Tron (franchise)

Tron
Franchise logo
Created by
Original workTron (1982)
OwnerThe Walt Disney Company
Years1982–present
Films and television
Film(s)Tron (1982)
Tron: Legacy (2010)
Tron: Ares (2025)
Short film(s)Tron: The Next Day (2011)
Animated seriesTron: Uprising (2012–2013)
Games
Video game(s)List of video games
Audio
Soundtrack(s)Tron (1982)
Tron: Legacy (2010)
Tron: Legacy Reconfigured (2011)
Tron: Uprising (2013)
Tron: Ares (2025)
Miscellaneous
Theme park attraction(s)

Tron is an American science fiction media franchise created by Steven Lisberger and Bonnie MacBird, first introduced with the 1982 film Tron. The series primarily takes place within "the Grid", a series of digital virtual realities where computer programs exist as sentient entities. Many of these programs resemble their human creators, known as Users, and are often forced to compete in lethal gladiatorial contests. The title refers to the central character Tron, a self-governing security program designed to defend the Grid's system in the original film.

Produced and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures, the franchise currently comprises three feature films: Tron (1982), Tron: Legacy (2010), and Tron: Ares (2025). The series has expanded into multiple forms of media, including novels, comic books, video games, soundtrack albums, and theme park attractions. It also inspired the animated television series Tron: Uprising, which aired on Disney XD from 2012 to 2013.

The Tron films are frequently cited for their innovative achievements in visual effects, sound design, and electronic music. Despite mixed reviews from critics, the Tron franchise attained cult status, with the original film receiving particular recognition for its distinctive visual style and pioneering use of early computer-generated imagery. The films have collectively grossed $600 million at the worldwide box office.