In the ever-evolving landscape of filmmaking, cinematic universes have become one of the most powerful storytelling formats of the modern era. The idea of creating interconnected films and television shows that share characters, settings, and plots is now the norm. From superheroes to expansive fantasy worlds, these universes draw massive audiences, extend the storytelling possibilities, and create dedicated fanbases.
But what is it about these cinematic universes that has captured the imagination of global audiences? Let’s take a look at the top 7 cinematic universes that are all the rage right now.
Alien
Ridley Scott’s famous Alien universe cannot go unmentioned in this list. The Alien Universe has been pivotal across different media such as films, TV series, digital series, comics and video games. With Alien: Romulus being the latest of the series, the crown jewel of the series apart from the first film is the 2015 survival horror video game Alien: Isolation.
Fan Impact:
The insane popularity of the series led to the xenomorph being added into Mortal Kombat X as a playable character. Moreover, the crossover of this universe with the predator universe is a spectacle you cannot miss.
Predator
If you have followed the Alien carefully, you might have come across a character called the Predalien, a monstrous mixture of Alien and Predator. Much like Alien, the Predator universe also gained massive popularity with the first film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger; it was an instant hit. With successive films and video games on the universe, the impact of the Predator has been staggering.
Fan Impact:
Along with a playable Alien, the Predator and 3 of its variations were added in Mortal Kombat X. This came after 2 different games within its own franchise. Predator has been a strong mark in the beings coming from outer space arena, and will continue to be a legacy in cinematic history.
John Wick
The John Wick Universe is one of the most intense and stylish action franchises in recent memory. Launched in 2014 with John Wick, the franchise stars Keanu Reeves as the titular character, a retired hitman who’s forced back into a brutal underworld after a tragedy. The films are known for their sleek, meticulously choreographed action sequences and world-building. At its core, the John Wick universe is a high-stakes world of assassins, hitmen, crime syndicates, and an underground society that operates by its own strict rules.
Fan Impact:
Fans are drawn to the relentless pace of the films, which rarely let up on the action. But they also appreciate the universe’s rules and structure, which make it feel like a well-oiled machine. The intense choreography, combined with Keanu Reeves’ iconic portrayal of John Wick, has made this franchise a cult favorite. The deep dive into the assassin world, its codes, and its hierarchy keeps viewers intrigued and always looking for more.
MonsterVerse
With Godzilla and King Kong as the pillars, MonsterVerse brings together colossal creatures in an epic battle for dominance. Starting with Godzilla (2014) and Kong: Skull Island (2017), followed by Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019) and Godzilla vs. Kong (2021), this universe has embraced massive creatures, destructive power, and the conflict between monsters and humanity.
Fan Impact:
Fans enjoy seeing some of the most iconic movie monsters on the big screen, especially when they clash in epic battles. The crossover event in Godzilla vs. Kong showcased just how beloved these larger-than-life creatures still are.
Evil Dead
The Evil Dead Universe began with The Evil Dead (1981), a low-budget horror film that quickly became a cult classic. Directed by Sam Raimi, the story follows a group of friends who unwittingly unleash a demonic force after reading from an ancient book. The film’s unique blend of terrifying gore and campy humor, along with its innovative direction, set the stage for a franchise that would become a cornerstone of horror cinema. Evil Dead II (1987) followed, amping up the comedy and action with Bruce Campbell’s iconic portrayal of Ash, who, after battling the Deadites once again, becomes one of horror’s most memorable antiheroes.
Fan Impact
Over the years, the universe has grown with spinoffs like the Evil Dead remake (2013), the Ash vs Evil Dead TV series (2015-2018), and new entries like Evil Dead Rise (2023). The universe’s blend of horror, dark humor, and absurdity has kept it relevant, creating a dedicated fanbase that continues to celebrate Ash’s wild, chainsaw-filled journey.
Breaking Bad
The Breaking Bad Universe is a masterclass in character development, as it takes audiences on a slow-burn journey of moral decay. Characters evolve and transform in surprising ways, keeping fans captivated as they see familiar faces grow and change.
Fan Impact:
Fans of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul are fiercely loyal. The series’ exploration of morality, crime, and human nature gives fans plenty to chew on, generating deep discussions and fan theories. The universe’s interconnected storytelling has allowed audiences to experience the consequences of their favorite characters’ actions in real-time, and that makes the experience even more immersive.
Rocky
The Rocky Universe is one of the most beloved cinematic universes in film history, but it’s not just about boxing—it’s about heart, determination, and resilience. The original Rocky (1976) focused on Rocky Balboa, an underdog boxer who gets the chance to fight the heavyweight champion, Apollo Creed. Sylvester Stallone’s portrayal of the working-class boxer earned him an Oscar, and the film won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Fan Impact:
Fans of the Rocky Universe aren’t just rooting for a boxer to win—they’re cheering for the personal growth of the characters, their triumphs, and their losses. The deep emotional investment in characters like Rocky and Adonis has cultivated a loyal fanbase that celebrates not only the underdog story but the universal theme of perseverance. The franchise’s cultural impact is undeniable, inspiring everything from motivational speeches to iconic training montages.
