Several franchises seem to come out with something new every ten seconds. Some have been going steady for years and others have recently been rebooted. It can be hard to say if the new content is worthy or if these franchises are milking fans as long as possible.
With the upcoming releases of Lightyear and Minions: The Rise of Gru, fans are reminded of these long-running franchises and their impact on the entertainment industry. While some probably should have quit while they were ahead, others continue to deliver content well worth watching for fans of the property.
Despicable Me/Minions
Since 2010
The first movie in this franchise follows Gru, a despicable criminal who adopts three girls as a part of an evil scheme. He grows to love the children and realizes he’s not so despicable after all.
Despicable Me was well-received and the franchise continued with Despicable Me 2, Minions, and more. The franchise has branched off into different focused plot threads. Kids responded well to the minions in the first movie, so Dreamworks capitalized on the silly characters and released several shorts as well as a feature-length origin story about them. The next film set to come out is Minions: The Rise of Gru, releasing July 1. A fourth Despicable Me is also in the works and is expected in June 2024.
Kung Fu Panda
Since 2008
Kung Fu Panda is about a panda who, against all odds, is chosen to be the Dragon Warrior. Despite doubts from everyone around him, Po trains to be the best warrior he can be. It’s a story that promotes self-acceptance, perseverance, and being true to oneself.
This franchise is beloved by families everywhere. Most kids fell in love with the fighting style and funny characters. Others have found entertainment in the lore of the story. All of the voice performances are phenomenal, and thanks largely to this series, the voices of Jack Black, Seth Rogan, David Cross, and others have become recognizable in their other projects. Season 2 of Kung Fu Panda: Paws Of Destiny premiers July 1 and Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight is one of Dreakworks’ highly anticipated films set to be released later this year.
Ice Age
Since 2002
The first Ice Age follows a group of quirky animal characters as they migrate south ahead of the upcoming Ice Age but are sidelined when they find a lost human baby and reluctantly decide to return it to its family.
The franchise follows these characters through several historic geological changes, and they meet a plethora of other characters along the way. Ice Age was made by Blue Sky Productions, which was acquired by Disney in 2019. Disney announced last year that Blue Sky would be permanently shutting down. Despite this announcement, The Ice Age Adventures Of Buck Wild and a mini-series titled Scrat Tales were released this year. Fans are hoping that this isn’t the last they’ve seen of these iconic characters.
Shrek
Since 2001
Shrek follows an ogre and his eager donkey companion on a quest to save a princess and get his swamp back after magical fairytale characters were banished there. The next films expand on the lore of the franchise and introduce new and fun characters.
Somehow, Shrek is still coming out with new content. Millennials and older Gen Z grew up on this franchise and have turned several aspects of it into memes, but popularity is popularity. What makes Shrek so interesting is the twisted take on classic fairy tales and characters. Mike Myers is brilliant as the titular character and Eddie Murphy is iconic as Donkey. Puss In Boots: The Last Wish will come out in December and the next Shrek film is expected in May 2023.
SpongeBob SquarePants
Since 1999
SpongeBob Squarepants is about the titular sponge and his life in Bikini Bottom. SpongeBob enjoys time with his coworkers and best pal, Patrick. They often face conflict with Plankton who is after the Krabby Patty secret recipe.
This long-running Nickelodeon franchise has been adapted into several movies, with the 2004 film considered one of the best movies based on animated shows. The characters in SpongeBob Squarepants started as characters in a comic made to help students learn about marine life. Kids and adults both took a liking to the show and it has become a meme with specific elements of the show gaining much attention. For example, the Campfire song was all anyone sang when it came out and fans often ask if mayonnaise is an instrument. Season 2 of a spin-off children’s show, Kamp Koral, has been confirmed.
Toy Story
Since 1995
Toy Story introduces viewers to a world in which toys are alive and find purpose in being there for their kids. The franchise follows Woody, Buzz, and several other toys as they go on often unintended adventures.
Toy Story was the first feature-length film to be made entirely through computer animation. The movie was also Pixar’s debut, and because it did so well, the company would go on to create several more award-winning movies and shorts in the franchise. Lightyear is the next Toy Story film to come out and it tells the origin story of the astronaut that influenced the Buzz Lightyear toy. Fans have enjoyed the previous franchise films for their ability to merge comedy, fantasy, and drama into these heart-warming family films.
Chip ‘N Dale
Since 1988
Chip ‘N’ Dale: Rescue Rangers centers around two chipmunks and their adventures fighting crime. While this solo franchise is small compared to some other animated properties, the characters have existed for a long time and made appearances in several Disney shorts.
This franchise was recently rebooted, likely because of the era of nostalgia present in Hollywood today. Their 1988 show was adored by many and the silly chipmunks captured hearts all over the country. Disney+ features the chipmunks in the show, Chip ‘N’ Dale: Park Life, and the newest Chip ‘N’ Dale: Rescue Rangers features several Disney Easter eggs and sees Andy Samberg and John Mulaney voicing the iconic duo.
The Simpsons
Since 1987
The Simpsons: Tracy Ullman Shorts was the first show to feature the family of five. The series is comprised of 48 shorts revolving around the Simpsons family. The voice actors returned for the 1989 series, and most have stuck with the show after all these years.
The Simpsons is one of TV’s longest-running animated shows. Episodes are still being made, and the series is set to continue production until at least 2023. Fans have loved the show since its early days, with the character catchphrases, specials, and seemingly psychic storytelling, which in itself has become a huge meme. The Halloween episodes are also always a huge hit. Disney acquired The Simpsons as a part of their FOX purchase and fans are hopeful that the media giant will see the show for what it’s worth and keep it going past 2023.
My Little Pony
Since 1984
The My Little Pony franchise is based on the Hasbro toys introduced in the early 1980s. One of the first films follows a group of ponies as they work to defeat an evil witch from destroying their land. The movie features voice work by Danny DeVito, Madeline Khan, and Rhea Perlman.
My Little Pony is a great franchise for kids as it teaches the importance of friendship, courage, and self-expression. Every pony has a unique personality or passion. There are a few reasons My Little Pony is still so prominent in pop culture. Aside from faithful young fans and families, a community called the Bronies is obsessed with the franchise and keeps it going with their cosplay, roleplay, and binge-watching.
Scooby-Doo
Since 1969
Scooby-Doo follows Fred, Daphne, Velma, and Shaggy—otherwise known as the mystery gang—as they and their dog work together to solve mysteries and bring bad guys to justice.
The Scooby-Doo franchise is interesting, as the past three generations have all grown up with the series. The release of Zombie Island, was the beginning of Scooby’s many full-length films. Fans love the cowardly dog and the silly predicaments he gets himself into. The mystery aspect of the show is also fun for families to try and solve on their own. Upcoming releases include Velma, an HBO show for mature audiences, and Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Pups, a show for pre-school-aged kids.
