The Box Office Kings: The 10 Highest-Grossing Animated Films of All Time

The world of animated cinema has produced some of the most emotionally resonant and visually spectacular films in history, with many of them earning a place among the highest-grossing movies ever made. The list of top-earning animated films is a dynamic one, with new blockbusters constantly changing the rankings. As of late 2025, here are the top 10 animated films that have captivated global audiences and earned record-breaking returns.

10. Toy Story 3 (2010)
Worldwide Gross: $1.06 billion
Considered by many to be one of the greatest animated films ever made, Toy Story 3 was the first animated film to cross the $1 billion mark, proving the franchise’s enduring power and emotional resonance.

9. Toy Story 4 (2019)
Worldwide Gross: $1.07 billion
The supposed final chapter in the Toy Story saga delivered an emotional and heartwarming conclusion, proving that audiences were still deeply invested in the stories of Woody and Buzz Lightyear.

8. Minions (2015)
Worldwide Gross: $1.15 billion
The breakout stars of the Despicable Me franchise got their own movie, and audiences worldwide flocked to see the misadventures of the lovable yellow creatures. The film’s slapstick humor and universal appeal made it a massive hit.

7. Incredibles 2 (2018)
Worldwide Gross: $1.24 billion
Fifteen years after the original, the superhero family returned to a world eager to see them. The film was a critical and commercial smash, becoming a rare sequel that surpassed its predecessor’s box office success by a wide margin.

6. Frozen (2013)
Worldwide Gross: $1.27 billion
The original Disney blockbuster was a cultural phenomenon that cemented a new era for Disney animation. Its empowering story and catchy songs like “Let It Go” made it a box office titan that held the top spot for years.

5. The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
Worldwide Gross: $1.36 billion
This film became the most successful video game adaptation in history, bringing the beloved Nintendo characters to the big screen. The movie’s playful style and widespread appeal resonated with families and gamers alike.

4. Frozen II (2019)
Worldwide Gross: $1.45 billion
The sequel to the 2013 sensation, Frozen II took Elsa and Anna on an adventure to uncover the source of Elsa’s powers. Its emotional depth, new hit songs, and stunning visuals ensured it repeated its predecessor’s success.

3. The Lion King (2019)
Worldwide Gross: $1.66 billion
While debated by some as a “live-action” film, Disney’s 2019 “photorealistic” CGI remake is officially categorized as animated. The film’s immense global appeal and nostalgic power propelled it to a staggering worldwide gross.

2. Inside Out 2 (2024)
Worldwide Gross: $1.69 billion
Pixar’s highly anticipated sequel was a massive critical and commercial hit, winning over audiences with its new emotional characters and a relatable story about teenage anxiety. It held the top spot for a brief period before being overtaken by Ne Zha 2.

1. Ne Zha 2 (2025)
Worldwide Gross: $2 billion
A stunning Chinese animated epic, Ne Zha 2 has become the new king of the animated box office, shattering records to become not only the highest-grossing animated film of all time but also the highest-grossing non-English language film. Its massive success was driven almost entirely by its domestic market, where it became the first film to cross the $2 billion mark.

In conclusion, the list of the highest-grossing animated films of all time paints a clear picture of the modern cinematic landscape: one where sequels and franchise power reign supreme. Disney and its Pixar subsidiary continue to demonstrate a profound global appeal, securing multiple positions through emotionally resonant storytelling and powerful branding. However, the unprecedented success of films like Ne Zha 2 demonstrates the monumental and rapidly growing power of international animation markets, proving that box office dominance is no longer exclusive to Hollywood. As technology evolves and more global markets contribute to the totals, the $1 billion threshold is increasingly becoming the new benchmark for animated blockbusters, ensuring that the top 10 list will remain a thrilling, and ever-changing, reflection of global cinematic tastes.