Warner Bros.
Analysts are crying sequel fatigue, but studios trying to bank on franchises isn't new. They're just doing it a lot more frequently and with titles people care way less about seeing.
In looking at Box Office Mojo's ranking of some of the top-grossing franchises adjusted for inflation, it's clear that pursuing sequels has always been a roller-coaster ride. Business Insider selected 15 franchises - the dominating fantasies as well as some animation, action, and horror - from the top 100.
Of those 15, only three - "Toy Story," "Lord of the Rings," and "Captain America" - have seen growth with every installment. (The same can't be said for "Iron Man," Marvel's other major solo character series.) Every other franchise lacks a pattern, except that it seems "Fast and Furious" reached a positive turning point in 2009 and that no one wants more "Scream" movies at this point.
See how your favorite franchise did over its lifetime:
Mike Nudelman/Business Insider