces the reluctance of studios to invest in original stories.

As stated in the video, “Even when new stories perform that poorly, it disincentivizes studios from taking risks.”

Statistical Evidence of Franchise Dominance

The video presents compelling statistical evidence supporting the trend. Since 2017, there have been five years where no original film ranked among the top ten highest-grossing movies of the year. This data underscores the dominance of franchises in attracting large audiences.

The Battle for Intellectual Property

The increasing value of IP is driving competition between major studios. The ongoing battle between Paramount and Netflix for control of Warner Bros. is cited as an example, highlighting the importance of owning valuable franchises like DC Comics and Harry Potter. Studios are willing to invest $200 million in blockbuster films with the expectation of generating $1 billion in revenue.

Beyond the Box Office: The Value of IP Ecosystems

The video explains that billion-dollar film hits are not just about box office revenue. They fuel broader revenue streams, including theme parks, cruises, and merchandise sales. This creates a valuable ecosystem around the IP.

Impact on Movie Theaters

The reliance on franchises has a negative impact on movie theaters. The video notes that fewer movies are being released on the big screen since the pandemic, leading to a decline in the total annual box office haul. Theater operators would ideally prefer a greater number of smaller-budget films, utilizing the same overall investment.

Future Outlook

The trend of franchise dominance is expected to continue. Upcoming releases in 2026 include another Super Mario Bros. movie, a sixth Scary Movie spoof, a remake of The Mummy, and further Star Wars installments.

Technical Terms

• IP (Intellectual Property): Legal rights that protect creations of the mind, including inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, and symbols.
• Box Office: The total revenue generated from ticket sales for a film.
• Gross: The total revenue before any deductions (like taxes or distribution fees).

Synthesis/Conclusion

The video paints a clear picture of a Hollywood increasingly focused on minimizing risk by prioritizing franchise films over original content. This trend is driven by financial pressures, the success of existing IP, and the desire to create broader entertainment ecosystems. While this strategy may be financially sound for studios, it poses challenges for movie theaters and potentially limits the diversity of films available to audiences. The future of cinema appears to be heavily reliant on established brands and characters, with original stories facing an uphill battle for funding and recognition.