When it comes to franchises with intricate world-building, character development, and a token Chosen One, Star Wars is in a galaxy far, far away from the rest. The franchise’s cultural impact has spanned decades, showing no signs of slowing down. While easily one of the most recognizable fandoms, there are others who can give George Lucas’s universe a run for its money.
When Star Wars: A New Hope premiered in 1977, it went on to become one of the most influential pieces of cinema of all time. But Star Wars is not the only franchise that can keep up with today’s audience demand while maintaining that nostalgic pull. When it comes to declaring Star Wars the ultimate franchise, these cinematic masterpiece worlds would have something to say about that.
The World-Building in Dune Can Compete With Star Wars
Just as Luke Skywalker carried Star Wars on his shoulders, so Dune has Paul Atreides for audiences to journey with. The Dune universe hit screens in 1984, with David Lynch (The Elephant Man, Mulholland Drive) directing the first standalone film. Today, it’s the epic trilogy by director Denis Villeneuve (Prisoners, Blade Runner 2049) that gives Star Wars fans a rival universe to dive into.
The cinematic scale and beautifully haunting score evoke visceral responses from audiences. But it’s the attention to detail and use of as many practical effects as possible—like shooting in the actual desert—that bring a sense of realism that transports viewers to Arrakis. It doesn’t hurt that these films remain faithful to the source material, which is what every fandom yearns for.
It Would Be an Epic Battle To Watch Potterheads Take On Star Wars Fans
There hadn’t been a visual feast for audiences to immerse themselves in since Star Wars until the release of the Harry Potter franchise. Fans had been reading about Harry and his battle against Lord Voldemort for years before The Sorcerer’s Stone premiered in 2001. But seeing the bewitching world come to life on the big screen was an experience viewers would never forget.
From the iconic music that still gives goosebumps to the thrill of seeing the enchanting Great Hall dressed up for every holiday, the Harry Potter movie franchise is one of the most unforgettable and comforting ones. Potterheads only need to hear those first few opening notes of "Hedwig’s Theme" to want to start a Harry Potter movie marathon. It's a close call in the battle of lightsabers versus wands.
The Godfather Is the Original Movie Franchise Powerhouse
Star Wars and The Godfather are two of the most inspirational and influential franchises that each redefined their genre. What Francis Ford Coppola did for cinema with The Godfather movies always tops the lists when it comes to the highest level of filmmaking. The Star Wars franchise is still an ongoing machine, but when it comes to writing, storytelling, iconic lines, and plot, The Godfather makes spectators an offer they can’t refuse.
Viewers got to know the Corleone family as more than just another Italian-American mob empire. The timeless brilliance of The Godfather remains untouched, with the Corleone family story arc one of the best crime drama stories ever told. The three-part masterpiece has been a rival to any large movie franchise for decades, with plenty of staying power left.
Harrison Ford Versus Harrison Ford Is Tough Competition
While there are bets on who would win—Luke with his lightsaber versus Indiana with his whip or Han versus Indiana in general—the Star Wars and Indiana Jones movie franchises are masterpieces. Harrison Ford helms both projects, with audiences arguing over which variation of Ford was best. Pitting George Lucas and Harrison Ford against George Lucas and Harrison Ford is always going to be difficult.
There’s no doubt the adventures found in Indiana Jones surpass what’s available in Star Wars. Scenes like ripping a beating heart out and being chased down by a boulder are forever burned into your mind. Even John Williams, who composed the musical score for both, outdid himself with the "Raiders March" for Indiana Jones. Once it starts to play, you immediately look for what could be used as a whip.
There Are a Few More Friends To Be Found in Toy Story Than Star Wars
One franchise that gives Star Wars a run for its money when it comes to box office success and generational crossover is Toy Story. Songs you get stuck in your head, unforgettable characters, and equal parts laughs and tears are in each installment. The commercial appeal for both is heavily there. But Toy Story has an edge when it comes to bringing the whole family together and getting the next generation hooked.
To Star Wars' credit, the films play a part in the Toy Story lore, with the animated movies paying homage to Star Wars throughout. But the journey of Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the toy gang on various adventures is endlessly appealing for viewers of all ages. There’s just something about the relationship between the toys and Andy that grabs hearts a little more.
The Journey of the Companions in The Lord of the Rings Is One of the Most Epic Franchise Stories
From epic battles between good and evil, voyages through dangerous enemy territory, and the ultimate bad guy, there are plenty of parallels between The Lord of the Rings and Star Wars. Yet The Lord of the Rings captures audiences with an instantly recognizable fantasy world. Though Star Wars does jump from planet to planet, it's just hard to contend with the journey of the Nine Companions across Middle-earth.
Peter Jackson takes The Lord of the Rings leaps and bounds beyond the groundbreaking cinematography Star Wars delivered. The stakes of Frodo’s heroic journey outweigh Luke’s, and the camaraderie between the companions is deeper than anything in Star Wars. The Lord of the Rings trilogy is arguably one of the most perfect sets of movies, with each installment better than the one before. The visuals, acting, costumes, and storytelling solidify J. R. R. Tolkien’s movie adaptations as masterpieces of fantasy cinema.
The MCU Universe Is a Behemoth Ready to Rival Any Film Franchise
If you want to pit titan against titan, throwing the MCU against Star Wars is a good start. From fandom loyalty to box office openings, these two powerhouses are in an ongoing showdown. While Star Wars continues to appeal to new audiences and generations, the MCU has decades of comic book lore to draw upon for inspiration that fans never tire of.
The MCU doesn’t let up when it comes to maintaining dominance over every other fandom. Currently in phase six of film releases, each one tries to outdo the last. The constant surprise of who will pop up in which movie allows the MCU franchise to dominate when it comes to content. With a seemingly endless supply of characters to call on for crossovers, the MCU will always be there to keep Star Wars on its toes.
It's Difficult for Any Franchise To Compete Against the Dinosaurs in Jurassic Park
The Jurassic Park franchise brought people's obsession with dinosaurs to life on screen in a way audiences still can't get over. That first tremble in the glass of water, the jiggle of the Jell-O, and the scream of the children when the T. Rex jumps on the car from the first film perfectly establish the atmosphere of the franchise.
The enduring legacies of Jurassic Park and Star Wars keep the fandoms coming back to see what the new movies are all about and how they will relate to the original. While one has to be contained to the ground and the other can explore entire galaxies, Jurassic Park can put pressure on Star Wars thanks to humans’ never-ending fascination with dinosaurs.
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