10 Blockbuster Movies that Earned Billions in Merchandise Sales
By LogoSportswear | Updated on October 14, 2023
Movies have always had a profound impact on popular culture, but there are a chosen few that managed to extend their influence beyond the silver screen, creating a film merchandise empire that generates millions in revenue. In this listicle, we delve into the success stories of iconic movies and franchises that not only captivated audiences with their narratives, but also used their popularity to establish a movie merchandise phenomenon.
1. Star Wars
The early days of Star Wars witnessed a groundbreaking approach to merchandising, where George Lucas' vision extended beyond the film itself. The first film released in 1977 generated over $775 million in worldwide box revenues against an $11 million production cost.
The level of success attained by "Episode IV - A New Hope" was unexpected by many, which is why 20th Century Fox didn't think twice about surrendering complete ownership of the film's merchandising rights to Lucas prior to its release. Because of this, the director was able to license Star Wars to other companies such as comic book giant Marvel and former toy company Kenner - a move that made him one of the most financially successfully filmmakers in history.
The introduction of action figures, custom apparel such as T-shirts and jackets, lightsabers, and other themed merchandise drove the brand's total value to a whopping $69 billion and counting, making Star Wars one of the highest-grossing media franchises even decades after its inception.
2. Harry Potter
J.K. Rowling's wizarding world captured the imagination of readers and moviegoers alike. With movie merchandise spanning wand replicas, wizarding robes, and even a real-life version of Quidditch, the Harry Potter experience became a tangible reality for Potterheads all over the world. In 2021, the franchise has reportedly raked in $15 billion in merchandise sales.
3. Marvel Cinematic Universe
The Marvel Cinematic Universe revolutionized the way superhero stories were told on the big screen. In 2021, MCU has reportedly earned more than $28 billion worldwide, making the biggest movie franchise in history. This success extended beyond the box office, with merchandise playing a pivotal role in engaging fans on multiple levels.
Action figures and collectibles brought Marvel's iconic superheroes to life, while apparel allowed fans to showcase their loyalty. The extensive merchandise line catered to fans of all ages, from children to serious collectors. In 2020, the franchise's merchandise had earned Disney approximately $41 billion.
4. Jurassic Park
The franchise rekindled humanity's fascination with dinosaurs, sparking a renewed interest in these prehistoric creatures. The first film, released in 1993, grossed over $1 billion worldwide against a production budget of $63 million. Its success also led to a surge in merchandise that allowed fans to bring the world of dinosaurs into their own homes. When the second film came out in 1997, the franchise had already generated $1 billion in merchandise sales alone. The 2015 film's licensing, on the other hand, reportedly raised Hasbro's shares by 6%.
Nostalgia played a significant role in the success of Jurassic Park merchandise, as adults who were captivated by the film as children now had the chance to relive their fascination through collectibles and themed products.
5. The Lion King
The Lion King stands as a timeless animated masterpiece that captured the hearts of audiences with its compelling story and unforgettable characters. The first film, released in 1994, was produced for $45 million. It then went on to gross over $986 million worldwide.
The popularity of The Lion King gave rise to a wide range of merchandise, from plush toys of Simba and his friends to clothing and accessories adorned with iconic imagery. The catchy phrase "Hakuna Matata" even became synonymous with carefree consumerism, as fans flocked to the malls even before the movie premiered to get their own Simba plushies. In 1992 - two years before the movie's premiere - Lion King merchandise already generated $275 million for Mattel. Upon its release, retail sales climbed up to $1 billion.
6. Toy Story
The Toy Story franchise comprises four films, with a total production budget of $720 million and total revenue of approximately $3.3 billion. The endearing characters of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and their other toy companions became cherished by audiences. The availability of action figures, plush toys, and other merchandise items allowed fans to recreate their favorite scenes and stories.
The emotional resonance of Toy Story extended to its merchandise, making it more than just consumer goods. Collectors and fans formed personal attachments to Toy Story-themed shoes, clothing, accessories, toys, and collectibles, as they reminded them of the films' poignant themes and heartwarming messages. In 2015, Disney revealed that the franchise had already generated $9 billion in merchandise sales since its 1995 inception.
7. The Lord of the Rings
With a production budget of approximately $300 million for each film in the franchise, The Lord of the Rings trilogy grossed more than $1 billion in the box office, $3 billion including the revenue from re-releases and other sources.
In terms of retail sales, the intricate world-building in The Lord of the Rings gave rise to an array of merchandise, from One Ring replicas to Elven cloaks. In 2012, merchandise sales of the famous trilogy was reported to reach more than $1.2 billion a year.
8. Frozen
Frozen became a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences with its heartwarming story and unforgettable soundtrack. With a production budget of $150 million, the first film managed to gross over $1 billion dollars worldwide when it was released in 2013.
The appeal of Frozen and its sequel was translated into a variety of merch, ranging from Elsa dresses that allowed young fans to embody their favorite character to Olaf plushies that brought the adorable snowman to life. According to Forbes, the film's licensing and publishing revenue reached $2.54 billion in 2015 based on the performance of its merchandise.
9. Pirates of the Caribbean
Pirates of the Caribbean surprised audiences by transforming a theme park ride into a successful movie franchise. With a total production budget of over $1.2 billion for all five movies, the franchise grossed over $4.5 billion, making it the 15th highest grossing film franchise of all time. This unexpected hit paved the way for a treasure trove of pirate-themed merchandise such as custom Tt-shirts, toys, paintings, and stationery, which has reportedly brought in a whopping $1.6 billion in global sales.
The success of Pirates of the Caribbean merchandise showcased the potential of leveraging unique and engaging themes to create merchandise that resonates with fans.
10. Minions
The lovable Minions, initially introduced in the Despicable Me movie series, quickly captured the hearts of audiences and became a pop culture sensation in their own right. In fact, the net profit of Minions: The Rise of Gru was even higher than that of Despicable Me 3, which reportedly earned $366 million. By earning over $900 million in the worldwide box office, it turned the Despicable Me series into the most profitable animated franchise ever with more than $4 billion in total earnings.
The Minions' charm transcended generational boundaries, captivating both young and older audiences. This broad appeal contributed to their merchandise becoming a staple in households worldwide, earning Universal at least $2.5 billion in retail sales.
These movies didn't just tell stories - they crafted worlds that spilled into our lives through merchandise. From lightsabers to wizarding robes, action figures to plushies, the success stories of these blockbusters reveal the power of imagination, creativity, and the universal appeal of a well-crafted piece of merchandise. As the credits roll, their merchandise legacy lives on, an enduring testament to the magic of cinema that has transcended screens and nestled itself into our hearts and homes.