Iconic child stars of the ’80s

No matter what decade it is, nostalgia for the 1980s never seems to fade. Throwback parties featuring ’80s fashion and music are still prominent in American culture. The aesthetics of this decade are often commercialized in flashy clothing or even hit television shows like “Stranger Things.”

The 1980s was a period of commercialization. Malls and their food courts became essential hangout spots for Americans of all ages, and big-name brand toys were must-haves that shoppers would fight over. Considering a sense of optimism defined the 1980s, it’s no wonder we keep returning to that decade.

Meanwhile, the emergence of future film franchises in this decade like “Star Wars,” “The Terminator,” “Back to the Future,” “Top Gun,” and “Indiana Jones” defined what it meant to be a Hollywood blockbuster. Some of these titles permeated pop culture for so long that they still receive sequels to this decade. On the small screen, television shows such as “Cheers,” “The Cosby Show,” “The Golden Girls,” and “Miami Vice” helped to characterize the cultural zeitgeist of the time.

Through several of these ’80s films and television shows—many of which still cling to the collective memory of society—countless young performers got their professional start. The career of a child star can be tumultuous, being thrust into the public eye on such a large platform. With commercial pop culture reaching such heights in the ’80s, child stardom was a more frequent occurrence. As with child stars of other decades, some of these entertainers eventually became embroiled in personal and public controversies, sometimes leaving the industry altogether, but many of these actors and actresses continue to work in Hollywood today.

Stacker has compiled a list of just 25 of these prominent child stars from 1980s American pop culture. This list is based on information from resources like IMDb and news outlets, including Entertainment Weekly and more. Read on to learn more about the most famous child stars of the ’80s and what they might be up to today.

Alyssa Milano

Audiences fell in love with then-teen idol Alyssa Milano when she starred in “Who’s the Boss?” Playing the daughter of Tony Danza’s character, Milano became a household name and went on to appear in “Commando” (this time playing the daughter of an ex-Special Forces colonel opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger) and later one of the witchy lead roles in “Charmed.” Her fame is so pervasive that the main ship in Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” is named the “Milano” after the main character Peter Quill’s childhood crush on her, a reference that Milano herself thinks is “pretty cool.”

Milano is still acting today, having appeared in the TV series “Elsbeth” and wrapped filming on the thriller “The Night Driver” alongside Josh Lucas and David Arquette in 2025.

Bumper Robinson

 As a young actor, Larry “Bumper” Robinson made appearances in a number of programs, including “Family Matters,” “The Jeffersons,” and “Days of Our Lives.” Robinson’s most prolific role was in the original “Night Court” as Leon, a child whom the main character Harry Stone befriends.

While you may not recognize Robinson’s face as an adult, you may have heard his voice in animated shows, movies, and video games such as “Avengers Assemble” and “Justice League: Doom,” usually voicing Marvel’s Falcon or DC’s Cyborg. 

Corey Feldman

Appearing in ’80s classics such as “Gremlins,” “The Goonies,” and “Stand by Me,” Corey Feldman’s childhood career is often associated with Corey Haim, his co-star in “The Lost Boys.” Unfortunately, both Coreys dealt with substance abuse issues in their adult lives, with neither Hollywood career fully recovering—Haim passed away in 2010.

In recent years, Feldman has been acting as a public advocate against sexual abuse of young stars in Hollywood, claiming to be a victim himself and even producing a documentary about these claims regarding himself and Haim.

Danica McKellar

Best known for starring opposite Fred Savage in “The Wonder Years,” Danica McKellar was originally only meant to appear in one episode of the coming-of-age show but secured a regular role due to her chemistry with Savage. Crediting her parents for keeping her “grounded” during her period of young stardom, McKellar would appear in a number of Hallmark Channel films through the years.

Additionally, McKellar has been a prolific voice actress, voicing various DC superheroines in television shows and even inheriting the role of Judy Jetson in an animated film.

Danny Lloyd

Some child stars find early on that acting is not meant to be their one true vocation, and that appeared to be the case with Danny Lloyd. Lloyd’s one big role was Danny Torrance in Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of “The Shining,” a film that young Lloyd didn’t realize was a horror film during the shoot.

As an adult, Lloyd became a biology professor, though he couldn’t resist accepting the opportunity to cameo in the sequel to “The Shining” titled “Doctor Sleep,” which starred Ewan McGregor as an adult Danny Torrance.

Drew Barrymore

Coming from a family of actors, it’s no surprise that Drew Barrymore has the prolific Hollywood career she does. After appearing in Steven Spielberg’s “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” Barrymore’s filmography became too large to summarize, ranging from action blockbuster roles like “Charlie’s Angels,” a Netflix comedy in “Santa Clarita Diet,” a number of Adam Sandler slapstick films like “50 First Dates,” and a memorable opening kill scene in the original “Scream.” Even to this day, Barrymore still credits Spielberg for acting as a father figure early in her life and career. 

Though she doesn’t act as much these days, she has portrayed herself in several recent films and has hosted “The Drew Barrymore Show” since 2020, with the show renewed for its seventh and eighth seasons in March 2026.

Emmanuel Lewis

As a young actor, Emmanuel Lewis got his big shot as the child spokesperson for Burger King, a part that led to his starring role as the eponymous character in the 1980s sitcom “Webster.” The show depicted a young African American boy who lost his parents and was subsequently taken in by an upper-class white couple.

In adulthood, Lewis still looks quite young, barely growing any taller; he has gathered few Hollywood credits since then, but he is still known for being a practitioner of tae kwon do.

Fred Savage

One of the most beloved films of the 1980s is “The Princess Bride,” in which child actor Fred Savage appeared as a grandson being read a fairy tale. Shortly after, Savage starred in “The Wonder Years,” a coming-of-age television show that earned the young actor two Emmy nominations, an unprecedented feat at the time at the age of 13.

Transitioning to directing and producing, Savage was involved in a number of television shows, including “Phil of the Future,” “Boy Meets World,” “Drake & Josh,” and countless Disney Channel and Nickelodeon shows. Savage even directed episodes of the reboot of “The Wonder Years,” though he was dismissed for alleged inappropriate conduct on set. These days, Savage has pivoted to entrepreneurship, founding Timepiece Grading Specialists, a watch authentication and appraisal company he launched in 2025.

Gary Coleman

Few child stars have gone through public hardships quite like actor Gary Coleman did. The young Coleman made a name for himself in “Diff’rent Strokes,” a sitcom that produced his well-known catchphrase, “Whatchoo talkin’ bout Willis?” Unfortunately for Coleman, his career and personal life spiraled down from there, with bankruptcy, legal issues, and marital problems becoming the center of his image, all the way to his untimely and accidental death from a fall in 2010. The Peacock documentary “Gary,” released in August 2024, explores his turbulent life story.

Jaleel White

When talking about the concept of a “breakout character” in television, Urkel in “Family Matters” is by far one of the most prominent examples. Portrayed by Jaleel White, the nerdy and high-pitched-voiced Steve Urkel was originally meant to be a guest character in the 1989 sitcom, but the positive reception to his portrayal led to him becoming a main character and essentially the new protagonist of the family show—though some cast members initially resented the shift. White also voiced Sonic the Hedgehog on a handful of animated shows and has made various appearances in television dramas and comedies, sometimes as himself.

Jeff Cohen

Jeff Cohen has been in Hollywood for decades, though audiences have only seen him on the screen during the 1980s. As a child, Cohen’s biggest role was “Chunk” in “The Goonies,” directed by Richard Donner and written by Steven Spielberg and Chris Columbus. Because of Donner, Cohen was able to attend college and eventually pursue entertainment law; most recently, Cohen negotiated the contract of his “Goonies” co-star Ke Huy Quan when the latter was cast in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”

Jenny Lewis

In her youth, Jenny Lewis appeared in commercials for Barbie dolls, Jell-O, and the Toys R Us retail chain, but her most prominent film roles were in “Troop Beverly Hills” and the Fred Savage-starring “The Wizard.” But in the late 1990s onward, besides some fleeting roles in television shows and films, Lewis fully transitioned into a music career. She formed the band Rilo Kiley with Blake Sennett, her then-boyfriend, after the band broke up in the early 2010s; Lewis has enjoyed a solo music career with five albums to date. Lewis reunited with her Rilo Kiley bandmates in 2025 to perform across the U.S. and release a greatest hits album.

Joey Lawrence

Actor, musician, and television presenter Joey Lawrence has amassed numerous credits in various sitcoms, children’s programs, and reality shows, but what brought Lawrence to fame was his role in “Gimme a Break!” Even before turning 18, Lawrence had already starred in Disney animated film “Oliver & Company” and the NBC show “Blossom” with Mayim Bialik. Lawrence would continue his acting career alongside his brothers Matthew and Andrew Lawrence, starring with them in “Brotherly Love” and Disney Channel films like “Jumping Ship.” 

In 2023, the Lawrence brothers launched a “Brotherly Love” podcast exploring the trio’s unique family.

Ke Huy Quan

Everyone loves a Hollywood comeback story, and Ke Huy Quan gave them one during the 2022-2023 awards season. Best known for charming audiences as Short Round in “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” and appearing in “The Goonies” the year after, Quan’s acting career slowed down as he struggled to find work in adulthood. He would later go on to become an assistant director and stunt choreographer.

After watching “Crazy Rich Asians,” Quan was inspired to return to acting, doing so in an Oscar-winning turn for Best Supporting Actor in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” Quan is firmly back in the limelight these days, starring in the 2025 movies “Love Hurts” and “Zootopia 2.”

Lisa Bonet

In a decade where sitcoms with African American stars were becoming mainstream, young stars like Lisa Bonet became an inspiration to young women of color. Bonet portrayed daughter Denise Huxtable in “The Cosby Show,” even garnering an Emmy nomination and starring in her own spin-off called “A Different World” that followed Denise in college.

Bonet has appeared in more recent shows, including “Ray Donovan” and “Girls,” although her family life has arguably received more attention: She married (and later divorced) Lenny Kravitz, with whom she had a daughter (now established actor Zoë Kravitz), and then married (and later divorced) Jason Momoa.

Lukas Haas

It’s unlikely that you’d see Lukas Haas in a major leading role, but you’ve undoubtedly seen this character actor in one of many films or television shows. Known for his “intense” performances, even as a child, Haas won critical acclaim for his 1980s childhood roles in “Witness,” “Music Box,” and “The Ryan White Story.” In adulthood, Haas has played small but memorable roles for directors such as Rian Johnson in “Brick,” Christopher Nolan in “Inception,” and Steven Spielberg in “Lincoln.”

In September 2024, Prime Video announced that Haas will star alongside Nicolas Cage in the upcoming Marvel series “Spider-Noir.” He also appeared in the 2025 film “High Rollers,” reprising his role from 2024’s “Cash Out.”

Melissa Gilbert

The extensive career of Melissa Gilbert started in her young childhood in the 1960s and ’70s, with her most famous role being that of Laura Ingalls Wilder in “Little House on the Prairie,” which ended in 1983. Throughout the 1980s, Gilbert appeared in television films practically every year of the decade, including some television specials as Laura Wilder post-show.

Later in adulthood, Gilbert served as the president of the Screen Actors Guild and abandoned a 2016 congressional campaign due to health concerns. She also made headlines in 2024 for her efforts to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer, which led to the deaths of her friends Patrick Swayze and Michael Landon. She has continued her Hallmark connection, guest-starring in “When Calls the Heart” season 12 in 2025, alongside executive producer Michael Landon Jr.

Natalie Gregory

The short-lived film and television career of Natalie Gregory reached its height in 1985 when at age 10, she played the title character in a television film adaptation of “Alice in Wonderland.” Her performance was praised by critics, but besides some minor television appearances, Gregory’s only other major role was as a voice in Disney’s “Oliver & Company.” Since then, Gregory has stayed out of the public limelight.

Neil Patrick Harris

Today, actor and singer Neil Patrick Harris is best known for roles in “How I Met Your Mother,” “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” and the “Harold & Kumar” films, as well as hosting essentially every major award show. But in 1989, Harris made it big as the eponymous character in “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” a show in which he portrayed a teenage doctor.

His career has thrived since then, with five Emmy Award wins and a Tony Award. Along with recent appearances in “The Matrix Resurrections” and “How I Met Your Father” (reprising his Barney Stinson role), Harris starred in the first Broadway revival of Yasmina Reza’s “Art” alongside Bobby Cannavale and James Corden in 2025, performed in other Broadway productions, and voiced characters in video games. 

Peter Billingsley

Families watch a few standby movies every Christmas, and the 1983 movie “A Christmas Story” is certainly one of them—if that’s the case, you’re used to seeing Peter Billingsley’s iconic childhood face every year. Billingsley made appearances on famous shows, including “Who’s the Boss?” and “The Wonder Years,” and won a Young Artist Award for his leading role in “The Dirt Bike Kid.”

Billingsley recently had a supporting role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, playing a minor character in “Iron Man” and “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” but he made a return to his iconic role of Ralphie in the cheekily named “A Christmas Story Christmas” in 2022.

River Phoenix

Young actor River Phoenix—older brother of Joaquin Phoenix—had a prolific but unfortunately short-lived career. Phoenix played one of the lead roles in the coming-of-age 1986 film “Stand by Me” with Corey Feldman and Wil Wheaton, though Phoenix didn’t take long to pursue more mature parts. For his role in “Running on Empty,” Phoenix became one of the youngest actors to be nominated for an Academy Award, receiving his nomination at age 18—unfortunately, his promising career was cut short by his sudden death in 1993. His final unfinished film, “Dark Blood,” would not be officially released until two decades later.

Sean Astin

Actor Sean Astin has had prolific roles through the decades, starting with “The Goonies” in 1985 at 13. In the 1990s, Astin portrayed the main character in the football drama “Rudy,” but pop culture enthusiasts today most commonly associate Astin with Samwise Gamgee in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, which was released in the early 2000s.

In today’s binge-watching age, a Sean Astin role that’s recently gotten traction is the charming character Bob in the second season of “Stranger Things,” which recalls the spirit of his early ’80s roles. Astin made his Broadway debut in 2024 and appeared alongside Ke Huy Quan in “Love Hurts” in 2025.

Soleil Moon Frye

Since 1984, actress Soleil Moon Frye has been associated with the character of Punky Brewster, who helmed her own sitcom. Frye carried “Punky Brewster” through four seasons of television, even starring in a short-lived revival of the show in 2021. Frye continues to be a prolific voice actor, with her latest role being Zoey in “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder,” a Disney+ reboot.

Tracey Gold

As with several child stars, Tracey Gold got her start acting in commercials, though she landed a major role in the sitcom “Growing Pains” starting in 1985. During her time as a teen star, Gold had a highly publicized battle with anorexia, eventually recovering in the early ’90s. While Gold has had some minor appearances on television since then, most of her appearances in recent years have been in TV movies.

Warwick Davis

To young Warwick Davis’ fortune, R2-D2 actor Kenny Baker became too ill to take the role of Wicket the Ewok in 1983’s “Return of the Jedi,” and Davis, whose dwarfism is essential to the character, took on the pivotal role; this eventually led him to the Lucasfilm production “Willow.”

Davis is now an iconic actor in some major franchises, portraying even more alien characters in the “Star Wars” films and Professor Flitwick in the “Harry Potter” series. Davis continues to work to this day, receiving the BAFTA Fellowship for lifetime achievement in 2025 and being appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2026 New Year’s honors.  He previously created a self-parody series called “Life’s Too Short” with Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. In 2024, Davis lost his wife, Samantha, with whom he had co-founded the charity Little People UK.

Story editing by Carren Jao. Copy editing by Tim Bruns. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick.

Longest-running Billboard #1 singles from the 1960s

The 1960s are often remembered as a decade of social and political change, in a manner not dissimilar to today’s climate. Amid the upheaval of gender norms and racial bias, popular music was undergoing its own revolution. While the music of the 1960s began with the lullaby-like sounds of Elvis Presley and the Everly Brothers, the decade of peace and love ended with the socially conscious grooves of Marvin Gaye and the psychedelic funk of Sly & The Family Stone and the 5th Dimension.

Plenty of ’60s songs remain a part of pop culture today. Herb Alpert’s 1965 instrumental release “Ladyfingers” gained new traction on social media in the 2020s, catapulting the song to billions of listens on Spotify. “I’ve had over four billion streams on it,” Alpert remarked in an April 2026 interview with the BBC. “I looked at the census for when I was born in 1935, and there were 2.7 billion people in the world… So let’s back up, put that in perspective, and be like, wow, man.”

While Alpert was one of the best-selling musicians of the ’60s, ​​​it can be tough to tell whether other acts from the decade were as popular as today’s culture suggests, or if society is merely remembering them through rose-colored glasses. Stacker turned to the Billboard charts to sort it all out. Using data from the Billboard Hot 100 archives, Stacker compiled a ranking of all #1 singles between 1960-1969. Songs that spent the same amount of time on the charts are ranked in the order they were released. Read on to see which singles kept Billboard listeners grooving up through the Summer of Love and beyond.

#44. Sugar, Sugar

– Artist: The Archies
– Number of weeks at #1: 4
– Date first entered into Hot 100: Sept. 20, 1969

While Archie, Veronica, Betty, and Jughead were featured on The CW’s teen drama “Riverdale,” they were busy tearing up the charts in 1969. The fictional band—comprised of co-songwriter Andy Kim and local session musicians—was assembled by Don Kirshner, the talent manager who put together The Monkees, among other famous groups of the era.

#43. Honky Tonk Women

– Artist: The Rolling Stones
– Number of weeks at #1: 4
– Date first entered into Hot 100: Aug. 23, 1969

The first single to be released after the death of their rhythm guitarist, Brian Jones, this country-influenced tune helped get the Stones their third #1 on the Billboard chart. Although the song’s lyrics reference the American West, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards wrote it while on tour in Brazil.

#42. Dizzy

– Artist: Tommy Roe
– Number of weeks at #1: 4
– Date first entered into Hot 100: March 15, 1969

Although this song spent four weeks at the top of the charts, it was the last #1 hit for Tommy Roe. The song lives on, however, having been covered numerous times since its release in 1968.

#41. Everyday People

– Artist: Sly & the Family Stone
– Number of weeks at #1: 4
– Date first entered into Hot 100: Feb. 15, 1969

This first #1 hit from Sly and the Family Stone was also the first single from their fourth album, “Stand!” Some have argued that Sly’s message of racial acceptance is just as relevant today as it was in 1968.

#40. This Guy’s in Love with You

– Artist: Herb Alpert
– Number of weeks at #1: 4
– Date first entered into Hot 100: June 22, 1968

As an artist who split his time between singing and playing trumpet in the Tijuana Brass Band, Herb Alpert is considered an unlikely chart success by today’s standards. However, Alpert would see the top of the Billboard charts again in 1979 with the instrumental track “Rise.”

#39. (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay

– Artist: Otis Redding
– Number of weeks at #1: 4
– Date first entered into Hot 100: March 16, 1968

This posthumous release from Otis Redding won two Grammys in 1968, for Best Rhythm and Blues Performance and Best Rhythm and Blues Song. Although it has since become one of Redding’s most popular songs, record executives almost didn’t release it after it was recorded.

#38. Daydream Believer

– Artist: The Monkees
– Number of weeks at #1: 4
– Date first entered into Hot 100: Dec. 2, 1967

This last #1 hit for The Monkees was written by songwriter John Stewart, who had previously made his name as a part of the Kingston Trio. Despite the song’s dark lyrics about the pitfalls of suburban marriage, it provided a successful swan song for the teen-pop band.

#37. The Letter

– Artist: Box Tops
– Number of weeks at #1: 4
– Date first entered into Hot 100: Sept. 23, 1967

This blue-eyed soul hit introduced listeners to singer Alex Chilton, who would later go on to front the cult classic ’70s group Big Star. As if being the frontman of two successful rock groups wasn’t enough, Chilton recorded the vocals for “The Letter” when he was only 16.

#36. Ode to Billie Joe

– Artist: Bobbie Gentry
– Number of weeks at #1: 4
– Date first entered into Hot 100: Aug. 26, 1967

At the time of its release, the plot of this mysterious country ballad left listeners so fascinated that it was later adapted into a novel and a film. Although Bobbie Gentry abruptly retired from music in 1983, she has continued to serve as an influence for today’s country and folk artists.

#35. Windy

– Artist: The Association
– Number of weeks at #1: 4
– Date first entered into Hot 100: July 1, 1967

This song was the second #1 hit for The Association, a California pop band with multiple vocalists. Jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery later scored his highest-charting hit with his cover of the song.

#34. Groovin’

– Artist: The Young Rascals
– Number of weeks at #1: 4
– Date first entered into Hot 100: May 20, 1967

By the time the Young Rascals released this 1967 hit, they were widely known for soul and R&B numbers like “Lonely Too Long” and “I Ain’t Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore.” However, it took the Latin grooves of “Groovin’,” inspired by lead singer Felix Cavaliere’s time in New York’s Catskill Mountains, to send them to the top of the charts.

#33. Somethin’ Stupid

– Artist: Nancy Sinatra and Frank Sinatra
– Number of weeks at #1: 4
– Date first entered into Hot 100: April 15, 1967

This duet between Nancy Sinatra and Ol’ Blue Eyes himself is known as the only father-daughter duet to hit #1 on the Billboard charts. Although the song’s romantic lyrics left some listeners feeling uneasy, the duo would sing together again on the singles “Feelin’ Kinda Sunday” and “Life’s a Trippy Thing” in 1970 and 1971, respectively.

#32. Yesterday

– Artist: The Beatles
– Number of weeks at #1: 4
– Date first entered into Hot 100: Oct. 9, 1965

This melancholy ballad kept Paul McCartney and the rest of the Beatles on top of the charts for four weeks straight. It continues to be a regular part of McCartney’s setlist whenever he tours. Not bad for a song that started out as an ode to breakfast food.

#31. (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction

– Artist: The Rolling Stones
– Number of weeks at #1: 4
– Date first entered into Hot 100: July 10, 1965

Although this song became famous for its now-iconic guitar riff, it could have had a much different sound. Keith Richards recorded the riff in his sleep after hearing it in a dream, and intended to replace it with a horn section in the recording studio.

#30. Baby Love

– Artist: The Supremes
– Number of weeks at #1: 4
– Date first entered into Hot 100: Oct. 31, 1964

By the time the Supremes recorded this classic R&B number, they were struggling to shake their reputation as a “no-hit” girl group. Fortunately for them, “Baby Love” was the first of the group’s five #1 hits, two of which they’d earn within the same year.

#29. There! I’ve Said It Again

– Artist: Bobby Vinton
– Number of weeks at #1: 4
– Date first entered into Hot 100: January 4, 1964

Bobby Vinton recorded the vocals for his cover of this 1945 hit in one take. He’d later see the top of the charts at the end of 1964 with his hit “Mr. Lonely.”

#28. Dominique

– Artist: The Singing Nun
– Number of weeks at #1: 4
– Date first entered into Hot 100: Dec. 7, 1963

This 1963 track from former Dominican nun Jeannine Deckers is known as the only Belgian track to hit #1 on the American Billboard charts. While “The Singing Nun” never again reached the commercial heights of “Dominique,” a 2009 biopic drew new attention to her unlikely pop career.

#27. He’s So Fine

– Artist: The Chiffons
– Number of weeks at #1: 4
– Date first entered into Hot 100: March 30, 1963

Although this debut single from the Chiffons was enough to send them to the top of the charts, it was the group’s only #1 hit. The song later became the focal point of a lawsuit against former Beatle George Harrison, who was accused of plagiarizing the song for his 1970 hit “My Sweet Lord.”

#26. Roses Are Red (My Love)

– Artist: Bobby Vinton
– Number of weeks at #1: 4
– Date first entered into Hot 100: July 14, 1962

This 1962 hit was a career-saver for Bobby Vinton, who picked the song from a pile of rejects after a meeting with his record label turned sour. The song would later be featured in Martin Scorsese’s film “Goodfellas,” where it was lip-synced by Vinton’s son Robbie.

#25. Runaway

– Artist: Del Shannon
– Number of weeks at #1: 4
– Date first entered into Hot 100: April 24, 1961

This haunting 1961 track was the first and only #1 hit for Del Shannon. Although he never matched the success of “Runaway,” he continued to tour and record music up until his death in 1990.

#24. Stuck on You

– Artist: Elvis Presley
– Number of weeks at #1: 4
– Date first entered into Hot 100: April 25, 1960

Elvis Presley’s first #1 hit marked his return to the charts after a two-year stint in the U.S. Army. He later performed the track on “The Frank Sinatra Timex Show: Welcome Home Elvis,” where Sinatra introduced the King of Rock and Roll to an even wider audience.

#23. Get Back

– Artist: The Beatles with Billy Preston
– Number of weeks at #1: 5
– Date first entered into Hot 100: May 24, 1969

This 1969 track was recorded for a hypothetical album called “Get Back,” meant to serve as a shot in the arm for the Fab Four after the difficult sessions for their 1968 self-titled “White” album. Although the “Get Back” album wasn’t released until after the Beatles’ breakup in 1970—then retitled “Let It Be”—the track was a late-career success for the band.

#22. People Got to Be Free

– Artist: The Rascals
– Number of weeks at #1: 5
– Date first entered into Hot 100: Aug. 17, 1968

Coming just one year after the success of their #1 hit “Groovin’,” “People Got to Be Free” marked the last time the Rascals saw the top of the charts. The song was inspired by the racial tension the band witnessed when touring the southern U.S.

#21. Honey

– Artist: Bobby Goldsboro
– Number of weeks at #1: 5
– Date first entered into Hot 100: April 13, 1968

Bobby Goldsboro’s only #1 hit tells the story of a widower as he remembers his deceased wife. While the song’s tear-jerking lyrics were enough to send it to #1 for five weeks, it hasn’t been remembered fondly by some members of the Flower Power generation.

#20. Love is Blue

– Artist: Paul Mauriat
– Number of weeks at #1: 5
– Date first entered into Hot 100: Feb. 10, 1968

Although this song debuted as an entry in the 1967 Eurovision Song Contest, it was Paul Mauriat’s instrumental cover that took “Love is Blue” to the top of the charts. Mauriat’s recording is emblematic of the “easy-listening” genre that became popular in the 1960s and was even featured on a season finale of the ’60s period drama “Mad Men.”

#19. To Sir With Love

– Artist: Lulu
– Number of weeks at #1: 5
– Date first entered into Hot 100: Oct. 21, 1967

This #1 comes from the soundtrack of the 1967 film of the same name, in which Sidney Poitier plays a Black engineer who takes a job teaching a class of white children. “To Sir With Love” came into the spotlight once again in 2017 when the “Saturday Night Live” cast parodied the song as a farewell to former U.S. President Barack Obama.

#18. Ballad of the Green Berets

– Artist: SSgt Barry Sadler
– Number of weeks at #1: 5
– Date first entered into Hot 100: March 5, 1966

In contrast to many of the anti-war songs of the 1960s, this #1 hit is a send-up to the Green Berets of the Army Special Forces. Songwriter Barry Sadler was a member of the Special Forces himself and wrote the song after leaving the military due to injuries.

#17. Can’t Buy Me Love

– Artist: The Beatles
– Number of weeks at #1: 5
– Date first entered into Hot 100: April 4, 1964

This 1964 hit for the Beatles was written while the group was playing a residency in Paris. The song’s romantic, anti-consumerist lyrics have caused listeners to speculate that it may be an ode to prostitution. However, songwriter Paul McCartney has strongly denied these allegations.

#16. Sugar Shack

– Artist: Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs
– Number of weeks at #1: 5
– Date first entered into Hot 100: Oct. 12, 1963

This song’s famous whistle-sounding riff is the product of a 1940s Hammond organ, played in the studio by producer Norman Petty. It was the only #1 for Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs, who made the charts for the first time in 1964 with “Ain’t Gonna Tell Anybody.”

#15. Big Girls Don’t Cry

– Artist: The Four Seasons
– Number of weeks at #1: 5
– Date first entered into Hot 100: Nov. 17, 1962

The second #1 hit for the Four Seasons,”Big Girls Don’t Cry” features the same falsetto vocals that sent their debut “Sherry” to the top of the charts. The song’s lyrics were inspired by the strained gender relations depicted in films like “Tennessee’s Partner.”

#14. Sherry

– Artist: The Four Seasons
– Number of weeks at #1: 5
– Date first entered into Hot 100: Sept. 15, 1962

The Four Seasons’ debut single was also the band’s first of five #1 hits. Songwriter and keyboardist Bob Gaudio claimed to have written the song in 15 minutes, a process that was later depicted in the hit Broadway musical and film “Jersey Boys.”

#13. I Can’t Stop Loving You

– Artist: Ray Charles
– Number of weeks at #1: 5
– Date first entered into Hot 100: June 2, 1962

This 1962 single comes from Charles’ album “Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music.” At the time when the Civil Rights Movement was still a grassroots campaign, Charles’ decision to record a country album was seen as a radical choice by the music industry.

#12. Big Bad John

– Artist: Jimmy Dean
– Number of weeks at #1: 5
– Date first entered into Hot 100: Nov. 6, 1961

The inspiration for this 1961 hit came from John Minto, an actor Jimmy Dean had befriended earlier in his career. Although the song was Jimmy Dean’s only #1 hit, the singer’s name would later become ubiquitous through his popular brand of breakfast sausages.

#11. It’s Now or Never

– Artist: Elvis Presley
– Number of weeks at #1: 5
– Date first entered into Hot 100: Aug. 15, 1960

Although Elvis became famous for the raucous sound of hits like “Hound Dog” and “A Big Hunk O’ Love,” it was this reworking of a 1901 Italian tune that would become one of his biggest hits. Elvis was introduced to the song while serving in the U.S. Army and requested that his publisher write English lyrics for the tune originally known as “O Sole Mio.”

#10. Cathy’s Clown

– Artist: The Everly Brothers
– Number of weeks at #1: 5
– Date first entered into Hot 100: May 23, 1960

The Everly Brothers’ first #1 hit after signing a $1 million contract with Columbia Records didn’t come easy to the duo. “Cathy’s Clown” was the ninth single they recorded for their label debut. The song was later an unlikely #1 for Reba McEntire, who recorded the song with slightly altered lyrics in 1989.

#9. In the Year 2525 (Exordium and Terminus)

– Artist: Zager and Evans
– Number of weeks at #1: 6
– Date first entered into Hot 100: July 12, 1969

Although this futuristic 1969 hit sent Zager and Evans blasting off to the top of the charts, their pop career would stall out well before the year 2525. None of the band’s subsequent singles cracked the Billboard Hot 100, landing the group firmly on “planet one-hit wonder.”

#8. Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)

– Artist: The 5th Dimension
– Number of weeks at #1: 6
– Date first entered into Hot 100: April 12, 1969

While the 1967 musical “Hair” garnered controversy for its open depictions of the free love movement, its music had no problem wooing listeners. This medley of two tracks from the musical granted the 5th Dimension their first #1 hit.

#7. Are You Lonesome Tonight?

– Artist: Elvis Presley
– Number of weeks at #1: 6
– Date first entered into Hot 100: Nov. 28, 1960

Much like “It’s Now or Never,” “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” was a reworking of a decades-old pop hit. Although “Lonesome” was written in 1926 by Roy Turk and Lou Handman, Elvis Presley’s modern, quiet croon and vocal echo made the tune a hit with audiences more than three decades later.

#6. I Heard It Through the Grapevine

– Artist: Marvin Gaye
– Number of weeks at #1: 7
– Date first entered into Hot 100: Dec. 14, 1968

When Marvin Gaye took to the microphone to record “Grapevine,” the song was already a Motown classic, having been recorded by Gladys Knight in 1967. Fortunately, listeners didn’t mind hearing Gaye’s take on the song, which inspired a number of covers from artists like Creedence Clearwater Revival, Roger Troutman, and punk band the Slits.

#5. I’m a Believer

– Artist: The Monkees
– Number of weeks at #1: 7
– Date first entered into Hot 100: Dec. 31, 1966

The Monkees’ second #1 hit was penned by acclaimed songwriter Neil Diamond, who would later go on to have three #1 hits of his own. Smash Mouth covered the song for the soundtrack of the 2001 film “Shrek,” albeit to much less acclaim.

#4. I Want to Hold Your Hand

– Artist: The Beatles
– Number of weeks at #1: 7
– Date first entered into Hot 100: Feb. 1, 1964

The Beatles’ first #1 hit in America marked the start of the British Invasion, as well as the Beatles’ dominance over the pop charts for the rest of the decade. Over the course of their six-year career, their songs would top the Billboard Hot 100 for a grand total of 59 weeks.

#3. Tossin’ and Turnin’

– Artist: Bobby Lewis
– Number of weeks at #1: 7
– Date first entered into Hot 100: July 10, 1961

Although Bobby Lewis’ debut single sent him tossin’ and turnin’ to the top of the charts, once he tumbled down, he never got back up. The singer followed the biggest hit of 1961 with three more singles, none of which matched the success of “Tossin’ and Turnin’.”

#2. Hey Jude

– Artist: The Beatles
– Number of weeks at #1: 9
– Date first entered into Hot 100: Sept. 28, 1968

This Beatles ballad marked the first single released by the group’s then newly minted label, Apple Records. Written by Paul McCartney as a pick-me-up for John Lennon’s son, Julian, the song became the longest-charting single the Beatles ever released. The song remains a favorite among fans of the Fab Four, with a handwritten copy of the song’s lyrics going up for sale for $375,000 in 2018.

#1. Theme from A Summer Place

– Artist: Percy Faith and His Orchestra
– Number of weeks at #1: 9
– Date first entered into Hot 100: February 22, 1960

Remarkably, the Beatles’ only match for chart length in the ’60s is this instrumental recording of a song from the 1959 film “A Summer Place.” Although the song marks Percy Faith’s only #1 hit, it won him the Grammy for Record of the Year in 1960.

More stories about chart-topping hits through the decades

• #1 rock songs of the 1960s
• Best rock albums of the ’60s
• Top country song from each year of the ’70s

The stars of 20 iconic movie franchises when the first movie premiered vs. the last

When it comes to movie franchises, most people think of the sprawling Marvel Cinematic Universe, or perhaps the still-enchanting “Harry Potter” series. These days, franchises comprise most ticket sales at American movie theaters, but the movie franchise is hardly a new phenomenon.

Franchises, which include movie series that share titles, characters, and/or a fictional universe, have been around since the dawn of cinema. Take the 1931 hit “Frankenstein,” for instance. Universal Pictures’ early horror flick spawned “The Bride of Frankenstein,” “The Son of Frankenstein,” “The Ghost of Frankenstein,” and several other Frankenstein pics over more than a decade.

The origins of successful franchises vary widely. Some film series stemmed from a single, unexpected hit, like “The Terminator.” Other franchises made it big based on their characters or fascinating storylines. Then there are franchises that rely on the strength of their preexisting intellectual property (looking at you, Marvel).

No matter what led to a franchise’s success, chances are the films had the support of a strong, dare we say legendary, cast. These actors banded together to put their respective movies on the map, and while many casts have changed significantly over the years, certain central actors still return to the screen time and again to reprise their older roles.

To celebrate these stars, Stacker combed through cinematic history to find photos of the casts of 20 popular movie franchises, then compared images from the original movie premieres to photos from the most recent release. Read on to find out where your favorite film franchises started, and learn how the years have impacted these hit series.

The ‘Rocky’ franchise: 1976

This rags-to-riches tale about a Philadelphia boxer’s shot at the big time parallels a real-life underdog story. Sylvester Stallone, who starred as Rocky Balboa and wrote the script, worked odd jobs for years—including a stint in adult entertainment—before he gathered enough financial and studio backing to make the film. “Rocky” became a near-instant classic and won three Academy Awards, including the Best Picture Oscar.

The ‘Rocky’ franchise: 2018

Stallone starred in seven more “Rocky” movies and most recently appeared in the 2018 release “Creed II,” which saw Rocky coaching new champ Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan). Though the franchise continues, Stallone bowed out of 2023’s “Creed III” due to creative differences and longstanding tensions with producer Irwin Winkler, who also helped create the earlier “Rocky” movies. 

In a March 2025 interview, Winkler said Jordan will return to direct and star in “Creed IV,” with a script in development. Jordan confirmed in December 2025 that the film is still “eventually, definitely” happening.

The ‘Star Wars’ franchise: 1977

At the request of Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher), a young Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) teams up with a ragtag group of rebels to save the galaxy from a powerful threat. Though some critics—in particular, those at The Wall Street Journal and New York Magazine—did not initially appreciate “Star Wars,” the movie launched director George Lucas and the rest of the cast into the spotlight. The first “Star Wars” remains a pioneering sci-fi classic, defining multiple generations of pop culture.

The ‘Star Wars’ franchise: 2019

No less than 11 more movies and over 20 TV shows followed “Star Wars,” which has been retitled “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.” Disney acquired rights to the franchise in 2012 after purchasing George Lucas’ production company, Lucasfilm, and new installments continue to be released. Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan took over as Lucasfilm co-presidents in January 2026 following Kathleen Kennedy’s departure. As for the franchise itself, the film “The Mandalorian and Grogu” premiered in May 2026, with “Star Wars: Starfighter” planned for 2027.

The ‘Halloween’ franchise: 1978

Starring Jamie Lee Curtis in one of her most memorable roles, “Halloween” revolutionized the slasher movie genre and has become a long-lasting horror favorite. The original John Carpenter film sees Michael Myers (Tony Moran) don his now-famous mask to terrorize several teenage girls, among them Curtis’ Laurie Strode. Ruthlessly economical in its storytelling, which offers no motivations for Myers’ killing spree, the movie still frightens many viewers today.

The ‘Halloween’ franchise: 2022

The “Halloween” franchise now consists of 13 movies, many of which star original cast member Curtis. The franchise has also featured a rotating assortment of newer stars, including actors Andi Matichak and Rohan Campbell, who appeared in 2022’s “Halloween Ends.” Still, as Carpenter did not return to direct any of the sequels, many die-hard (no pun intended) “Halloween” fans say the follow-ups can’t hold a candle to the original. In March 2024, Miramax bought the TV rights to “Halloween,” with a promise to keep the franchise going.

The ‘Indiana Jones’ franchise: 1981

Director Steven Spielberg introduced audiences to daredevil archeologist Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) for the first time in 1981’s “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” On his 1936 quest to find the long-lost Ark of the Covenant, Jones faces off against a group of Nazis and kindles a romance with Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), the daughter of a fellow archaeologist. Jones’ escapades won over audiences to the tune of $168 million at the domestic box office, making “Raiders of the Lost Ark” the top-grossing film of 1981.

The ‘Indiana Jones’ franchise: 2023

Spielberg ultimately directed three more “Indiana Jones” films, including the divisive “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” However, James Mangold took the reins for the franchise’s fifth installment, 2023’s “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” Ford has returned for all subsequent sequels and starred alongside Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Shaunette Renée Wilson, Boyd Holbrook, and Mads Mikkelsen in “Dial of Destiny,” featuring a cameo from Allen.

The ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ franchise: 1984

Though Eddie Murphy’s career had been gathering steam for years before the 1984 premiere of “Beverly Hills Cop,” the film all but ensured his movie-star status. Murphy stars as streetwise Detroit cop Axel Foley, who dives into the glitz and glam of Beverly Hills to investigate his best friend’s murder. Both critics and audiences raved about “Beverly Hills Cop,” and the movie earned more than $316 million globally.

The ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ franchise: 2024

Forty years and three more movies later, Murphy has continued to turn in winning performance after winning performance as Axel, who has evolved from a devil-may-care youngster to a protective parent (without losing his signature sense of humor, of course). Murphy last played Axel in 2024’s “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” and says plans for a fifth film with producer Jerry Bruckheimer are moving ahead; however, longtime franchise star John Ashton passed away in September 2024.

The ‘Terminator’ franchise: 1984

Killer robot movies featuring abundant CGI are nothing new these days, but when “The Terminator” premiered in 1984, James Cameron’s film took theaters by storm. The movie owes at least some of its success to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s unparalleled performance as the titular cyborg. To prepare for the role, Schwarzenegger taught himself how to expertly handle firearms… and took out an insurance policy on his eyebrows.

The ‘Terminator’ franchise: 2019

Though the first movie became a modest box-office hit, grossing around $78 million globally, there was little indication at the time that “The Terminator” would give rise to a massive franchise. The series now includes a TV show and six films, the latest of which, “Terminator: Dark Fate,” premiered in 2019. Schwarzenegger continues to return as the Terminator—perhaps appropriate for an actor who so famously uttered the words, “I’ll be back.” Hamilton, meanwhile, said in February 2024 that she was done with the franchise, so we likely won’t see her in any of the future films that Cameron has planned.

The ‘Ghostbusters’ franchise: 1984

Featuring a winning mix of comedy, fantasy, and action, not to mention one of the catchiest movie theme songs ever written, “Ghostbusters” quickly picked up a massive following after its premiere. In fact, “Ghostbusters” beat out “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” and “Gremlins” to reach #1 at the domestic box office in 1984. Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson star as four paranormal exterminators who band together to defend New York City from the undead.

The ‘Ghostbusters’ franchise: 2024

Though Ramis passed away in 2014, Murray, Aykroyd, and Hudson continue to appear in “Ghostbusters” movies, with new stars like Finn Wolfhard and Paul Rudd by their side. Despite middling critical reviews, 2024’s “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” performed well at the box office. The franchise’s fourth film raked in more than $200 million globally to become one of the year’s top releases. It’s perhaps no surprise, then, that director Gil Kenan confirmed in October 2024 that more films were in the works.

The ‘Top Gun’ franchise: 1986

A 24-year-old Tom Cruise starred in “Top Gun” as hotheaded fighter pilot Maverick, who quickly butts heads with the more experienced Iceman (Val Kilmer). Remembered for its impressive stunt work, the movie also has an iconic soundtrack featuring “Take My Breath Away,” which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1987.

The ‘Top Gun’ franchise: 2022

More than 30 years later, Cruise donned Maverick’s flight suit once again to star in “Top Gun: Maverick.” This 2022 movie packs in even more dizzying aerobatic tricks and another memorable track: Lady Gaga’s Oscar-nominated “Hold My Hand.” Despite the lengthy time period between the first and second movies, a third “Top Gun” is in the works, with “Maverick” director Joseph Kosinski telling GQ in June 2025 that there’s “one last ride” for Cruise’s character in a script written by Ehren Kruger. Paramount’s Dana Goldberg reiterated that “‘Top Gun’ is a priority for us” in August 2025.

The ‘Lethal Weapon’ franchise: 1987

The buddy-cop movie “Lethal Weapon” has stood the test of time mainly thanks to the on-screen dynamics between stars Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. The two play a mismatched pair of Los Angeles police officers who must learn how to overcome their differences and function as partners. “Lethal Weapon” became a box-office sensation in 1987, grossing over $120 million worldwide against a $15 million budget.

The ‘Lethal Weapon’ franchise: 1998

Glover and Gibson teamed up for three more movies, the latest of which, “Lethal Weapon 4,” premiered in 1998. A three-season TV show starring Damon Wayans and Clayne Crawford also ran from 2016 to 2019. More than 25 years after “Lethal Weapon 4,” fans may yet see “Lethal Weapon 5” hit theaters, as Gibson confirmed in 2024 that he plans to work on the next movie. As for Glover’s potential involvement, it’s probably a good sign that he made a surprise appearance at a fan convention panel with Gibson in February 2025.

The ‘Die Hard’ franchise: 1988

Based on the 1979 novel “Nothing Lasts Forever,” “Die Hard” stars Bruce Willis as New York cop John McClane, who faces off against terrorist Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) in the skyscraper Nakatomi Plaza. Between the movie’s stellar acting, expert comedic timing, and fast-paced fight scenes, “Die Hard” has become an action classic. The film also has no shortage of highly quotable, profanity-laced lines, perhaps most famously, “Yippee-ki-yay, motherf—–!”

The ‘Die Hard’ franchise: 2013

Willis returned as John McClane in four subsequent “Die Hard” movies, including the latest installment, 2013’s “A Good Day to Die Hard.” Though fans long entertained hopes of a sixth “Die Hard” film, producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura officially put an end to those rumors in 2021, telling Polygon, “It’s not happening.” Moreover, Willis, who retired from acting in 2022 following his aphasia diagnosis, was subsequently diagnosed in 2023 with frontotemporal dementia, a debilitating disease that heavily impairs the actor’s memory.

The ‘Jurassic Park’ franchise: 1993

Another hit film series originated by Steven Spielberg, the “Jurassic World” franchise began in 1993 with the action-packed “Jurassic Park.” Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum star as Ellie and Malcolm, who visit a theme park centered on real, live dinosaurs. Of course, the park’s main attractions quickly exhibit their wilder natures, forcing the protagonists into a fight for survival.

The ‘Jurassic Park’ franchise: 2025

Two sequels quickly followed the first “Jurassic Park,” but after “Jurassic Park III” hit theaters to a lukewarm critical reception in 2001, another “Jurassic Park” movie wouldn’t arrive until 14 years later with “Jurassic World.” Starring Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard, the film roared into theaters in 2015 and single-handedly revived the franchise’s earlier popularity. Goldblum returned to the series for “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” and “Jurassic World Dominion,” the latter of which also featured Dern. The seventh film in the “Jurassic Park” series, “Jurassic World: Rebirth,” stars franchise newcomers Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, and Mahershala Ali and premiered in July 2025.

The ‘Bad Boys’ franchise: 1995

Directed by Michael Bay, “Bad Boys” stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as Miami detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett. When $100 million worth of heroin goes missing from police headquarters, the two “bad boys” must hunt down the missing drugs in just five days. Despite middle-of-the-road reviews, the movie grossed over $141 million at the global box office.

The ‘Bad Boys’ franchise: 2024

Nearly 30 years later, Mike and Marcus’ partnership lives on in three subsequent franchise installments, including 2024’s “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.” A fifth “Bad Boys” film seems likely, as the movie’s stars and directors have all confirmed they would be interested in a reunion. In an April 2025 interview, Lawrence said there are already conversations at Sony about the next sequel.

The ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise: 1996

The first “Mission: Impossible” stars Tom Cruise as American intelligence agent Ethan Hunt. Framed for the murders of several other operatives, Ethan must infiltrate a highly secure room at CIA headquarters to prove his innocence. Director Brian De Palma ratchets up a sense of tension in the film’s most suspenseful sequences, like the iconic Langley heist scene.

The ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise: 2025

Ethan’s death-defying antics have continued across eight “Mission Impossible” movies. Cruise has famously handled many of the franchise’s stunts himself rather than relying on a body double to, say, climb a skyscraper or cling to a flying airplane. The latest “Mission: Impossible” movie, “Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” was released in theaters May 2025, with the future of the series beyond that still unclear.

The ‘Matrix’ franchise: 1999

There’s no overstating the cultural impact “The Matrix” made upon its 1999 premiere. This sci-fi action megahit stars Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity and Keanu Reeves as Neo, a young hacker who must save humanity from a sinister computer interface known as the Matrix. Some of the film’s many memorable moments include the red pill, blue pill quandary and Neo’s oft-quoted “I know kung fu” line.

The ‘Matrix’ franchise: 2021

Though two more “Matrix” movies premiered in 2003, neither earned quite the same critical or audience acclaim as the first. Nearly 20 years passed before Reeves and Moss returned as Neo and Trinity in 2021’s “The Matrix: Resurrections.” Production on the franchise’s fifth installment is underway, but the next movie will not be directed by the Wachowski sisters, who directed the original movies.

The ‘Harry Potter’ franchise: 2001

Based on the bestselling novel series by J.K. Rowling, the “Harry Potter” franchise catapulted its three young stars directly into the limelight. Daniel Radcliffe stars as the titular young wizard, aided by friends Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) in a quest to defeat the evil Lord Voldemort (later played by Ralph Fiennes).

The ‘Harry Potter’ franchise: 2011

Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint grew up on the sets of the “Harry Potter” franchise, with all three stars remaining on board from the first “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” to the final “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.” The trio have continued to act but have not returned for any subsequent releases in the “Harry Potter” universe, including the “Fantastic Beasts” prequel films.

As for the franchise, the next “Harry Potter” release will be an HBO TV series slated to premiere on Christmas Day 2026, starring Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.

The ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise: 2001

Despite a tepid critical response, “The Fast and the Furious” quickly gained a massive fanbase after its 2001 premiere, particularly among street racing and car enthusiasts. Boasting action-packed racing sequences and a cast led by Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, and Paul Walker, the movie grossed over $200 million worldwide. Sure, “The Fast and the Furious” might not have won any Oscars, but the film did score several MTV Movie Award and Teen Choice Award nominations.

The ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise: 2023

After Walker died in 2013, the “Fast & Furious” franchise has lived on with original cast members Diesel and Rodriguez. Throughout 11 movies, numerous other A-listers have come and gone from the franchise, including Sung Kang, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and Gal Gadot. As audiences often note, the films’ quality has fluctuated over the years. Even so, the “Fast & Furious” series retains its sizable following: The latest release, 2023’s “Fast X,” grossed more than $700 million worldwide.

The next movie, titled “Fast Forever” and said to be the grand finale of the franchise, is set for release in March 2028. According to comments made by Diesel in June 2025, the movie will reportedly feature an on-screen appearance by Walker’s character.

The ‘Bourne’ franchise: 2002

While Matt Damon had already built up a stacked acting résumé before starring in “The Bourne Identity,” his role in the thriller turned him into a bona fide action movie hero. Based on Robert Ludlum’s novel of the same name, the 2002 movie follows Damon’s amnesia-stricken protagonist as he attempts to recover his former identity—and learn why so many assassins are out to kill him.

The ‘Bourne’ franchise: 2016

Damon went on to play Jason Bourne in three more movies, including 2016’s “Jason Bourne,” which also stars Alicia Vikander and Julia Stiles. Jeremy Renner briefly stepped into a central role for the 2012 release “The Bourne Legacy,” but, despite its title, the movie does not feature Damon’s character. The franchise also includes the short-lived USA Network series “Treadstone,” which ran for one season in 2019. Universal temporarily lost the movie rights to Jason Bourne in March 2025, but the studio reacquired the property in August 2025, suggesting continued interest in the series.

The ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchise: 2003

“Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” stars Orlando Bloom, Johnny Depp, and Keira Knightley as an unlikely trio caught up by both supernatural and British naval forces. Scenes of swashbuckling derring-do and a biting sense of humor made “The Curse of the Black Pearl” a near-instant hit among critics and audiences alike—a somewhat surprising outcome for a movie based on a Disneyland theme park ride.

The ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchise: 2017

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer was the driving force behind four more “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies after “The Curse of the Black Pearl.” While Bloom didn’t appear in 2011’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” he did reprise his role as Will Turner for 2017’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.” Though the later films didn’t earn the same praise as “The Curse of the Black Pearl,” they grossed hundreds of millions at the global box office. A sixth “Pirates” movie has yet to materialize, but it was reported in December 2024 that Bruckheimer was developing two separate scripts, one of which would return Depp to the franchise.

The ‘Da Vinci Code’ franchise: 2006

“The Da Vinci Code” is based on Dan Brown’s bestselling mystery book series and stars Tom Hanks in the central role, Robert Langdon. A symbologist at Harvard University, Robert must team up with cryptologist Sophie Neveu (Audrey Tautou) and police inspector Bezu Fache (Jean Reno) to solve a mysterious murder at Paris’ Louvre Museum. However, as the heroes explore the crime further, they become ever more entangled in a web of dangerous secrets and plots.

The ‘Da Vinci Code’ franchise: 2016

Though “The Da Vinci Code” was an enormous box-office success, its two sequels didn’t fare as well. “The Da Vinci Code” pulled in some $760 million globally, but the trilogy’s final film, “Inferno,” earned just $220 million worldwide. A few years after “Inferno” premiered in 2016, the TV series “The Lost Symbol” recast the role of Langdon and ran for just one season in 2021.

In May 2025, Netflix ordered a TV series adaptation of Dan Brown’s “The Secret of Secrets,” co-created by Brown and showrunner Carlton Cuse. The book was released Sept. 9, 2025, with the series currently in development.

The ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ franchise: 2014

One of several long-running film series in the MCU, “Guardians of the Galaxy” follows a crew of misfits, led by Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), on an intergalactic adventure to save the universe. Besides the impressive performances from its leading cast, the movie’s cheeky dialogue and far-ranging soundtrack won over legions of fans.

The ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ franchise: 2023

Intertwined with other events in the MCU, the “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise concluded after just three movies. “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” premiered in 2023, and the trilogy’s curtain call earned a largely positive response. Be advised, though: According to the franchise’s fans, you may need a tissue or two while you watch.

More stories about movie franchise stars and their careers:

• Photos of 30 iconic actors at the start of their careers vs. now
• 25 actors who quit or were fired from hit film franchises early on
• 50 of the oldest actors still working

Story editing by Cynthia Rebolledo. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Michael Flocker.