Alexander Scott
Top 50 Highest-Grossing Animated Films: Animated films have captivated audiences worldwide with their colorful characters, captivating stories, and stunning visuals. From heartwarming tales of friendship and adventure to hilarious comedies and thrilling, action-packed adventures, animated movies offer something for everyone. In this article, we explore the world of animated cinema by delving into the highest-grossing animated films of all time. Join us on a journey through the top 50 animated blockbusters that have entertained audiences and broken box office records around the globe.
The Lion King (2019)
| Original title | The Lion King |
| Year | 2019 |
| Runtime | 1h 58m |
| Director | Jon Favreau |
| Writers | Jeff Nathanson, Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts |
| Stars | Donald Glover, Beyoncé, Seth Rogen |
With a worldwide gross of $1,663,075,401, The Lion King remake roared onto the screens in 2019, captivating audiences with its stunning visual effects and memorable music. Directed by Jon Favreau, this CGI adaptation of the beloved Disney classic became an instant hit, earning critical acclaim and delighting fans around the globe.
Frozen II
| Original title | Frozen II |
| Year | 2019 |
| Runtime | 1h 43m |
| Directors | Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee |
| Writers | Jennifer Lee, Hans Christian Andersen, Chris Buck |
| Stars | Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad, Jonathan Groff |
Frozen II continued the magical journey of Elsa and Anna, earning a worldwide gross of $1,453,683,476. Released in 2019, this sequel to the 2013 blockbuster “Frozen” enchanted audiences with its breathtaking animation, heartfelt story, and unforgettable songs, solidifying its place as one of Disney’s highest-grossing animated films.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie
| Original title | The Super Mario Bros. Movie |
| Year | 2023 |
| Runtime | 1h 32m |
| Directors | Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic, Pierre Leduc |
| Writer | Matthew Fogel |
| Stars | Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day |
In 2023, The Super Mario Bros. Movie made a splash with a worldwide gross of $1,361,973,409. Based on the iconic video game franchise, this animated adventure brought Mario and friends to the big screen in a new and exciting way, appealing to fans of all ages with its nostalgic charm and colorful animation.
Frozen
| Original title | Frozen |
| Year | 2013 |
| Runtime | 1h 42m |
| Directors | Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee |
| Writers | Jennifer Lee, Hans Christian Andersen, Chris Buck |
| Stars | Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad, Jonathan Groff |
The original Frozen captured hearts worldwide, earning $1,290,000,000 at the box office in 2013. This modern Disney classic, directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, became a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its empowering themes, strong characters, and Academy Award-winning music.
Incredibles 2
| Original title | Incredibles 2 |
| Year | 2018 |
| Runtime | 1h 58m |
| Director | Brad Bird |
| Writer | Brad Bird |
| Stars | Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell |
Incredibles 2 soared to success with a worldwide gross of $1,242,805,359 in 2018. This long-awaited sequel, directed by Brad Bird, reunited audiences with the beloved Parr family, delivering pulse-pounding action, humor, and heart in equal measure.
Minions
| Original title | Minions |
| Year | 2015 |
| Runtime | 1h 31m |
| Directors | Kyle Balda, Pierre Coffin |
| Writer | Brian Lynch |
| Stars | Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Michael Keaton, Pierre Coffin |
The lovable Minions charmed their way into audiences’ hearts in 2015, generating a worldwide gross of $1,159,398,397. This spinoff from the “Despicable Me” franchise showcased the mischievous yellow creatures in their adventure, proving to be a box office powerhouse with their infectious antics.
Toy Story 4
| Original title | Toy Story 4 |
| Year | 2019 |
| Runtime | 1h 40m |
| Directors | Josh Cooley |
| Writers | John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, Josh Cooley |
| Stars | Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Annie Potts, Keanu Reeves |
Toy Story 4 continued Pixar’s beloved franchise with a worldwide gross of $1,073,394,593 in 2019. This heartwarming sequel was directed by Josh Cooley and followed Woody, Buzz, and the gang on a new adventure filled with humor, nostalgia, and emotional depth.
Toy Story 3
| Original title | Toy Story 3 |
| Year | 2010 |
| Runtime | 1h 43m |
| Directors | Lee Unkrich |
| Writers | John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich |
| Stars | Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, John Ratzenberger |
Toy Story 3 tugged at the heartstrings and tickled funny bones, earning a worldwide gross of $1,066,969,703 in 2010. Directed by Lee Unkrich, this poignant conclusion to the original “Toy Story” trilogy resonated with audiences of all ages, exploring themes of friendship, loyalty, and growing up.
Despicable Me 3
| Original title | Despicable Me 3 |
| Year | 2017 |
| Runtime | 1h 29m |
| Directors | Kyle Balda, Pierre Coffin, Eric Guillon |
| Writers | Cinco Paul, Ken Daurio |
| Stars | Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Trey Parker |
The mischievous Gru returned to the big screen in Despicable Me 3, raking in a worldwide gross of $1,034,799,409 in 2017. This animated comedy adventure, directed by Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda, delighted audiences with its zany humor, colorful animation, and lovable characters.
Finding Dory
| Original title | Finding Dory |
| Year | 2016 |
| Runtime | 1h 37m |
| Directors | Andrew Stanton, Angus MacLane |
| Writers | Andrew Stanton, Victoria Strouse |
| Stars | Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Ed O’Neill |
Finding Dory swam into theaters in 2016, earning a worldwide gross of $1,028,570,889. Directed by Andrew Stanton, this heartwarming sequel to Finding Nemo followed the forgetful blue tang fish on a journey of self-discovery and reunification with her family, resonating with audiences of all ages.
Zootopia
| Original title | Zootopia |
| Year | 2016 |
| Runtime | 1h 48m |
| Directors | Byron Howard, Rich Moore, Jared Bush |
| Writers | Byron Howard, Rich Moore, Jared Bush |
| Stars | Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba |
Zootopia grossed $1,025,521,689 worldwide in 2016, captivating audiences with its clever storytelling and vibrant animation. Directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore, this Disney film tackled diversity, inclusion, and prejudice themes in a dynamic city inhabited by anthropomorphic animals.
Despicable Me 2
| Original title | Despicable Me 2 |
| Year | 2013 |
| Runtime | 1h 38m |
| Directors | Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud |
| Writers | Cinco Paul, Ken Daurio |
| Stars | Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Benjamin Bratt |
With a worldwide gross of $970,766,005 in 2013, Despicable Me 2 continued the adventures of Gru and his Minions, delighting audiences with its humor and heartwarming moments. Directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud, this animated comedy sequel introduced new characters and expanded the franchise’s colorful universe.
The Lion King (1994)
| Original title | The Lion King |
| Year | 1994 |
| Runtime | 1h 28m |
| Directors | Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff |
| Writers | Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts, Linda Woolverton |
| Stars | Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones |
The Lion King became an instant classic in 1994, grossing $968,511,805 worldwide. This Disney masterpiece, directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff, transported audiences to the majestic Pride Lands, where Simba embarks on self-discovery and redemption.
Minions: The Rise of Gru
| Original title | Minions: The Rise of Gru |
| Year | 2022 |
| Runtime | 1h 27m |
| Directors | Kyle Balda, Brad Ableson, Jonathan del Val |
| Writers | Matthew Fogel, Brian Lynch |
| Stars | Steve Carell, Pierre Coffin, Alan Arkin |
In 2022, Minions: The Rise of Gru soared to a worldwide gross of $940,203,765. This animated comedy, directed by Kyle Balda, explored the origin story of everyone’s favorite yellow henchmen, exploring Gru’s early days as a supervillain and his encounter with the mischievous Minions.
Finding Nemo
| Original title | Finding Nemo |
| Year | 2003 |
| Runtime | 1h 40m |
| Directors | Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich |
| Writers | Andrew Stanton, Bob Peterson, David Reynolds |
| Stars | Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould |
Finding Nemo swam into hearts worldwide in 2003, earning $940,094,852 at the box office. Directed by Andrew Stanton, this Pixar classic follows the journey of a father clownfish, Marlin, as he searches for his lost son, Nemo, in the vast and colorful ocean, encountering memorable characters.
Shrek 2
| Original title | Shrek 2 |
| Year | 2004 |
| Runtime | 1h 33m |
| Directors | Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury, Conrad Vernon |
| Writers | William Steig, Andrew Adamson, Joe Stillman |
| Stars | Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, John Cleese |
Shrek 2 enchanted audiences with its irreverent humor and lovable characters, grossing $928,760,770 worldwide in 2004. Directed by Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury, and Conrad Vernon, this animated comedy sequel continued the adventures of everyone’s favorite ogre, Shrek, and his friends in the fairy-tale kingdom of Far Far Away.
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
| Original title | Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs |
| Year | 2009 |
| Runtime | 1h 34m |
| Directors | Carlos Saldanha, Michael Thurmeier |
| Writers | Michael Berg, Peter Ackerman, Mike Reiss |
| Stars | Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary |
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs thawed hearts worldwide in 2009, grossing $886,686,817 at the box office. This animated adventure, directed by Carlos Saldanha, followed Manny, Sid, and Diego as they encountered dinosaurs in the prehistoric world, adding new excitement to the Ice Age franchise.
Ice Age: Continental Drift
| Original title | Ice Age: Continental Drift |
| Year | 2012 |
| Runtime | 1h 28m |
| Directors | Steve Martino, Michael Thurmeier |
| Writers | Michael Berg, Jason Fuchs, Lori Forte |
| Stars | Ray Romano, Denis Leary, John Leguizamo, Jennifer Lopez |
Ice Age: Continental Drift was successful in 2012, with a worldwide gross of $879,765,137. This animated sequel, directed by Steve Martino and Mike Thurmeier, sent Manny, Sid, and Diego on a high-seas adventure, facing pirates and other challenges as they navigated the changing world.
The Secret Life of Pets
| Original title | The Secret Life of Pets |
| Year | 2016 |
| Runtime | 1h 26m |
| Director | Chris Renaud |
| Writers | Cinco Paul, Ken Daurio, Brian Lynch |
| Stars | Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet, Kevin Hart, Jenny Slate |
The Secret Life of Pets offered a glimpse into the hilarious antics of pets when their owners are away, earning $875,457,937 worldwide in 2016. Directed by Chris Renaud, this animated comedy follows Max and his furry friends as they embark on a wild adventure through the streets of New York City.
Inside Out
| Original title | Inside Out |
| Year | 2015 |
| Runtime | 1h 35m |
| Director | Pete Docter, Ronnie Del Carmen |
| Writers | Pete Docter, Ronnie Del Carmen, Meg LeFauve |
| Stars | Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling |
Inside Out took audiences on an emotional journey through the mind, grossing $857,611,174 worldwide in 2015. Directed by Pete Docter, this Pixar film explored the complexities of human emotions through the personified characters Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, resonating with viewers of all ages.
Shrek the Third
| Original title | Shrek the Third |
| Year | 2007 |
| Runtime | 1h 33m |
| Director | Chris Miller, Raman Hui |
| Writers | William Steig, Andrew Adamson, Jeffrey Price |
| Stars | Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy |
Shrek the Third enchanted audiences with its hilarious antics and memorable characters, grossing $813,367,380 worldwide in 2007. Directed by Chris Miller and Raman Hui, this animated comedy continues the adventures of everyone’s favorite ogre, Shrek, as he navigates the challenges of becoming king of Far Far Away.
Coco
| Original title | Coco |
| Year | 2017 |
| Runtime | 1h 45m |
| Directors | Lee Unkrich, Adrian Molina |
| Writers | Lee Unkrich, Jason Katz, Matthew Aldrich |
| Stars | Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt |
Coco captured hearts worldwide with its beautiful animation and heartfelt story, earning $807,816,196 at the box office in 2017. Directed by Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina, this Pixar film celebrated Mexican culture and traditions, following the journey of a young boy named Miguel as he explores the Land of the Dead to uncover his family’s history.
Shrek Forever After
| Original title | Shrek Forever After |
| Year | 2010 |
| Runtime | 1h 33m |
| Director | Mike Mitchell |
| Writers | Josh Klausner, Darren Lemke, William Steig |
| Stars | Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy |
Shrek Forever After bid farewell to the beloved ogre with a worldwide gross of $756,244,673 in 2010. Directed by Mike Mitchell, this animated fantasy comedy took audiences on a journey through an alternate reality where Shrek must undo a fateful deal with the tricky Rumpelstiltskin to restore his world to its rightful state.
Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted
| Original title | Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted |
| Year | 2012 |
| Runtime | 1h 35m |
| Directors | Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath, Conrad Vernon |
| Writers | Eric Darnell, Noah Baumbach, Mark Burton |
| Stars | Ben Stiller, Jada Pinkett Smith, Chris Rock |
Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted dazzled audiences with its colorful visuals and lively characters, grossing $746,921,274 worldwide in 2012. Directed by Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath, and Conrad Vernon, this animated comedy follows Alex, Marty, Melman, and Gloria as they join a traveling circus to evade capture by a relentless animal control officer.
Monsters University
| Original title | Monsters University |
| Year | 2013 |
| Runtime | 1h 44m |
| Director | Dan Scanlon |
| Writers | Dan Scanlon, Daniel Gerson, Robert L. Baird |
| Stars | Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi |
Monsters University ventured into the world of Mike and Sulley’s college days, earning $743,559,607 worldwide in 2013. Directed by Dan Scanlon, this Pixar prequel explores the origins of the dynamic duo‘s friendship as they navigate the challenges of scare school and compete in the Scare Games to prove their worthiness.
Ne Zha
| Original title | Ne Zha zhi mo tong jiang shi |
| Year | 2019 |
| Runtime | 1h 50m |
| Director | Yu Yang |
| Writers | Yu Yang, Yunyun Wei, Zhonglin Xu |
| Stars | Yanting Lü, Joseph, Mo Han |
Ne Zha captivated audiences with its stunning animation and compelling story, grossing $742,514,069 worldwide in 2019. Directed by Jiaozi, this Chinese animated fantasy film reimagined the legendary tale of Nezha, a deity from Chinese mythology, as he grapples with destiny and embraces his true identity.
Up
| Original title | Up |
| Year | 2009 |
| Runtime | 1h 36m |
| Director | Pete Docter, Bob Peterson |
| Writers | Pete Docter, Bob Peterson, Tom McCarthy |
| Stars | Edward Asner, Jordan Nagai, John Ratzenberger |
Up soared to success in 2009, with a worldwide gross of $735,099,082. Directed by Pete Docter and Bob Peterson, this Pixar adventure follows the elderly widower Carl Fredricksen and his young stowaway companion Russell as they journey to South America in a house lifted by helium balloons.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
| Original title | Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse |
| Year | 2023 |
| Runtime | 2h 20m |
| Directors | Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson |
| Writers | Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Dave Callaham |
| Stars | Oscar Isaac, Andy Samberg, Jake Johnson, Daniel Kaluuya |
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse swung into theaters with a worldwide gross of $690,897,910 in 2023. Directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson, this animated superhero film continues the story of Miles Morales as he encounters new challenges and allies across the multiverse.
Kung Fu Panda 2
| Original title | Kung Fu Panda 2 |
| Year | 2011 |
| Runtime | 1h 30m |
| Director | Jennifer Yuh Nelson |
| Writers | Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger, Ethan Reiff |
| Stars | Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan |
Kung Fu Panda 2 kicked its way to success with a worldwide gross of $665,692,281 in 2011. This animated martial arts comedy sequel, directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson, followed Po on a quest to stop the villainous peacock Lord Shen from conquering China with a powerful new weapon.
Ice Age: The Meltdown
| Original title | Ice Age: The Meltdown |
| Year | 2006 |
| Runtime | 1h 31m |
| Director | Carlos Saldanha |
| Writers | Peter Gaulke, Gerry Swallow, Jim Hecht |
| Stars | Chris Wedge, Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary |
Ice Age: The Meltdown thawed hearts worldwide with a gross of $660,998,756 in 2006. Directed by Carlos Saldanha, this animated adventure sequel reunited Manny, Sid, and Diego as they face the impending meltdown of their icy world and encounter new friends and foes along the way.
Big Hero 6
| Original title | Big Hero 6 |
| Year | 2014 |
| Runtime | 1h 42m |
| Directors | Don Hall, Chris Williams |
| Writers | Jordan Roberts, Robert L. Baird, Daniel Gerson |
| Stars | James Cromwell, Kathy Griffin, Scott Adsit |
Big Hero 6 soared to success with a worldwide gross of $657,827,828 in 2014. Directed by Don Hall and Chris Williams, this Disney animated superhero film follows the story of a young robotics prodigy named Hiro Hamada and his inflatable robot companion, Baymax, as they form a superhero team to combat a mysterious villain in the futuristic city of San Fransokyo.
Moana
| Original title | Moana |
| Year | 2016 |
| Runtime | 1h 47m |
| Directors | Ron Clements, John Musker, Don Hall |
| Writers | Jared Bush, Ron Clements, John Musker |
| Stars | Dwayne Johnson, Stephen Kearin, Temuera Morrison |
Moana set sail to enchant audiences worldwide, earning $645,000,000 at the box office in 2016. Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, this Disney-animated musical adventure follows the journey of Moana, a spirited Polynesian teenager, as she embarks on a daring voyage across the ocean to save her island and discover her own identity.
Sing
| Original title | Sing |
| Year | 2016 |
| Runtime | 1h 48m |
| Director | Garth Jennings, Christophe Lourdelet |
| Writer | Garth Jennings |
| Stars | Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon |
Sing hit all the right notes with a worldwide gross of $634,151,679 in 2016. Directed by Garth Jennings, this animated musical comedy follows a group of anthropomorphic animals competing in a singing competition hosted by a koala impresario in a last-ditch effort to save his theater from foreclosure.
Kung Fu Panda
| Original title | Kung Fu Panda |
| Year | 2008 |
| Runtime | 1h 32m |
| Director | Mark Osborne, John Stevenson |
| Writers | Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger, Ethan Reiff |
| Stars | Jack Black, Ian McShane, Angelina Jolie |
Kung Fu Panda kicked its way to success with a worldwide gross of $631,744,560 in 2008. Directed by Mark Osborne and John Stevenson, this DreamWorks animated comedy follows the journey of Po, a bumbling panda with dreams of becoming a kung fu master, as he trains under the legendary Furious Five to fulfill his destiny and defeat the villainous snow leopard, Tai Lung.
The Incredibles
| Original title | The Incredibles |
| Year | 2004 |
| Runtime | 1h 55m |
| Director | Brad Bird |
| Writer | Brad Bird |
| Stars | Samuel L. Jackson, Holly Hunter, Jason Lee |
The Incredibles saved the day with a worldwide gross of $631,442,092 in 2004. Directed by Brad Bird, this Pixar animated superhero film follows the adventures of a family of retired superheroes as they come out of hiding to battle a vengeful supervillain and restore the public’s trust in superheroes.
Ratatouille
| Original title | Ratatouille |
| Year | 2007 |
| Runtime | 1h 51m |
| Directors | Brad Bird, Jan Pinkava |
| Writers | Brad Bird, Jan Pinkava, Jim Capobianco |
| Stars | Janeane Garofalo, Ian Holm, Peter O’Toole |
Ratatouille cooked up a storm with a worldwide gross of $623,726,085 in 2007. Directed by Brad Bird and Jan Pinkava, this Pixar animated comedy follows the culinary ambitions of Remy, a rat with a refined palate, as he teams up with a hapless kitchen worker named Linguini to pursue his dream of becoming a chef in Paris.
How to Train Your Dragon 2
| Original title | How to Train Your Dragon 2 |
| Year | 2014 |
| Runtime | 1h 42m |
| Director | Dean DeBlois |
| Writers | Dean DeBlois, Cressida Cowell |
| Stars | Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler |
How to Train Your Dragon 2 took flight in 2014, with a worldwide gross of $621,537,519. Directed by Dean DeBlois, this DreamWorks animated fantasy sequel follows the adventures of Hiccup and his dragon Toothless as they discover new lands and confront a dangerous enemy threatening the peace of their Viking village.
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
| Original title | Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa |
| Year | 2008 |
| Runtime | 1h 29m |
| Directors | Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath |
| Writers | Etan Cohen, Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath |
| Stars | Jada Pinkett Smith, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer |
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa embarked on a wild adventure in 2008, with a worldwide gross of $603,900,354. Directed by Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath, this DreamWorks animated comedy sequel follows the zoo animals’ misadventures as they crash-land in the African savanna and encounter their wild counterparts while trying to find a way back home to New York City.
Tangled
| Original title | Tangled |
| Year | 2010 |
| Runtime | 1h 40m |
| Directors | Nathan Greno, Byron Howard |
| Writers | Dan Fogelman, Jacob Grimm, Wilhelm Grimm |
| Stars | Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Donna Murphy |
Tangled let down its golden hair with a worldwide gross of $592,461,732 in 2010. Directed by Nathan Greno and Byron Howard, this Disney animated musical retelling of the Rapunzel fairy tale follows the spirited princess as she embarks on a daring journey with a charming rogue named Flynn Rider to discover the truth about her past and find her true destiny.
The Croods
| Original title | The Croods |
| Year | 2013 |
| Runtime | 1h 38m |
| Directors | Kirk DeMicco, Chris Sanders |
| Writers | Kirk DeMicco, Chris Sanders, John Cleese |
| Stars | Nicolas Cage, Catherine Keener, Randy Thom, Emma Stone |
The Croods embarked on a prehistoric adventure and grossed $587,204,668 worldwide in 2013. Directed by Kirk DeMicco and Chris Sanders, this DreamWorks animated comedy follows the misadventures of the world’s first family as they journey into uncharted territory in search of a new home after their cave is destroyed.
Monsters, Inc.
| Original title | Monsters, Inc. |
| Year | 2001 |
| Runtime | 1h 32m |
| Directors | Pete Docter, David Silverman, Lee Unkrich |
| Writers | Pete Docter, Jill Culton, Jeff Pidgeon |
| Stars | Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Mary Gibbs |
Monsters, Inc. roared onto the big screen with a worldwide gross of $579,707,738 in 2001. Directed by Pete Docter, this Pixar animated comedy follows the adventures of two monsters, Sulley and Mike, as they navigate the challenges of their monster-inhabited world and discover the power of laughter.
Cars 2
| Original title | Cars 2 |
| Year | 2011 |
| Runtime | 1h 46m |
| Directors | John Lasseter, Bradford Lewis |
| Writers | John Lasseter, Bradford Lewis, Dan Fogelman |
| Stars | Michael Caine, Vanessa Redgrave, Katherine Helmond |
Cars 2 raced to success with a worldwide gross of $559,852,396 in 2011. Directed by John Lasseter, this Pixar animated spy comedy sequel follows Lightning McQueen and his friends as they travel to compete in the World Grand Prix and uncover a conspiracy orchestrated by a group of rogue cars.
Puss in Boots
| Original title | Puss in Boots |
| Year | 2011 |
| Runtime | 1h 30m |
| Director | Chris Miller |
| Writers | Tom Wheeler, Brian Lynch, William Davies |
| Stars | Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis |
Puss in Boots embarked on a swashbuckling adventure in 2011, earning a worldwide gross of $554,987,477. Directed by Chris Miller, this DreamWorks animated fantasy spinoff follows the exploits of the legendary feline outlaw Puss in Boots as he teams up with his friends Humpty Dumpty and Kitty Softpaws to steal the magic beans and find the legendary Golden Goose.
Despicable Me
| Original title | Despicable Me |
| Year | 2010 |
| Runtime | 1h 35m |
| Directors | Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud |
| Writers | Cinco Paul, Ken Daurio, Sergio Pablos |
| Stars | Steve Carell, Chris Renaud, Jemaine Clement |
Despicable Me delighted audiences with a worldwide gross of $543,113,985 in 2010. Directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud, this Illumination animated comedy follows the misadventures of Gru, a supervillain with a heart of gold, as he attempts to steal the moon with the help of his army of Minions but finds himself unexpectedly changed by three orphan girls.
Madagascar
| Original title | Madagascar |
| Year | 2005 |
| Runtime | 1h 26m |
| Directors | Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath |
| Writers | Mark Burton, Billy Frolick, Eric Darnell |
| Stars | Jada Pinkett Smith, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer |
Madagascar embarked on a wild journey in 2005, with a worldwide gross of $542,063,846. Directed by Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath, this DreamWorks animated comedy follows the adventures of four zoo animals—Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe, and Gloria the hippo—as they escape from the Central Park Zoo and find themselves shipwrecked on the island of Madagascar.
Brave
| Original title | Brave |
| Year | 2012 |
| Runtime | 1h 33m |
| Directors | Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman, Steve Purcell |
| Writers | Brenda Chapman, Mark Andrews, Steve Purcell |
| Stars | Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson |
Brave enchanted audiences with a worldwide gross of $538,983,207 in 2012. Directed by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman, this Disney-animated fantasy follows the rebellious Princess Merida as she defies tradition and sets out to undo a curse that threatens her kingdom, ultimately discovering the true meaning of bravery.
The Simpsons Movie
| Original title | The Simpsons Movie |
| Year | 2007 |
| Runtime | 1h 27m |
| Director | David Silverman |
| Writers | James L. Brooks, Matt Groening, Al Jean |
| Stars | Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright |
The Simpsons Movie brought Springfield to the big screen with a worldwide gross of $536,414,293 in 2007. Directed by David Silverman, this animated comedy based on the long-running television series follows the dysfunctional Simpson family as they embark on a hilarious adventure to save their town from destruction.
WALL-E
| Original title | WALL·E |
| Year | 2008 |
| Runtime | 1h 38m |
| Director | Andrew Stanton |
| Writers | Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter, Jim Reardon |
| Stars | Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin |
WALL-E charmed audiences with a worldwide gross of $532,508,025 in 2008. Directed by Andrew Stanton, this Pixar animated science fiction film follows the lonely robot WALL-E as he embarks on a journey across the galaxy to find love and save humanity’s future on an abandoned polluted Earth.
Ralph Breaks the Internet
| Original title | Ralph Breaks the Internet |
| Year | 2018 |
| Runtime | 1h 52m |
| Director | Phil Johnston, Rich Moore |
| Writers | Phil Johnston, Pamela Ribon, Rich Moore |
| Stars | John C. Reilly, Ming-Na Wen, Brad Garrett, Irene Bedard |
Ralph Breaks the Internet ventured into the digital world with a worldwide gross of $529,323,962 in 2018. Directed by Rich Moore and Phil Johnston, this Disney animated comedy sequel follows video game characters Ralph and Vanellope as they journey into the vast world of the internet, searching for a replacement part to save Vanellope’s game.
Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation
| Original title | Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation |
| Year | 2018 |
| Runtime | 1h 37m |
| Director | Genndy Tartakovsky |
| Writers | Genndy Tartakovsky, Michael McCullers |
| Stars | Steve Buscemi, Adam Sandler, David Spade, Kevin James |
Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation took a monstrous cruise with a worldwide gross of $528,583,774 in 2018. Directed by Genndy Tartakovsky, this Sony Pictures animated comedy sequel follows Dracula and his family and friends as they embark on a luxury cruise vacation, where Dracula finds himself falling in love with the ship’s captain, Ericka.
In Conclusion, Animated films continue to be a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, captivating audiences of all ages with their timeless stories and groundbreaking animation techniques. From beloved classics like “The Lion King” and “Toy Story” to modern hits like “Frozen” and “Zootopia,” these movies have left an indelible mark on pop culture and continue to inspire generations of fans. As technology advances and storytelling evolves, we can only imagine what the future holds for animated cinema. But one thing is sure: the magic of animation will continue to enchant audiences for years to come.
FAQs about The Top 50 Highest-Grossing Animated Films
What criteria were used to determine the highest-grossing animated films?
The ranking of the highest-grossing animated films is based on their worldwide box office earnings. The figures include ticket sales in theaters and additional revenue from home video sales, streaming services, and merchandise.
Are these rankings adjusted for inflation?
No, these rankings are not adjusted for inflation. They reflect each film’s total worldwide gross earnings at its release.
Are there any surprises in the list of highest-grossing animated films?
While many of the films on the list are well-known blockbusters, some readers may be surprised. For example, some may have yet to expect to see certain films ranked so high based on their box office performance.
Are there any animated films from specific studios that dominate the list?
Several animation studios are well-represented on the list, including Disney, Pixar, DreamWorks Animation, Illumination Entertainment, and Sony Pictures Animation. Each studio has produced multiple successful films that have achieved box office success.
Are there any upcoming animated films that could join the list?
With the evolution of animation technology and storytelling, new animated films are always on the horizon, and they could break into the list of highest-grossing animated films. Watch for upcoming releases, and be prepared to be dazzled by the next generation of animated masterpieces.
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