20 Animated Movies That Made The Most Money Ever
Animated movies have a special talent for turning imagination into global events, drawing families, couples, and longtime fans into theaters in massive numbers.
Some become cultural moments that dominate conversations for months, then keep earning through repeat viewings, merchandise, and re-releases.
Big earnings usually come from more than bright visuals, since audiences have to connect with the characters and feel like the story is worth sharing.
Disclaimer: Box-office figures for the animated films in this article were compiled using widely cited industry tracking databases, including Box Office Mojo and The Numbers, and reflect reported worldwide lifetime grosses in unadjusted U.S. dollars at the time of writing. The content is provided for general informational and entertainment purposes and is not legal, financial, or professional advice.
1. Ne Zha 2 (2025) – $2,215,690,000
This Chinese animated sensation shattered every record imaginable, becoming the highest-grossing animated film in history!
Based on ancient mythology, the movie follows a rebellious young deity fighting against destiny itself.
Audiences across Asia fell head over heels for the stunning visuals and heart-pounding action sequences. The film’s massive success proves that animation knows no borders when storytelling hits just right.
2. Zootopia 2 (2025) – $1,711,170,627
Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde returned to the mammal metropolis for another thrilling adventure that captivated audiences worldwide.
The sequel became Hollywood’s highest-grossing animated film ever, proving that fans couldn’t get enough of this furry detective duo.
With clever humor that appeals to both kids and adults, the movie tackles important themes while keeping everyone entertained.
3. Inside Out 2 (2024) – $1,698,863,816
Riley’s emotions got even more complicated when new feelings showed up in headquarters!
This Pixar masterpiece explored the teenage years with sensitivity and laugh-out-loud humor that resonated with viewers everywhere.
Joy, Sadness, and the whole crew faced fresh challenges as Riley navigated adolescence.
The film’s brilliant approach to mental health and growing up struck a chord with families across the globe, making it an instant classic.
4. The Lion King (2019) – $1,656,943,394
Circle of life, anyone? This photorealistic remake brought Simba’s journey to stunning new life with cutting-edge CGI technology that looked almost real.
Lions, meerkats, and warthogs never looked this incredible on screen before!
Though technically animated, the film sparked debates about whether it counted as live-action or animation.
Either way, audiences roared with approval, making it one of the biggest animated blockbusters ever created.
5. Frozen II (2019) – $1,451,651,316
Elsa and Anna ventured into the unknown, discovering magical secrets about their past and their kingdom’s history.
The sequel answered burning questions fans had been asking since the first film melted hearts everywhere.
With catchy new songs and breathtaking animation showcasing enchanted forests and mystical waters, the movie became an instant phenomenon.
6. The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) – $1,360,879,735
Wahoo! Everyone’s favorite plumber jumped from video game screens to theaters in spectacular fashion.
Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach battled Bowser in a colorful adventure packed with Easter eggs that delighted gamers of all ages.
Chris Pratt voiced the iconic hero, while Jack Black stole scenes as the villainous turtle king. The movie proved that video game adaptations could absolutely crush it when done right, earning over a billion dollars!
7. Frozen (2013) – $1,290,000,000
Let it go, let it go! This Disney phenomenon changed the animation game forever with its empowering story about two royal sisters.
Elsa’s ice powers and Anna’s determination created magic that nobody could resist.
The soundtrack became legendary, with kids singing along until parents knew every word by heart.
From Halloween costumes to merchandise flying off shelves, this winter wonderland tale became a cultural juggernaut that dominated conversations everywhere.
8. Incredibles 2 (2018) – $1,243,225,667
After waiting 14 years, fans finally got the superhero sequel they’d been begging for! The Parr family switched roles as Elastigirl took center stage fighting crime while Mr. Incredible handled chaotic home life.
Baby Jack-Jack stole every scene with his unpredictable superpowers, creating hilarious moments throughout.
Pixar delivered another knockout punch with this action-packed adventure that reminded everyone why superhero families are simply super incredible!
9. Minions (2015) – $1,159,457,503
Banana! These yellow, goggle-wearing goofballs got their own movie, and audiences went absolutely bananas for it.
The origin story revealed how Minions searched throughout history for the perfect villain to serve.
Their gibberish language somehow made perfect sense as they stumbled through hilarious adventures across different time periods.
Kevin, Stuart, and Bob became household names, proving that supporting characters could totally carry their own billion-dollar franchise!
10. Toy Story 4 (2019) – $1,073,841,394
Woody faced an identity crisis when Bonnie created Forky, a spork convinced he was trash rather than a toy.
The existential comedy mixed with heartfelt emotion as beloved characters questioned their purpose and found new meanings.
Bo Peep returned as an independent adventurer, showing how characters can grow and change.
11. Toy Story 3 (2010) – $1,066,970,811
Grab the tissues! Andy grew up and headed to college, leaving his beloved toys facing an uncertain future.
The emotional rollercoaster took Woody, Buzz, and friends to a daycare center that turned out darker than expected.
That incinerator scene had everyone holding their breath, while the ending left theaters absolutely flooded with tears.
12. Moana 2 (2024) – $1,059,269,477
Moana set sail again for another oceanic adventure that made waves at the box office! The wayfinder returned with new challenges, exploring uncharted waters and discovering more about her island heritage.
Maui joined forces once more, bringing his demigod swagger and shapeshifting abilities to the journey.
Disney’s sequel captured the same spirit of exploration and catchy musical numbers that made the original such a beloved treasure among animation fans everywhere.
13. Despicable Me 3 (2017) – $1,034,800,131
Gru discovered he had a twin brother named Dru, doubling the villain chaos and family comedy! The sibling dynamic added fresh energy to the franchise as they teamed up for one more heist adventure.
Meanwhile, the Minions got into their own ridiculous trouble, providing non-stop laughs throughout.
Balthazar Bratt, a washed-up child star villain obsessed with the 1980s, brought hilarious nostalgia and dance moves that had everyone grooving in their seats!
14. Finding Dory (2016) – $1,029,266,989
Just keep swimming! The forgetful blue tang fish got her own spotlight in this touching sequel about finding family and discovering where you belong.
Dory’s journey to locate her parents took audiences on an emotional underwater odyssey.
New characters like Hank the grumpy octopus and Destiny the nearsighted whale shark added charm and humor.
Pixar once again proved they could create sequels that honored the original while telling fresh, meaningful stories that resonated deeply.
15. Zootopia (2016) – $1,025,521,689
Before the sequel broke records, the original Zootopia introduced audiences to a brilliantly crafted world where predators and prey lived together.
Judy Hopps became the first bunny cop, determined to prove herself in the big city. Her unlikely partnership with con artist fox Nick Wilde created magic as they solved a mysterious case.
The film cleverly addressed prejudice and stereotypes while delivering laugh-out-loud comedy and a genuinely thrilling mystery that kept viewers guessing!
16. Despicable Me 4 (2024) – $972,021,410
Gru’s family expanded even more in this latest installment that brought fresh chaos to the beloved franchise.
New villains threatened the reformed supervillain’s peaceful family life, forcing him back into action one more time.
The Minions continued their trademark silliness, providing comic relief at every turn.
17. Despicable Me 2 (2013) – $970,766,005
Gru transformed from supervillain to super dad, but trouble came knocking when a new threat emerged.
The Anti-Villain League recruited him to stop a dangerous criminal, partnering him with enthusiastic agent Lucy Wilde.
Romance blossomed while the girls adjusted to their new family dynamic, creating heartwarming moments between action sequences.
18. The Lion King (1994) – $970,707,763
Hakuna Matata became everyone’s favorite motto when Disney released this hand-drawn masterpiece that defined a generation!
Simba’s journey from playful cub to rightful king captured hearts with unforgettable songs and stunning animation.
Scar’s villainy, Timon and Pumbaa’s comedy, and Mufasa’s wisdom created characters that became immortal in pop culture.
19. Finding Nemo (2003) – $941,637,960
A clownfish dad crossed the entire ocean to find his missing son in this Pixar adventure that hooked audiences worldwide.
Marlin’s overprotective parenting met reality when Nemo got captured by a dentist and taken to Sydney.
Along the way, Marlin teamed up with Dory, whose short-term memory problems created both comedy and challenges.
The film’s gorgeous underwater animation and touching father-son story made it an instant classic that families still treasure today!
20. Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022) – $940,482,695
Young Gru dreamed of becoming the world’s greatest supervillain, and the Minions were there from the beginning! This prequel explored how the iconic partnership started during the groovy 1970s era.
Bell-bottoms, disco music, and outrageous villain plots filled the screen with nostalgia and nonstop laughs.
The movie spawned the viral Gentle minions trend where teens dressed formally to screenings, proving that Minion mania shows absolutely no signs of slowing down anytime soon!
