Animated movies have consistently captured the hearts and broken billion-dollar milestones worldwide. From beloved Disney classics to innovative international productions like China’s “Ne Zha 2,” these movies captivate audiences of all ages with stunning visuals and compelling storytelling.
Studios like Disney, Pixar, Illumination, and DreamWorks continuously push the boundaries of animation, creating memorable characters and worlds that connect across cultures and lead to massive global success.
In this article, I will explore the animation industry’s biggest financial successes, examining the top 20 highest-grossing animated films and highlighting Disney’s dominance in this lucrative market.
Top 10 Highest-Grossing Animated Movies
There are around 698,754 movies worldwide, and the number is still increasing rapidly, with films in all genres. The animation industry has grown remarkably, with several films crossing the billion-dollar threshold in recent years.
China’s “Ne Zha 2” shattered records in 2025, surpassing $2 billion worldwide. Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” took the second spot with nearly $1.7 billion, while Disney’s photorealistic “The Lion King” remake secured third place with over $1.65 billion in global earnings.
| Rank | Movie | Year | Worldwide gross |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ne Zha 2 | 2025 | $2,151,005,847 |
| 2 | Inside Out 2 | 2024 | $1,698,863,816 |
| 3 | The Lion King | 2019 | $1,656,943,394 |
| 4 | Frozen 2 | 2019 | $1,450,026,933 |
| 5 | The Super Mario Bros. Movie | 2023 | $1,362,566,989 |
| 6 | Frozen | 2013 | $1,290,000,000 |
| 7 | Incredibles 2 | 2018 | $1,243,225,667 |
| 8 | Minions | 2015 | $1,159,457,503 |
| 9 | Toy Story 4 | 2019 | $1,073,394,593 |
| 10 | Toy Story 3 | 2010 | $1,066,970,811 |
Let’s get deeper into these record-breaking films and see what made them such massive commercial successes:
1. Ne Zha 2
| Released In | January 29, 2025 |
| Directed By | Jiaozi |
| Worldwide gross | $2,151,005,847 |
| Domestic Box Office | $1.45 billion (China) |
| International Box Office | $701 million |
| Where To Watch | Currently in theaters worldwide |
Ne Zha 2 has rewritten animation history as the first animated film to cross the $2 billion mark globally. This Chinese fantasy action adventure serves as a direct sequel to the 2019 hit Ne Zha, following the journey of the mythological character based on Xu Zhonglin’s 16th-century novel “Investiture of the Gods.”
With a production budget of $80 million, the film has become not only the highest-grossing animated film of all time but also the highest-grossing non-English language film ever. Currently, it ranks as the fifth-highest-grossing film of all time across all categories.
2. Inside Out 2
| Released In | June 14, 2024 |
| Directed By | Kelsey Mann |
| Worldwide gross | $1,698,863,816 |
| Domestic Box Office | $654 million |
| International Box Office | $1.044 billion |
| Where To Watch | Disney+ and Apple TV |
Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2 returns to the mind of newly minted teenager Riley just as headquarters undergoes a sudden demolition to make room for something unexpected: new Emotions!
The film introduces Anxiety (voiced by Maya Hawke), joining the original emotions Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Anger (Lewis Black), Fear (Tony Hale), and Disgust (Liza Lapira).
Written by Dave Holstein and Meg LeFauve and produced by Mark Nielsen, the film earned nominations for the 2025 Academy Award for Animated Feature Film, Golden Globe awards for Best Motion Picture, Animated, and Cinematic, and Box Office Achievement.
3. The Lion King
| Released In | July 19, 2019 |
| Directed By | Jon Favreau |
| Worldwide gross | $1,656,943,394 |
| Domestic Box Office | $543.6 million |
| International Box Office | $1.113 billion |
| Where To Watch | Disney+ and Apple TV |
Disney’s photorealistic computer-animated remake of the 1994 animated classic The Lion King became an instant box office phenomenon upon its 2019 release. Directed by Jon Favreau using groundbreaking visual effects technology, the film features the voices of Donald Glover, Beyoncé (one of the world’s most famous singers), Seth Rogen, and James Earl Jones reprising his role as Mufasa.
While classified as an animated film, its photorealistic style blurred the lines between animation and live-action. The film’s stunning visuals, with its beloved story and iconic songs, helped propel it to become one of the highest-grossing films ever.
4. Frozen 2
| Released In | November 22, 2019 |
| Directed By | Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee |
| Worldwide gross | $1,450,026,933 |
| Domestic Box Office | $477.4 million |
| International Box Office | $972.6 million |
| Where To Watch | Disney+ and Apple TV |
Following the unprecedented success of the original, “Frozen 2” took Anna, Elsa, and their friends on a journey to discover the origins of Elsa’s powers. The sequel expanded the magical world with even more stunning visuals, memorable songs like “Into the Unknown,” and deeper character development.
The film’s themes of growth, change, and sisterhood resonated strongly with audiences worldwide, resulting in the highest-grossing animated sequel of all time until “Inside Out 2” surpassed it in 2024.
5. The Super Mario Bros. Movie
| Released In | April 5, 2023 |
| Directed By | Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic |
| Worldwide gross | $1,361,992,475 |
| Domestic Box Office | $574.9 million |
| International Box Office | $787.1 million |
| Where To Watch | Amazon and Apple TV |
Illumination’s adaptation of Nintendo’s iconic video game franchise proved that properly executed gaming adaptations could achieve massive success. The colorful, vibrant visuals and proper recreation of the Mushroom Kingdom delighted fans.
At the same time, the star-studded voice cast, including Chris Pratt as Mario and Jack Black as Bowser, brought these beloved characters to life. The film’s broad appeal across generations of gamers and families made it Universal Pictures’ highest-grossing animated release ever.
6. Frozen
| Released In | November 27, 2013 |
| Directed By | Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee |
| Worldwide gross | $1,290,000,000 |
| Domestic Box Office | $400.7 million |
| International Box Office | $889.3 million |
| Where To Watch | Disney+ and Apple TV |
A true cultural phenomenon, Frozen redefined the Disney princess narrative, focusing on sisterly love between Elsa and Anna. Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen,” the film captivated audiences with its stunning ice animation, complex characters, and unforgettable soundtrack, including the Oscar-winning mega-hit “Let It Go.”
It’s an empowering story, with relatable characters like Olaf, and subversion of fairy tale tropes propelled it to become the highest-grossing animated film at the time, spawning a massive franchise.
7. Incredibles 2
| Released In | June 15, 2018 |
| Directed By | Brad Bird |
| Worldwide gross | $1,242,805,359 |
| Domestic Box Office | $608.6 million |
| International Box Office | $634.2 million |
| Where To Watch | Disney+ and Apple TV |
Directed by Brad Bird, Incredibles 2 picks up immediately after the first film, with the Parr family struggling to balance superhero duties with everyday life as Helen (Elastigirl) is recruited for a campaign to bring supers back. At the same time, Bob (Mr. Incredible) faces the challenges of stay-at-home parenting.
The film’s mix of spectacular action sequences, family dynamics, and humor appealed to both nostalgic fans of the original and newcomers, resulting in Pixar’s then-highest-grossing film and briefly the highest-grossing animated film worldwide.
8. Minions
| Released In | July 10, 2015 |
| Directed By | Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda |
| Worldwide gross | $1,159,398,397 |
| Domestic Box Office | $336 million |
| International Box Office | $823.4 million |
| Where To Watch | Netflix and Amazon |
As a prequel/spin-off to the Despicable Me films, Minions focuses on the lovable yellow sidekicks before they meet Gru. Seeking a new evil master to serve, Kevin, Stuart, and Bob go on a global adventure that leads them to Scarlet Overkill, the world’s first female supervillain.
While critics were mixed on the plot, the Minions’ popularity, slapstick humor, and gibberish language proved irresistible to audiences globally, making it one of Illumination’s biggest hits.
9. Toy Story 4
| Released In | June 21, 2019 |
| Directed By | Josh Cooley |
| Worldwide gross | $1,073,394,593 |
| Domestic Box Office | $434 million |
| International Box Office | $639.4 million |
| Where To Watch | Disney+ and Apple TV |
Pixar returned to its flagship franchise with Toy Story 4, exploring Woody’s purpose after Andy leaves for college. When Bonnie creates a new favorite toy, Forky, out of trash, Woody feels compelled to protect him during a road trip.
The adventure reunites Woody with Bo Peep, now a resourceful lost toy, forcing him to question his own loyalty and future. The film was praised for its stunning animation, humor, and poignant exploration of moving on, providing a touching (and potentially final) chapter for Woody.
10. Toy Story 3
| Released In | June 18, 2010 |
| Directed By | Lee Unkrich |
| Worldwide gross | $1,066,970,811 |
| Domestic Box Office | $415 million |
| International Box Office | $652 million |
| Where To Watch | Disney+ and Apple TV |
Widely regarded as a masterpiece, Toy Story 3 provided what many felt was the perfect conclusion to the trilogy. As Andy prepares for college, the toys are accidentally donated to Sunnyside Daycare, initially seeming like paradise but revealing a darker side under the rule of Lotso-Huggin Bear.
The film masterfully blends humor, adventure, and incredibly powerful moments dealing with themes of loyalty, change, and saying goodbye. Its emotionally resonant climax connected deeply with audiences who grew up with the characters.
Top 20 Highest-Grossing Animated Movies
Beyond the billion-dollar titans, other animated movies have achieved remarkable financial success. These films showcase the diversity in animation styles and storytelling approaches and the global appeal of animated content across different studios and franchises.
Here is the ranking for the movies placed 11th through 20th in worldwide gross:
| Rank | Movie | Year | Worldwide gross |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Moana 2 | 2024 | $1,059,718,587 |
| 12 | Despicable Me 3 | 2017 | $1,034,799,409 |
| 13 | Finding Dory | 2016 | $1,029,266,989 |
| 14 | Zootopia | 2016 | $1,025,521,689 |
| 15 | Despicable Me 2 | 2013 | $970,946,614 |
| 16 | Despicable Me 4 | 2024 | $969,126,452 |
| 17 | The Lion King (1994) | ||
| 18 | Finding Nemo | 2003 | $941,637,960 |
| 19 | Minions: The Rise of Gru | 2022 | $940,203,765 |
| 20 | Shrek 2 | 2004 | $932,530,034 |
Let’s explore these films that continue to show the global appeal of animated movies across different studios and franchises.
11. Moana 2
| Released In | November 27, 2024 |
| Directed By | David Derrick Jr. |
| Worldwide gross | $1,059,718,587 |
| DomesticBox Office | $398 million |
| InternationalBox Office | $661.7 million |
| Where To Watch | Disney+ |
Following the beloved 2016 film, Moana 2 reunites audiences with the adventurous Moana and the demigod Maui. Receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.
Riding the wave of the original’s popularity and featuring new epic voyages and music, the sequel captivated audiences with its stunning visuals. It continued Moana’s inspiring journey of discovery and leadership, sailing past the billion-dollar mark. The film’s popularity rivals major entertainment events like BTS concerts regarding global cultural impact.
12. Despicable Me 3
| Released In | June 30, 2017 |
| Directed By | Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda |
| Worldwide gross | $1,034,799,409 |
| DomesticBox Office | $264.6 million |
| InternationalBox Office | $770.2 million |
| Where To Watch | Netflix, Amazon, and Apple TV |
Gru returns in this third installment, facing off against Balthazar Bratt, a former child star obsessed with the character he played in the ’80s. Simultaneously, Gru discovers he has a long-lost twin brother, Dru, who wants to team up for a criminal heist.
Juggling family life, the Anti-Villain League, sibling rivalry, and Minion antics, the film offered more of the humor and heart fans expect from the franchise. Its continued global success highlighted the enduring appeal of Gru and his Minions.
13. Finding Dory
| Released In | June 17, 2016 |
| Directed By | Andrew Stanton |
| Worldwide gross | $1,029,266,989 |
| Domestic Box Office | $486.3 million |
| International Box Office | $542.9 million |
| Where To Watch | Disney+ and Apple TV |
Thirteen years after Finding Nemo, the spotlight shifted to the forgetful but lovable blue tang fish, Dory. Triggered by a childhood memory, Dory begins a quest to find her parents, leading her, Marlin, and Nemo to the Marine Life Institute in California.
The film introduced memorable new characters like Hank the octopus and Destiny the whale shark. It beautifully explored themes of family, identity, and overcoming disabilities, resonating deeply with audiences and achieving massive box office success.
14. Zootopia
| Released In | March 4, 2016 |
| Directed By | Byron Howard and Rich Moore |
| Worldwide gross | $1,025,521,689 |
| DomesticBox Office | $341.3 million |
| InternationalBox Office | $684.2 million |
| Where To Watch | Disney+ and Apple TV |
Set in a bustling metropolis inhabited by anthropomorphic mammals, Zootopia follows Judy Hopps, the first rabbit police officer, who partners with cynical con artist fox Nick Wilde to solve a mysterious case.
The film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It was praised for its stunningly detailed world-building, engaging mystery plot, and timely, cleverly woven themes addressing prejudice and stereotypes. Its smart storytelling and humor appealed to both kids and adults, driving it past the billion-dollar mark globally.
15. Despicable Me 2
| Released In | July 3, 2013 |
| Directed By | Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud |
| Worldwide gross | $970,766,005 |
| DomesticBox Office | $368.1 million |
| InternationalBox Office | $602.7 million |
| Where To Watch | Netflix, Amazon, and Apple TV |
Following Gru’s transformation from villain to adoptive father, this sequel sees him recruited by the Anti-Villain League to track down a new supervillain. Partnered with agent Lucy Wilde, Gru navigates espionage, romance, and parenting, while the Minions face their own problems.
The film successfully built upon the original’s charm, expanding the world and characters, particularly the Minions, whose increased role proved immensely popular. Its blend of action, comedy, and family themes secured its place as a major global hit.
16. Despicable Me 4
| Released In | July 3, 2024 |
| Directed By | Chris Renaud |
| Worldwide gross | $969,126,452 |
| DomesticBox Office | $335 million |
| InternationalBox Office | $635.9 million |
| Where To Watch | Disney+, Amazon, and Apple TV |
The latest chapter in the main Despicable Me saga sees Gru, Lucy, their daughters, and new addition Gru Jr. forced to run when they become targets of escaped criminal Maxime Le Mal.
The family navigates witness protection and new identities, while the Minions undergo superhero training and become the Mega Minions. The film continues the franchise’s winning formula of family dynamics, villainous plots, and Minion mayhem, delighting its established fanbase and achieving significant global box office returns.
17. The Lion King (1994)
| Released In | 1994 |
| Directed By | Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff |
| Worldwide gross | $970,707,763 (including re-releases) |
| DomesticBox Office | $422.7 million |
| InternationalBox Office | $564.4 million |
| Where To Watch | Disney+ |
A cornerstone of the Disney Renaissance, the original The Lion King remains one of the most beloved animated films ever made. This traditionally animated epic tells the Hamlet-inspired story of lion cub Simba, who must reclaim his kingdom from his treacherous uncle Scar.
It became a critical and commercial juggernaut, featuring stunning hand-drawn animation, iconic songs by Elton John and Tim Rice, a powerful score by Hans Zimmer, and unforgettable characters. Its legacy lasted through decades and multiple re-releases.
18. Finding Nemo
| Released In | May 30, 2003 |
| Directed By | Andrew Stanton |
| Worldwide gross | $941,637,960 |
| DomesticBox Office | $380.8 million |
| InternationalBox Office | $560.8 million |
| Where To Watch | Disney+ and Apple TV |
Pixar’s breathtaking underwater adventure follows the overly cautious clownfish Marlin as he crosses the ocean to find his captured son, Nemo. Along the way, he teams up with the optimistic but forgetful Dory.
It was lauded for its animation that brought the ocean depths to life, its heartfelt story about parenthood and letting go, and its perfect balance of humor and emotion. Its immersive visuals and storytelling created an experience as engaging as a Travis Scott concert, making it a benchmark in computer animation.
19. Minions: The Rise of Gru
| Released In | July 1, 2022 |
| Directed By | Kyle Balda |
| Worldwide gross | $940,203,765 |
| DomesticBox Office | $369.7 million |
| InternationalBox Office | $570.5 million |
| Where To Watch | Disney+, Amazon, and Apple TV |
Set in the 1970s, this film serves as both a sequel to Minions (2015) and a prequel to Despicable Me (2010). It chronicles the origin story of how a 12-year-old Gru first met his iconic Minions, tried to join a team of supervillains called the Vicious 6, and cemented his path toward becoming despicable.
Filled with ’70s references, kung fu action, and plenty of Minion chaos, the film provided fanservice and laughs and became a significant post-pandemic box office success for Illumination.
20. Shrek 2
| Released In | May 19, 2004 |
| Directed By | Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury, and Conrad Vernon |
| Worldwide gross | $932,530,034 |
| DomesticBox Office | $441.2 million |
| InternationalBox Office | $491.3 million |
| Where To Watch | Netflix, Amazon, and Apple TV |
The highly anticipated sequel to DreamWorks’ Shrek 2 follows Shrek and Fiona as they visit Fiona’s parents, the King and Queen of Far Far Away. Their fairy tale life faces challenges from Fiona’s disapproving father, a scheming Fairy Godmother, her arrogant son Prince Charming, and the suave Puss in Boots.
The film brilliantly expanded the satirical fairy tale world, introducing memorable new characters and delivering sharp pop culture humor. It surpassed the original’s success, becoming DreamWorks Animation’s highest-grossing film.
Highest-Grossing Disney Animated Movies
Disney movies, including Pixar Animation Studios, dominate the list of highest-grossing animated films. Their consistent ability to blend emotional storytelling with cutting-edge animation resonates deeply with global audiences.
Here are the top 10 highest-grossing animated movies released under the Walt Disney Pictures banner (including Pixar):
| Rank | Title | Worldwide Gross | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Inside Out 2 | $1,698,863,816 | 2024 |
| 2 | The Lion King (2019) | $1,656,943,394 | 2019 |
| 3 | Frozen II | $1,450,026,933 | 2019 |
| 4 | Frozen | $1,290,000,000 | 2013 |
| 5 | Incredibles 2 | $1,243,225,667 | 2018 |
| 6 | Toy Story 4 | $1,073,394,593 | 2019 |
| 7 | Toy Story 3 | $1,066,970,811 | 2010 |
| 8 | Moana 2 (†) | $1,059,718,587 | 2024 |
| 9 | Finding Dory | $1,029,266,989 | 2016 |
| 10 | Zootopia | $1,025,521,689 | 2016 |
Conclusion: Ne Zha 2 Tops As Highest-Grossing Animated Movie Ever
The animation industry has reached unprecedented heights with Ne Zha 2’s breakthrough $2.15 billion performance signaling a major shift as the first non-American animated film to top the global charts.
Pixar’s Inside Out 2 and Disney’s Lion King remake show how animation has evolved from niche entertainment to global box office dominance. These successes result from the perfect balance of technological innovation, emotional storytelling, and universal themes that cross cultural barriers.
Disney, including Pixar, overwhelmingly leads this, proving their formula of heart, humor, and visuals remains incredibly successful. Animated films continue to be juggernauts, promising more record-breaking successes ahead.
FAQs
Ne Zha 2 (2025) holds the record with $2.15 billion worldwide, becoming the first animated film to cross the $2 billion threshold.
Disney/Pixar dominates with seven entries, while Illumination has two, and China’s Beijing Enlight Pictures has one.
No animated film has won Best Picture, though several, including Beauty and the Beast, Up, and Toy Story 3, received nominations.
Sequels benefit from established audience familiarity, built-in marketing advantages, and pre-existing fan bases that eagerly anticipate returning to beloved worlds.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs held the record for 55 years (1937-1992). Frozen, released in 2013, also held this title for 6 years and 2 months. This is an achievement unlikely to be matched in modern cinema.
Leave a Comment