Which movie franchise really rules the Oscars?

A wise man once said, ‘Man gives awards, but God gives rewards.’ Nothing proves it better than seeing some of the biggest blockbusters walk away empty-handed at the Oscars, while others sweep both the box office and the Academy. No matter who they are, they need to impress the Academy before the legacy ends.

Here’s a look at how the world’s most popular film universes have fared at the Oscars.

Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)

The MCU is one of the most successful film franchises ever. With 37 movies under its belt.

Despite its global impact and massive fanbase, it has managed to win only 4 Oscars, including technical categories like Best Visual Effects for Black Panther and Avengers: Endgame.

The MCU proves that popularity doesn’t always guarantee awards, but it sure dominates its audience.

James Bond

The suave spy has been thrilling audiences since the 1960s with 27 films in total.

Over the years, the James Bond franchise has scored 6 Oscar wins, including Best Original Song for hits like Skyfall and No Time to Die.

Mission: Impossible

Tom Cruise’s action-packed Mission: Impossible series has pulled off death-defying stunts across 8 films, but surprisingly, zero Oscars.

Despite critical praise for its practical effects and thrilling sequences, the franchise has yet to take home an Academy Award.

Harry Potter

The wizarding world of Harry Potter cast a spell on millions, but received no Oscar wins across its 8 movies.

Though nominated multiple times for visual effects and art direction, the series never captured a golden statue.

The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit

The most successful franchise among all the franchises has won 17 Oscars through 6 films only.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King alone swept all 11 of its nominations, making it one of the most awarded films in the history of the Oscars.

Star Wars

The Star Wars saga has 11 movies and 7 Oscars, mostly in sound and visual effects.

Its groundbreaking technology reshaped filmmaking forever, cementing it as a cinematic landmark.

Pirates of the Caribbean

Pirates of the Caribbean has won 1 Oscar for Best Visual Effects, thanks to its swashbuckling adventure and CGI magic.

DC Universe (DCEU)

The DCEU has produced 15 films so far, and earned only one Oscar — Best Makeup and Hairstyling for Suicide Squad, but not for any major Academy category.