Box Office Records

List of Highest-Grossing Animated Films of All Time

This definitive list showcases the highest-grossing animated films of all time, highlighting their monumental box office success. Leading the pack is Ne Zha 2 (2025) with an incredible $2.22 billion, closely followed by Inside Out 2 (2024) at $1.70 billion. Other top earners include Frozen II (2019), The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023), and the original Frozen (2013), demonstrating the enduring appeal and financial power of animated cinema.

21 itemsUpdated Mar 13, 2026

The landscape of animated cinema continues to break new box office records, captivating global audiences. This list of highest-grossing animated films underscores their immense financial power and cultural impact. A striking trend is the dominance of sequels and established franchises. Topping the chart is Ne Zha 2 (2025) with an astonishing $2.22 billion, setting a new benchmark. This success is mirrored by Inside Out 2 (2024) at $1.70 billion, and Frozen II (2019) with $1.45 billion, both building on beloved predecessors. The consistent performance of these follow-ups illustrates that strong intellectual property drives box office success. The diversity of these top-grossing films highlights animation's global reach. Ne Zha 2's phenomenal $2.22 billion success demonstrates the growing international influence of non-Western animation, signaling a shift in global audience preferences beyond traditional Western dominance. The enduring appeal of franchises is further exemplified by The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023), leveraging a globally recognized IP to earn $1.36 billion, and the original Frozen (2013), still a powerhouse at $1.28 billion. These films prove that innovative storytelling and effective marketing transcend cultural barriers. The consistent upward trajectory of animated film revenues suggests a robust and expanding market. Figures from films like Ne Zha 2 and Inside Out 2 indicate that the ceiling for animated box office success continues to rise, challenging previous perceptions. This trend encourages studios to invest more in high-quality animation, compelling narratives, and extensive global distribution. As technology advances, animated features are increasingly seen not just as children's entertainment, but as major cinematic events attracting diverse demographics. The animated film industry is clearly in a golden age, delivering both critical acclaim and massive commercial success.

#	Name
1	Ne Zha 2 (2025) – $2.22 billion Beijing Enlight Pictures This Chinese animated film shattered box office records, becoming the first animated movie to gross over $2 billion worldwide. It builds on the success of its predecessor with impressive fight sequences, gorgeous animation, and a lighthearted sense of humor.
2	Inside Out 2 (2024) – $1.70 billion Pixar Animation Studios This Pixar hit became the studio's highest-grossing film and the third-highest-grossing animated movie of all time, with a worldwide gross of approximately $1.69 billion. It explores new emotions in Riley's mind as she navigates adolescence.
4	Frozen II (2019) – $1.45 billion Walt Disney Animation Studios The highly anticipated sequel continued the adventures of Elsa and Anna, earning over $1.45 billion worldwide. It delves deeper into the origins of Elsa's powers and the history of Arendelle.
5	The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) – $1.36 billion Universal Pictures / Illumination Based on the iconic video game franchise, this film grossed approximately $1.36 billion worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing film based on a video game. It features Mario and Luigi's adventure to save Princess Peach and the Mushroom Kingdom.
6	Frozen (2013) – $1.28 billion Walt Disney Animation Studios This animated musical phenomenon grossed approximately $1.29 billion globally, becoming a cultural touchstone. It tells the story of two royal sisters, Elsa and Anna, and their journey to understand Elsa's icy powers.
7	Incredibles 2 (2018) – $1.24 billion Pixar Animation Studios The long-awaited sequel to 'The Incredibles' earned nearly $1.24 billion worldwide, continuing the adventures of the superhero Parr family. Elastigirl takes center stage in this installment, fighting crime while Mr. Incredible manages the household.
8	Minions (2015) – $1.16 billion Universal Pictures / Illumination This spin-off prequel to the 'Despicable Me' franchise grossed about $1.16 billion globally, focusing on the history of the beloved yellow creatures. It follows the Minions as they search for a new evil master to serve.
9	Moana 2 (2024) – $1.15 billion
10	Toy Story 4 (2019) – $1.07 billion Pixar Animation Studios The fourth installment in the 'Toy Story' series crossed the $1 billion mark, with a worldwide gross of $1.074 billion. It sees Woody embark on a new adventure with Forky, a spork-turned-toy, and reunite with Bo Peep.
11	Toy Story 3 (2010) – $1.07 billion Pixar Animation Studios This critically acclaimed film became the first animated movie to gross over $1 billion worldwide, reaching $1,066,970,811. It depicts the toys' emotional journey as their owner Andy prepares for college.
12	Despicable Me 4 (2024) – $1.05 billion
13	Finding Dory (2016) – $1.03 billion Pixar Animation Studios The sequel to 'Finding Nemo', this film earned over $1.02 billion worldwide. It follows the forgetful blue tang fish, Dory, on a quest to find her parents.
14	Despicable Me 3 (2017) – $1.03 billion
15	Zootopia (2016) – $1.02 billion
16	Despicable Me 2 (2013) – $970 million
17	The Lion King (1994) – $968 million
18	Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022) – $939 million
19	Finding Nemo (2003) – $940 million
20	Shrek 2 (2004) – $928 million
21	Toy Story 4 (2019) Pixar Animation Studios The fourth installment in the 'Toy Story' series crossed the $1 billion mark, with a worldwide gross of $1.074 billion. It sees Woody embark on a new adventure with Forky, a spork-turned-toy, and reunite with Bo Peep.
22	The Incredibles (2004)

This list is compiled from verified public records and reference sources. Last verified: March 13, 2026.

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