In a recent exchange, Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal engaged in a lively debate about the greatest movie franchise ever. Their choices, the Bourne franchise and Rocky, respectively, couldn't have been more different, and both have their merits. The Bourne films, with their grounded action, handheld cinematography, and morally conflicted hero, reinvented the modern spy thriller, influencing everything from James Bond to countless action movies. On the other hand, Rocky, beginning with the 1976 Best Picture winner, has remained relevant for five decades, expanding into six films and the successful Creed spin-offs. However, this debate is far from over. There are many other franchises that could be considered the greatest, such as 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. In my opinion, the Bourne franchise is a strong contender due to its innovative approach to the spy thriller genre, but Rocky's enduring popularity and cultural impact cannot be overlooked. What makes this debate particularly fascinating is the subjective nature of the question. The 'greatest' franchise is a matter of personal preference, influenced by factors like consistency, influence, longevity, and personal favorites. Personally, I think the Bourne franchise's reinvention of the spy thriller genre and its impact on modern action movies make it a strong candidate. However, Rocky's cultural significance and enduring popularity cannot be denied. This raises a deeper question: how do we define the 'greatest' franchise? Is it the one that has the most influence on its genre, the one that has the longest lifespan, or the one that resonates most with audiences? In my view, the Bourne franchise's innovative approach and cultural impact make it a strong contender, but the debate is far from over. The 'greatest' franchise is a matter of personal preference, and the discussion is an exciting one to have.
