# Movie franchises with expanded universes: 9 shared worlds, from Star Wars to the MCU

> Nine movie franchises that grew into expanded universes, from Star Wars, the View Askewniverse and the Wizarding World to Marvel, The Conjuring, the DC Extended Universe and MonsterVerse.

Source: https://rankiew.app/blog/movie-franchises-with-expanded-universes
Published: 2026-08-12
Author: Rankiew
Tags: lists, franchises, universes

Some franchises are no longer just films: they are whole universes with spin-offs, series and crossovers. This list gathers nine of them, in order of the first film, with a poster of where each one begins.

# How we chose

We chose franchises whose films share one fictional world and that grew through spin-offs, prequels, series or crossovers. This is not a numbered ranking, and we show only the starting film of each universe.

## Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)

::film[Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope|1977]

Star Wars: a shared universe that begins here. Also: The Empire Strikes Back, Rogue One, The Mandalorian.

## Clerks (1994)

::film[Clerks|1994]

View Askewniverse: a shared universe that begins here. Also: Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma.

## Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)

::film[Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone|2001]

Wizarding World: a shared universe that begins here. Also: Fantastic Beasts, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

## The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

::film[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|2001]

Middle-earth: a shared universe that begins here. Also: The Hobbit, The Rings of Power.

## Cloverfield (2008)

::film[Cloverfield|2008]

Cloverfield: a shared universe that begins here. Also: 10 Cloverfield Lane, The Cloverfield Paradox.

## Iron Man (2008)

::film[Iron Man|2008]

Marvel Cinematic Universe: a shared universe that begins here. Also: The Avengers, Black Panther, Spider-Man: No Way Home.

## The Conjuring (2013)

::film[The Conjuring|2013]

The Conjuring Universe: a shared universe that begins here. Also: Annabelle, The Nun, The Conjuring 2.

## Man of Steel (2013)

::film[Man of Steel|2013]

DC Extended Universe: a shared universe that begins here. Also: Batman v Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman.

## Godzilla (2014)

::film[Godzilla|2014]

MonsterVerse: a shared universe that begins here. Also: Kong: Skull Island, Godzilla vs. Kong.

# Frequently asked questions

## What is an expanded or shared movie universe?

It is a group of films, and often series, set in the same fictional world, where characters and events connect across different titles.

## Which movie franchise has the largest universe?

Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe are among the largest, with dozens of films and series that share one continuity.

## Where should I start with a shared universe?

Start with the first film of the universe, listed here, and then follow release order, which is the safest way to avoid spoilers.

# Rate these movies

Which one is your favorite? On Rankiew you can rate every film, write reviews and build your own lists.

[Create your free Rankiew account](/signup?lang=en)

*Sources: official studio releases, filmographies and public records.*