10 Highest-Rated Young Adult Movie Franchises, According To Their Average IMDb Score
The last several decades have seen the rise, dip, and potential rebound in the popularity of the young adult film franchise. Initially driven by big blockbuster franchises such as Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, and Twilight, the genre has become more diverse and expansive in recent years.
Still featuring blockbusters like the MCU Spider-Man movies, the genre now also includes romantic comedies such as To All the Boys as well as animated franchises like How to Train Your Dragon. While some young adult film franchises lose steam after the first film or gain a loyal fan base that continues to see the films regardless of the quality, some franchises are able to sustain the same level of quality throughout the various entries, cementing themselves as the best young adult film franchises.
10 To All The Boys (6.5)
Stream On Netflix
The Netflix romantic comedy franchise To All the Boys follows high schooler Lara Jean as her letters to her former crushes get mailed out against her will, prompting boys from her past to suddenly resurface.
While the film mostly drifts away from this central concept by the third film, the franchise is strengthened by its cast of likable characters, led by a charming performance by Lana Condor as Lara Jean. The sequels are not quite as fresh as the original, but the franchise is a sweet and endearing series that is sure to entertain fans of the genre.
9 The Maze Runner (6.5)
Rent Maze Runner On Vudu; Stream Scorch Trials On TNT; Stream Death Cure On Hulu
Set in a dystopian post-apocalyptic world, the Maze Runner trilogy of films is about protagonist Thomas' attempts to avoid a series of obstacles as he uncovers the truth about the mysterious World Catastrophe Killzone Department.
While the films occasionally relied too much on clichés and tropes of the genre, the thrilling action and strong performances from the impressive cast helped overcome these issues. Although the series did not get to finish adapting all of the books, the movies delivered a memorable and beloved trilogy.
8 The Chronicles Of Narnia (6.6)
Stream On Disney+
Based on the classic book series, the Chronicles of Narnia trilogy adapts the first three novels in the series, following the Pevensie children as they discover the magical realm and begin working with Aslan and the forces of good to protect Narnia.
Because of the way that time works in Narnia, each of the Pevensie children's ventures into Narnia look drastically different, allowing the franchise to introduce new characters and villains in each film. With an engaging setting, great production design, and an expansive mythology, the franchise is the perfect entry into the fantasy genre for younger views.
7 The Amazing Spider-Man (6.8)
Stream On TruTV & FXNow
The 2010s' The Amazing Spider-Man franchise rebooted the famous web-slinger, once again retelling his origin story but introducing new villains like Lizard and Electro, and focusing on his relationship with Gwen Stacy rather than Mary Jane.
Andrew Garfield's quippier and cooler take on the character helps differentiate the film from the Tobey Maguire movies. The series benefits greatly from the excellent chemistry between Garfield and Emma Stone. While the second film is not as well-received as the first, the two lead characters and a fun tone help carry the franchise.
6 Spider-Man (6.9)
Stream On Peacock
Released at the beginning of the recent superhero movie boom, the Sam Raimi Spider-Man movies helped establish the expectations and conventions of the modern superhero movie. The films successfully achieved comic book accuracy in a believable and grounded way.
For many fans, this first big-screen adaptation remains their favorite version of the character. Tobey Maguire manages to capture both the youthful energy and weight of responsibility that define Spider-Man. Even with a less than stellar third entry, the strong first film and the near-perfect sequel help establish the first Spider-Man franchise as an instant classic.
5 The Hunger Games (7.0)
Stream On Hulu & Epix
Led by a star-making performance from Jennifer Lawrence, The Hunger Games franchise follows Katniss Everdeen as she unwittingly becomes the symbol for rebellion against an oppressive and tyrannical government.
While the first film was a great introduction, the series peaks with an even better follow up in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire as it expanded the world, introduced a new cast of characters, and further developed the central conflict. The franchise is engaging and compelling, lifted by an intriguing concept and its lead star.
4 Kick-Ass (7.0)
Rent on Apple TV
The Kick-Ass franchise follows a regular high schooler named Dave Lizewski as he sets out to become a real-life superhero. With a humorous and often satirical tone, the films chronicle his journey to becoming a superhero, showing all of the other eccentric heroes and villains that cross his path.
With an ultra-violent and profane approach, the films are a slick and visceral experience. Scene-stealing performances from Nicolas Cage and Chloë Grace Moretz as Big Daddy and Hit-Girl in the original and Jim Carrey as Colonel Stars and Stripes in the sequel help flesh out the world too . The movies are a self-aware and thoroughly enjoyable watch, especially for superhero movie fans.
3 MCU Spider-Man (7.4)
Rent On Vudu
Despite being the third cinematic iteration of the character, the MCU Spider-Man movies found yet another way to reinvent the character, this time leaning into his youth while also tying his story into the established MCU, primarily through his relationship with Tony Stark.
By emphasizing the young adult angle, the franchise is able to highlight the character's strengths and differentiate him from every other hero in the MCU. With well-written villains, great action sequences, and a John Hughes-inspired tone, the movies are fun and engaging. While it remains to be seen how the third film will be received, the first two have laid a solid base of likable characters and intriguing stories for it to build upon.
2 Harry Potter (7.7)
Stream On HBO Max & Peacock
Perhaps the most successful young adult franchise of all time, the Harry Potter franchise represents the very best of what the genre has to offer. Following the titular wizard as he battles against the forces of Voldemort, the series matures with its audience, spanning eight films that get progressively darker and more mature as the characters age.
The franchise perfectly balances its grand overarching story with engaging episodic adventures that make each movie feel fresh and unique. Set in an instantly iconic world and filled with beloved characters, the franchise uses its fantastical elements to capture the experience of growing up.
1 How To Train Your Dragon (7.8)
Stream Part 1 On Peacock; Part 2 On Netflix; & Part 3 On FXNow
The animated franchise How to Train Your Dragon is set in a world in which Vikings hunt and slay dragons. The series follows a young Viking named Hiccup as he goes against the status quo and befriends a dragon instead of slaying it.
The franchise is surprisingly thoughtful and mature, following Hiccup from adolescence all the way into adulthood. With beautiful animation, charming characters, an all-star voice cast, and some genuinely shocking moments, the franchise is a stirring and engaging exploration of identity and maturation into adulthood.