Top 5 highest grossing animated films of all time

The previous two to three decades have witnessed the rise of animated films, primarily in Hollywood. The following are the biggest grossing animated films that we have seen so far

1. Ne Zha 2

Ne Zha 2, the popular Chinese animated feature, is smashing box office records all over the world. After just one month of release, the movie has already made USD 1.92 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing animated film worldwide and the seventh-highest-grossing movie in history overall. Now in theaters, it will shortly join the USD 2 billion club.

2. Inside Out 2

Pixar’s coming-of-age movie Inside Out 2 is a follow-up to Inside Out (2015). When the movie debuted in 2024, both critics and viewers had overwhelmingly positive opinions about it. Directed by Kelsey Mann, it became the second highest-grossing animated picture of all time with a lifetime total of over USD 1.69 billion.

3. Frozen 2 

The 2019 release of Frozen 2, the follow-up to the 2013 worldwide hit film, was helmed by the same filmmaking team led by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee. The audience’s favorable reaction to the movie and its franchise value made it a great hit. Over USD 1.45 billion was made at the global box office by Frozen 2.

4. The Super Mario Bros. Movie 

Super Mario Bros. movie was one of the most anticipated animated films ever when it came out in 2023. Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic directed it, while Universal Pictures produced it. At the box office, the movie brought in over USD 1.36 billion, making it the fourth highest-grossing animated picture globally.

5. Frozen

The Disney film Frozen, which was based on the classic fairy tale The Snow Queen, is again among the highest grossers. Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee directorial, it became a worldwide cult favorite with a gross of nearly USD 1.3 billion.