If there is a single thing that everyone should be thrilled about, that the internet provided us, it is ease of connection, affording us a global network of communities of fans. The Cambridge Dictionary defines the wordfandomas “the state of being a fan of someone or something, especially a very enthusiastic one.” The culture of fandoms has evolved greatly in recent years, so much so that the those surrounding film and television are more prominent than ever before.
The truth is every musician, artist, actor, and director aspires to cultivate a following of admirers who cherish and adore their work. And a creator’s future work is influenced just as much by the number of fans they gain as by the work that has been previously produced. As a result, some movies and television shows are incredibly popular all over the world. Many of these fandomssurround popular franchises.
To connect with the public and have the most fans worldwide, a lot of meticulous dedication is required, frequently over the course of many years. These are some of the movies and television shows with the biggest fandoms, in no particular order.
Harry Potter
With one of the largest fandoms in the entire world,Harry Potterwas an obvious choice for this list.Harry Potterbegan with a book series that amassed its own following and was then adapted into a series of films many people love. The franchise has grown so much and gained so much love from its fans that a rebootedHarry Pottertelevision series was announced to be in the works by HBO for their new streaming service Max (viaDeadline).
The firstAvatarfilm was released in 2009 and gained a huge following of loyal and devoted fans. A second filmAvatar: The Way of Water, was released over 12 years later and continued the franchise. Fans of the series will be thrilled to know thatAvatar 3,Avatar 4, andAvatar 5are planned for 2024, 2026, and 2028, respectively.
Another young adult book series that gained fandom fame wasThe Twilight Saga, which was adapted into film as well. ContainingTwilight,New Moon, andBreaking Dawn - Part 1, andBreaking Dawn - Part 2, theTwilightfilm series gained even more recognition from fans of the vampire love story. PerThe Hollywood Reporter, the franchise is also getting a television series reboot from Lionsgate.
The Hunger Games
Rounding out the YA film franchises with huge fandoms isThe Hunger Games, also adapted from a book series with its own large fandom, in and of itself.The Hunger Gamesfilms were something unique for the genre in that they allowed young adult films to thrive. This franchise is also getting another movie, based on the prequel book,The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
Related:Was The Hunger Games the Last Great YA Movie Franchise?
50 Shades of Grey
The book series for50 Shades of Greywas originallyTwilightfanfiction that got rewritten and adapted into its own series. PerThe Write Practice, “many say that the books have allowed women to talk about and explore sexuality (sexual fantasy, in particular) in a way that they would have been impossible even decades ago. In this way, they say, the book is empowering.” Overall, the50 Shades of Greyfranchise has a loyal and large following who love the story created.
Transformers
TheTransformerslive-action movie series is based on the eponymous 1980s toy brand. Michael Bay directed the first five:Transformers,Revenge of the Fallen,Dark of the Moon,Age of Extinction, andThe Last Knight. The sixth movie, a prequel titledBumblebee, was also produced by Bay. A seventh movie,Rise of the Beasts, is scheduled for release in June 2023.
TheTransformersfranchise has a large fanbase and has gained tons of respect for the way they handle the combination of sci-fi action and emotional moments, as well as many awards nominations and wins.
Resident Evil
TheResident Evilmovie series, which has a massive fanbase full of those who love the horror of a zombie apocalypse, is based on the Capcom video game franchise (Resident Evil/ Biohazard) from Japan. TheResident Evilseries has made over $1.2 billion, despite critics having a generally unfavorable view of the movies. This demonstrates that the franchise’s followers are prepared to shell out money to see the protagonists and scenarios from the video games adapted for the big screen.
Marvel Cinematic Universe
TheMarvel Cinematic Universe(MCU), which is soon to include the rebootedX-Menseries, has one of the largest fandoms in the entire world. Many of these fans are so devoted to the comic book characters they love that they even cosplay as them for events. With over 30 films and more on the way, fans of the superhero genre have nothing to worry about when looking for something amazing to watch. FromCaptain AmericatoBlack Pantherand back again, the MCU is one of the most well-known fandoms and continues to be so.
The X-Files
One of the first science fiction television shows to take dramatic risks with its views and cinematography,The X-Files, has more than enough fans to count as one of the largest fandoms in existence.The X-Fileshas earned over 200 awards nominations, including 16 primetime Emmys, and around 100 awards wins. With complex and carefully created characters, detailed and unique storylines, and an alien conspiracy for the ages,The X-Filesis one of those shows that people just can’t quit. And lucky for themThe X-Filesrebootis in the works.
Sex and the City
Fans of the rom-com genre lovedSex and the City. 2008 saw the release ofSex and the City: The Movie, to rave reviews. The movie is a continuance of the 1998–2004Sex and the Cityseries on television, which was based on Candace Bushnell’s journalistic columns and 1996 book compilation of the same name, about four friends and their lives as women in New York City.
The 2010 release of the filmSex and the City 2saw comparable financial success but much greater criticism. A third movie was planned, but eventually shelved in favor of theAnd Just Like That…miniseries reboot on Max.
