The important role played by the upper plate in convergence zones dynamics has long been underestimated but is now more and more emphasized. However, the influence of its thickness and/or strength on orogenic systems evolution remains largely unknown. Here, we present results from 3D thermo‐mechanical numerical simulations of convergence zones (including oceanic subduction followed by continental subduction/collision), in which we vary the rheological profile of the overriding plate. For this, we systematically modify the crustal thickness of the overriding lithosphere and the temperature at the Moho to obtain a thermal thickness of the overriding lithosphere ranging from 80 km to 180 km. While all models share a common global evolution (i.e., slab sinking, interaction between slab and the 660 km discontinuity, continental subduction/collision, and slab breakoff), they also highlight first‐order differences arising from the variations in the overriding plate strength (thermal thickness). With a thin/weak overriding plate, slab rollback is favored, the slab dip is low, the mantle flow above the slab is vigorous and the trench migrates at a high rate compared to a thick/strong overriding plate. In addition, slab breakoff and back‐arc basin formation events occur significantly earlier than in models involving a thick overriding plate. Our models therefore highlight the major role played by the thickness/strength of the overriding plate on convergence zone dynamics and illustrate its influence in a quantitative way.