20 Highest-Grossing Movie Franchises Ranked Worst To Best

Worldwide box office: $7.1 billion.

As is the case with the vast majority of the world's highest grossing movie franchises, James Bond's biggest draw comes from its iconic characters, simple but effective narrative, and lasting cultural impact.

Twenty-five films in (including the long-awaited No Time To Die), and the Bond moniker is easily one of the most famous and recognisable in movie history. But the franchise is more than just a strong lead; it's also a glorious spy thriller, complete with exciting villains, witty scripts, explosive gadgets and extravagant set pieces.

Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig have all played Ian Fleming's womanising spy, bringing their own level of charm, grit, vulnerability and humour to the role, and even in the franchise's worst moments - think Octopussy, Quantum of Solace, Die Another Day - the very presence of Bond himself is enough to keep audiences watching.

Bond has been part of cinema since the 50s, and has outlived most of its biggest stars. It has its rough patches, its questionable innuendos, some jarring action scenes and special effects, but through iconography and longevity alone it's easily one of the best franchises on offer.