Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal recently found themselves tackling one of the biggest questions in movie fandom: what is the greatest film franchise of all time?
Their answers couldn’t have been more different. During an interview, Bernthal kicked things off by asking,
Jon Bernthal: “The goat movie franchise?”
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Affleck didn’t hesitate.
Ben Affleck: “This is going to sound like home cooking, but I really like the Bourne franchise of movies. I think they did a great job with that, kind of subverting the whole genre. What do you think?”
Bernthal went with a Hollywood classic.
Jon Bernthal: “I got Rocky.”
Affleck quickly agreed it was hard to argue with that choice.
Ben Affleck: “That’s a good answer. I think the first Rocky is probably the best movie ever to spawn a franchise, in my opinion.”
Bernthal doubled and tripled down on his pick.
Jon Bernthal: “Rocky 2 and Rocky 3… I mean, they’re all great. I love them.”
Affleck then pointed out the irony behind the series’ success.
Ben Affleck: “The only thing about it becoming a franchise is that the whole point of the first one was that there wasn’t going to be a franchise. It was ‘no rematch, don’t want one, that’s it forever.’ And then they were like, ‘Ah, f*ck it. Rematch. Make it again.’ It’s a good example of the allure of the franchise.”
It’s an interesting debate because both of their choices helped redefine their respective genres. The Bourne films reinvented the modern spy thriller with their grounded action, handheld cinematography, and morally conflicted hero, influencing everything from the James Bond reboot starring Daniel Craig to countless action movies that followed.
Meanwhile, Rocky remains one of Hollywood’s most famous success stories. Beginning with the 1976 Best Picture winner before expanding into six Rocky films and the successful Creed spin-offs, the franchise has remained relevant for five decades.
Of course, limiting the conversation to Bourne and Rocky leaves out plenty of heavy hitters. Star Wars, James Bond, Mission: Impossible, The Lord of the Rings, Indiana Jones, Alien, Mad Max, Planet of the Apes, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe all have cases depending on whether you’re judging consistency, influence, longevity, or your personal favorites. (In which case, my vote goes to Friday the 13th.)
So we’ll throw the question to you. What do you think is the greatest movie franchise of all time? Is Affleck right that Bourne deserves the crown? Does Rocky still stand above the competition? Or is there another series that belongs at the top? Let us know in the comments.
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