Prequels & sequels: Better than the original?
Is the original film in a series always the best? We're not so sure. As the fourth film in the "Spy Kids" franchise, "Spy Kids: All the Time in the World" comes out Aug. 19, we take a look at how that franchise and other movie series have fared at the box office. Whether the original, prequel or sequel reigns supreme will long be a subject of much debate among film fans. But let's see how the numbers shake out.
'Spy Kids'
This action-adventure film series follows the children of spy parents as they tackle various missions. It stars one of the leads from "Repo! the Genetic Opera" and this former judge of "America's Most Talented Kids," and "Spy Kids" fans can look forward to seeing the fourth installment in cinemas this month.
$147,934,180 Spy Kids worldwide gross income
$119,723,358 Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams worldwide gross income
$197,011,982 Spy Kids 3D: Game Over worldwide gross income
'Terminator'
This science fiction series follows a struggling human race as it fights against the artificial intelligence system Skynet. It stars this Austrian-born actor, bodybuilder and former governor of California.
$78,371,200 The Terminator worldwide gross income
$519,843,345 terminator 2 judgment day worldwide gross income
$433,371,112 Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines worldwide gross income
$371,353,001 Terminator Salvation worldwide gross income
'Star Wars' Prequel Trilogy
This trilogy of prequels follows the life of young Anakin Skywalker as he is trained by Jedi knight Obi-Wan Kenobi.
$924,317,558 Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace worldwide gross income
$649,398,328 Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones worldwide gross income
$848,754,768 Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith worldwide gross income
'Star Wars' original trilogy
How do the prequels stack up against the original trilogy? It's good vs. evil in space as Luke Skywalker battles the masked Darth Vadar. With his performance as Han Solo, it marks one of two film franchises to propel this actor to fame. Another beneficiary was this "General Hospital" alumnus, who plays hero Luke Skywalker.
$775,398,807 Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope worldwide gross income
$538,375,067 Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back worldwide gross income
$475,106,177 Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi worldwide gross income
'Harry Potter'
Boy wizard Harry Potter tries to defeat the evil Lord Voldemort in this film series, a record breaker at the box office. This Ivy League student and this English actor play Harry's helpful best friends.
$974,755,371 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone worldwide gross income
$878,979,634 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets worldwide gross income
$796,688,549 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban worldwide gross income
$896,911,078 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire worldwide gross income
$939,885,929 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix worldwide gross income
$934,416,487 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince worldwide gross income
$955,417,476 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows- Part 1 worldwide gross income
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows- Part 2 worldwide gross income
'Pirates of the Caribbean'
Captain Jack Sparrow's pirate escapades are documented as he tries to evade capture. The first three films also star this new dad and this Oscar-nominated English actress.
$654,264,015 Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl worldwide gross income
$1,066,179,725 Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest worldwide gross income
$963,420,425 Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End worldwide gross income
$1,032,828,392 Pirates of the Caribbean: On Strang
$104,931,801 Alien worldwide gross income
$131,060,248 Aliens worldwide gross income
$159,814,498 Alien 3 worldwide gross income
$161,376,068 Alien Resurrection worldwide gross income
'The Matrix'
Computer hacker Neo must battle a simulated reality called the Matrix.
$463,517,383 The Matrix worldwide gross income
$742,128,461 The Matrix Reloaded worldwide gross income
$427,343,298 The Matrix Revolutions worldwide gross income
'Spider-Man'
Shy Peter Parker turns into comic book superhero Spider-Man who must fight against evil villains.
$821,708,551 Spider-Man worldwide gross income
$783,766,341 Spider-Man 2 worldwide gross income
$890,871,626 Spider-Man 3 worldwide gross income
'Austin Powers'
British spy Austin Powers seeks to defeat Dr. Evil in this comedic trilogy. Both characters are played by a Canadian-born actor who was a "Saturday Night Live" alum.
$67,683,989 Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery worldwide gross income
$312,016,858 Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me worldwide gross income
$296,655,431 Austin Powers in Goldmember worldwide gross income
$245,066,411 The Godfather worldwide gross income
$193,000,000 The Godfather Part II worldwide gross income
$136,766,062 The Godfather Part III worldwide gross income
'Back to the Future' trilogy
Teenage Marty McFly and inventor Doc Brown time-travel through the decades in this beloved trilogy.
$381,109,762 Back to the Future worldwide gross income
$331,950,002 Back to the Future Part II worldwide gross income
$244,527,583 Back to the Future Part III worldwide gross income
'Jason Bourne' series
The Bourne series follows Jason Bourne a former CIA assassin who becomes a target himself after breaking away from the agency. The fourth film in this series, "The Bourne Legacy," is due to be released in 2012.
$214,034,224 The Bourne Identity worldwide gross income
$288,500,217 The Bourne Supremacy worldwide gross income
$442,824,138 The Bourne Ultimatum worldwide gross income
'Die Hard' franchise
Police detective John McClane fights criminals and terrorists in this action-heavy film series.
$140,767,956 Die Hard worldwide gross income
$240,031,094 Die Hard 2 worldwide gross income
$366,101,666 Die Hard With A Vengeance worldwide gross income
$383,531,464 Live Free or Die Hard worldwide gross income
'Jurassic Park' trilogy
An amusement park with cloned dinosaurs goes out of control when the dinosaurs take over. This English actor played the role of park owner in the first two films in the series.
$914,691,118 Jurassic Park worldwide gross income
$618,638,999 The Lost World: Jurassic Park worldwide gross income
$368,780,809 Jurassic Park III worldwide gross income
'Mission: Impossible' series
Impossible Missions Force agent Ethan Hunt has to make the impossible possible in this action series. The fourth film, "Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol," is due to be released in December.
$457,696,359 Mission Impossible worldwide gross income
$546,388,105 Mission Impossible II worldwide gross income
$397,850,012 Mission Impossible III worldwide gross income
'Shrek' series
The life and adventures of green ogre Shrek are depicted in this animated series.
$484,409,218 Shrek worldwide gross income
$919,838,758 Shrek 2 worldwide gross income
$798,958,162 Shrek the Third worldwide gross income
$752,600,867 Shrek Forever After worldwide gross income
'X-Men' series
The trials and tribulations of a group of superheroes, including Wolverine are followed in this film series based on Marvel Comics characters. The next film in the series is "The Wolverine," due out in 2012.
$296,339,527 X-Men worldwide gross income
$407,711,549 X2: X-Men United worldwide gross income
$459,359,555 X-Men: The Last Stand worldwide gross income
$373,062,864 X-Men Origins: Wolverine worldwide gross income
X-Men: First Class worldwide gross income
'Chronicles of Narnia' series
The adventures of a group of children in the mythical world of Narnia are chronicled in this set of fantasy films based on a book series. This young English actor stars as eldest child Peter Pevensie.
$745,013,115 The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe worldwide gross income
$419,665,568 The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian worldwide gross income
$415,686,217 The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader worldwide gross income
'Lord of the Rings' trilogy
The mission of hobbit Frodo Baggins and a fellowship of his companions is the subject of this fantasy trilogy set in Middle-earth and based on a book series.
$870,761,744 The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring worldwide gross income
$925,282,504 The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers worldwide gross income
$1,119,110,941 The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King worldwide gross income
'Indiana Jones' franchise
The adventures of archaeologist Dr. Henry Jones, played by Harrison Ford, are chronicled in this Steven Spielberg-directed series.
$384,140,454 Raiders of the Lost Ark worldwide gross income
$333,107,271 Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom worldwide gross income
$474,171,806 Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade worldwide gross income
$786,636,033 Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull worldwide gross income
'Superman' series
The adventures of Superman, played by this Juilliard-trained actor in four of the films, are chronicled in this series. Spinoff film "Supergirl" stars this singer-songwriter-actress as Superman's cousin.
$300,218,018 Superman worldwide gross income
$108,185,706 Superman II domestic gross income
$59,950,623 Superman III domestic gross income
$14,296,438 Supergirl domestic gross income
$15,681,020 Superman IV: The Quest for Peace domestic gross income
$391,081,192 Superman Returns worldwide gross income
'Rocky' series
This series about boxer Rocky Balboa was written by the actor who also starred as the title character.
225,000,000 Rocky worldwide gross income
$200,182,160 Rocky II worldwide gross income
$125,049,125 Rocky III domestic gross income
$300,473,716 Rocky IV worldwide gross income
$119,946,358 Rocky V worldwide gross income
$155,721,132 Rocky Balboa worldwide gross income
'Lethal Weapon' series
This set of action films follows police partners Roger Murtaugh and Martin Riggs.
$120,207,127 Lethal Weapon worldwide gross income
$227,853,986 Lethal Weapon 2 worldwide gross income
$321,731,527 Lethal Weapon 3 worldwide gross income
$285,444,603 Lethal Weapon 4 worldwide gross income
'Beverly Hills Cop' series
This action-comedy series follows Detroit policeman Axel Foley played by the actor who voices Donkey in the "Shrek" film series.
$316,360,478 Beverly Hills Cop worldwide gross income
$299,965,036 Beverly Hills Cop II worldwide gross income
$119,208,989 Beverly Hills Cop III worldwide gross income
Is the original film in a series always the best? We're not so sure. As the fourth film in the "Spy Kids" franchise, "Spy Kids: All the Time in the World" comes out Aug. 19, we take a look at how that franchise and other movie series have fared at the box office. Whether the original, prequel or sequel reigns supreme will long be a subject of much debate among film fans. But let's see how the numbers shake out.
This action-adventure film series follows the children of spy parents as they tackle various missions. It stars one of the leads from "Repo! the Genetic Opera" and this former judge of "America's Most Talented Kids," and "Spy Kids" fans can look forward to seeing the fourth installment in cinemas this month.
$147,934,180 Spy Kids worldwide gross income
$119,723,358 Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams worldwide gross income
$197,011,982 Spy Kids 3D: Game Over worldwide gross income
This science fiction series follows a struggling human race as it fights against the artificial intelligence system Skynet. It stars this Austrian-born actor, bodybuilder and former governor of California.
$78,371,200 The Terminator worldwide gross income
$519,843,345 terminator 2 judgment day worldwide gross income
$433,371,112 Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines worldwide gross income
$371,353,001 Terminator Salvation worldwide gross income
'Star Wars' Prequel Trilogy
This trilogy of prequels follows the life of young Anakin Skywalker as he is trained by Jedi knight Obi-Wan Kenobi.
$924,317,558 Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace worldwide gross income
$649,398,328 Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones worldwide gross income
$848,754,768 Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith worldwide gross income
How do the prequels stack up against the original trilogy? It's good vs. evil in space as Luke Skywalker battles the masked Darth Vadar. With his performance as Han Solo, it marks one of two film franchises to propel this actor to fame. Another beneficiary was this "General Hospital" alumnus, who plays hero Luke Skywalker.
$775,398,807 Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope worldwide gross income
$538,375,067 Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back worldwide gross income
$475,106,177 Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi worldwide gross income
Boy wizard Harry Potter tries to defeat the evil Lord Voldemort in this film series, a record breaker at the box office. This Ivy League student and this English actor play Harry's helpful best friends.
$974,755,371 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone worldwide gross income
$878,979,634 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets worldwide gross income
$796,688,549 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban worldwide gross income
$896,911,078 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire worldwide gross income
$939,885,929 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix worldwide gross income
$934,416,487 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince worldwide gross income
$955,417,476 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows- Part 1 worldwide gross income
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows- Part 2 worldwide gross income
'Pirates of the Caribbean'
Captain Jack Sparrow's pirate escapades are documented as he tries to evade capture. The first three films also star this new dad and this Oscar-nominated English actress.
$654,264,015 Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl worldwide gross income
$1,066,179,725 Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest worldwide gross income
$963,420,425 Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End worldwide gross income
$1,032,828,392 Pirates of the Caribbean: On Strang
'Alien'
Space lieutenant Ellen Ripley must fight against an unruly alien. Watch the eerie trailer for the original.
$104,931,801 Alien worldwide gross income
$131,060,248 Aliens worldwide gross income
$159,814,498 Alien 3 worldwide gross income
$161,376,068 Alien Resurrection worldwide gross income
Computer hacker Neo must battle a simulated reality called the Matrix.
$463,517,383 The Matrix worldwide gross income
$742,128,461 The Matrix Reloaded worldwide gross income
$427,343,298 The Matrix Revolutions worldwide gross income
Shy Peter Parker turns into comic book superhero Spider-Man who must fight against evil villains.
$821,708,551 Spider-Man worldwide gross income
$783,766,341 Spider-Man 2 worldwide gross income
$890,871,626 Spider-Man 3 worldwide gross income
British spy Austin Powers seeks to defeat Dr. Evil in this comedic trilogy. Both characters are played by a Canadian-born actor who was a "Saturday Night Live" alum.
$67,683,989 Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery worldwide gross income
$312,016,858 Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me worldwide gross income
$296,655,431 Austin Powers in Goldmember worldwide gross income
'The Godfather'
This famous trilogy stars this celebrated actor as Michael Corleone a man whose family plays a prominent role in the Mafia.$245,066,411 The Godfather worldwide gross income
$193,000,000 The Godfather Part II worldwide gross income
$136,766,062 The Godfather Part III worldwide gross income
Teenage Marty McFly and inventor Doc Brown time-travel through the decades in this beloved trilogy.
$381,109,762 Back to the Future worldwide gross income
$331,950,002 Back to the Future Part II worldwide gross income
$244,527,583 Back to the Future Part III worldwide gross income
The Bourne series follows Jason Bourne a former CIA assassin who becomes a target himself after breaking away from the agency. The fourth film in this series, "The Bourne Legacy," is due to be released in 2012.
$214,034,224 The Bourne Identity worldwide gross income
$288,500,217 The Bourne Supremacy worldwide gross income
$442,824,138 The Bourne Ultimatum worldwide gross income
'Die Hard' franchise
Police detective John McClane fights criminals and terrorists in this action-heavy film series.
$140,767,956 Die Hard worldwide gross income
$240,031,094 Die Hard 2 worldwide gross income
$366,101,666 Die Hard With A Vengeance worldwide gross income
$383,531,464 Live Free or Die Hard worldwide gross income
An amusement park with cloned dinosaurs goes out of control when the dinosaurs take over. This English actor played the role of park owner in the first two films in the series.
$914,691,118 Jurassic Park worldwide gross income
$618,638,999 The Lost World: Jurassic Park worldwide gross income
$368,780,809 Jurassic Park III worldwide gross income
Impossible Missions Force agent Ethan Hunt has to make the impossible possible in this action series. The fourth film, "Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol," is due to be released in December.
$457,696,359 Mission Impossible worldwide gross income
$546,388,105 Mission Impossible II worldwide gross income
$397,850,012 Mission Impossible III worldwide gross income
The life and adventures of green ogre Shrek are depicted in this animated series.
$484,409,218 Shrek worldwide gross income
$919,838,758 Shrek 2 worldwide gross income
$798,958,162 Shrek the Third worldwide gross income
$752,600,867 Shrek Forever After worldwide gross income
'X-Men' series
The trials and tribulations of a group of superheroes, including Wolverine are followed in this film series based on Marvel Comics characters. The next film in the series is "The Wolverine," due out in 2012.
$296,339,527 X-Men worldwide gross income
$407,711,549 X2: X-Men United worldwide gross income
$459,359,555 X-Men: The Last Stand worldwide gross income
$373,062,864 X-Men Origins: Wolverine worldwide gross income
X-Men: First Class worldwide gross income
The adventures of a group of children in the mythical world of Narnia are chronicled in this set of fantasy films based on a book series. This young English actor stars as eldest child Peter Pevensie.
$745,013,115 The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe worldwide gross income
$419,665,568 The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian worldwide gross income
$415,686,217 The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader worldwide gross income
The mission of hobbit Frodo Baggins and a fellowship of his companions is the subject of this fantasy trilogy set in Middle-earth and based on a book series.
$870,761,744 The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring worldwide gross income
$925,282,504 The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers worldwide gross income
$1,119,110,941 The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King worldwide gross income
The adventures of archaeologist Dr. Henry Jones, played by Harrison Ford, are chronicled in this Steven Spielberg-directed series.
$384,140,454 Raiders of the Lost Ark worldwide gross income
$333,107,271 Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom worldwide gross income
$474,171,806 Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade worldwide gross income
$786,636,033 Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull worldwide gross income
'Superman' series
The adventures of Superman, played by this Juilliard-trained actor in four of the films, are chronicled in this series. Spinoff film "Supergirl" stars this singer-songwriter-actress as Superman's cousin.
$300,218,018 Superman worldwide gross income
$108,185,706 Superman II domestic gross income
$59,950,623 Superman III domestic gross income
$14,296,438 Supergirl domestic gross income
$15,681,020 Superman IV: The Quest for Peace domestic gross income
$391,081,192 Superman Returns worldwide gross income
This series about boxer Rocky Balboa was written by the actor who also starred as the title character.
225,000,000 Rocky worldwide gross income
$200,182,160 Rocky II worldwide gross income
$125,049,125 Rocky III domestic gross income
$300,473,716 Rocky IV worldwide gross income
$119,946,358 Rocky V worldwide gross income
$155,721,132 Rocky Balboa worldwide gross income
'Lethal Weapon' series
This set of action films follows police partners Roger Murtaugh and Martin Riggs.
$120,207,127 Lethal Weapon worldwide gross income
$227,853,986 Lethal Weapon 2 worldwide gross income
$321,731,527 Lethal Weapon 3 worldwide gross income
$285,444,603 Lethal Weapon 4 worldwide gross income
'Beverly Hills Cop' series
This action-comedy series follows Detroit policeman Axel Foley played by the actor who voices Donkey in the "Shrek" film series.
$316,360,478 Beverly Hills Cop worldwide gross income
$299,965,036 Beverly Hills Cop II worldwide gross income
$119,208,989 Beverly Hills Cop III worldwide gross income
