Animated films have long been a cornerstone of cinematic entertainment, captivating audiences with imaginative worlds, compelling characters, and stories that resonate across generations. What was once seen as content solely for children has evolved into a global powerhouse, consistently breaking box office records and demonstrating the immense commercial viability of the medium.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!These films are not just artistic achievements; they are monumental financial successes, drawing in billions worldwide. Here are six of the highest-grossing animated movies in cinematic history, showcasing the incredible reach and enduring appeal of animation, and you can browse through wolfwinner real money online pokies while you’re at it.
- Ne Zha 2 (2025)
The top spot on the list of highest-grossing animated films is currently held by the Chinese animated epic, Ne Zha 2. This blockbuster shattered expectations and box office records, particularly driven by its phenomenal success in its home country. Building on traditional Chinese mythology and a compelling narrative, the film’s stunning animation, dynamic action sequences, and deeply emotional storyline resonated with a vast audience, making it a cultural phenomenon and the first non-American animated film to achieve such unprecedented global figures.
- Inside Out 2 (2024)
Pixar’s highly anticipated sequel, Inside Out 2, proved to be a colossal hit, delving deeper into the complex emotional landscape of a teenager’s mind. The film captivated viewers by introducing new emotions alongside beloved characters like Joy and Sadness, exploring the relatable challenges of adolescence with heartfelt storytelling and groundbreaking animation. Its critical acclaim and immense popularity solidified its position as one of the highest-grossing animated films, showcasing Pixar’s enduring ability to craft emotionally intelligent and commercially successful features.
- The Lion King (2019)
While some debate its classification due to its photorealistic CGI, Disney’s 2019 reimagining of The Lion King undoubtedly achieved box office dominance in the animated genre. This visually breathtaking film leveraged advanced computer-generated imagery to bring the iconic characters and landscapes of the African savanna to life in a way that blurred the lines between animation and live-action. Fueled by nostalgia and an all-star voice cast, its global appeal made it one of Disney’s most lucrative releases, demonstrating the immense power of reinterpreting beloved classics for a new era.
- Frozen II (2019)
Following the immense cultural phenomenon of its predecessor, Frozen II continued the adventures of sisters Elsa and Anna, taking them on a new journey to uncover the origins of Elsa’s magical powers. With even more stunning animation, chart-topping new songs, and a more mature, intricate storyline, the sequel successfully built upon the original’s success. It reaffirmed the “Frozen” franchise as a global juggernaut for Disney, enchanting audiences worldwide and securing its place among the highest-earning animated movies.
- The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
Illumination and Nintendo’s animated adaptation of the beloved video game franchise, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, proved to be a global phenomenon. Tapping into decades of nostalgia for the iconic characters, the film delivered a vibrant, action-packed adventure through the Mushroom Kingdom. Its engaging voice cast, numerous Easter eggs for fans, and family-friendly humour resonated broadly, smashing records for video game adaptations and solidifying the potential for animated films based on popular gaming properties to achieve massive box office success.
- Frozen (2013)
The original Frozen transformed into a cultural touchstone upon its release, defining a generation with its empowering story, unforgettable songs like “Let It Go,” and groundbreaking animation. The tale of Queen Elsa and Princess Anna, alongside beloved characters like Olaf the snowman, captured the imaginations of audiences of all ages. Its mix of strong female leads, breathtaking visuals, and emotional depth propelled it to become the highest-grossing animated film of its time, launching a multi-billion-dollar franchise that continues to captivate hearts globally.