Lights, camera, animation! This summer, Inside Out 2 didn’t just hit theatres—it exploded onto screens worldwide, smashing the $1 billion mark faster than you can say “Pixar magic!” Joining the elite billion-dollar club alongside just 53 other cinematic giants, this sequel has cemented its status as a global powerhouse, becoming the highest-grossing animated film ever. It’s a vibrant reminder that animated films aren’t just kiddie fare—they’re box-office gold!
Animated films have evolved into cinematic juggernauts, captivating audiences of all ages with their clever storytelling, stunning visuals, unforgettable characters, and toe-tapping soundtracks that linger long after the credits roll. These animated films aren’t just for keeping the little ones entertained; they’re packed with witty dialogues and humour that keep adults laughing too. Animation pushed the boundaries of storytelling, whisking us away to fantastical worlds and striking a chord with the inner child in everyone. Whether it’s the nostalgia of Saturday morning cartoons or the allure of cutting-edge animation techniques, these films carve out a special place in our hearts—and at the box office.
The power of animation is evident in the fact that ten other films in the billion-dollar club are animated wonders. Leading the charge is Inside Out 2 with a whopping $1.46 billion, which overtook Frozen II and its $1.4 billion haul and left The Super Mario Bros Movie and its $1.3 billion earnings in the dust. While not every animated flick hits the mark (looking at you, Titan A.E. and Strange Worlds), when they do, they soar to unimaginable financial heights.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top 11 highest-grossing animated films of all time, ranked by their global earnings! Scroll down and let the magic begin!
(Note: All numbers have been verified from Box Office Mojo by IMDb Pro.)
1. Inside Out 2 (2024)
Inside Out 2 has twirled its way to the top of Pixar’s box office charts, and it’s a showstopper deserving of a standing ovation! Directed by Kelsey Mann and Meg LeFauve, this vibrant sequel takes us back into Riley’s world, introducing a fresh set of emotions—say hello to Anxiety, Envy, and Embarrassment, all ready to crash the party. Joy, with her ever-sparkling optimism, rallies the team to help Riley navigate the chaos of hockey camp and puberty. The result? A side-splitting, heartwarming ride that has audiences laughing, crying, and everything in between.
And guess what? This gem didn’t just make waves; it made history! It’s now the highest-grossing animated film ever, dethroning Frozen II with a jaw-dropping $1.46 billion global revenue. Breaking records left and right, Inside Out 2 hit the billion-dollar mark in only 19 days. It also overtook Barbie ($1.446 billion) to become the 13th-biggest movie of all time in global ticket sales. As the fastest animated film to cross the $1 billion benchmark and the highest-grossing film of 2024, this Pixar film sequel is truly a cinematic phenomenon. So, grab your tissues and popcorn—this one’s an emotional adventure you won’t want to miss! (Global revenue: $1,462,769,628— as of July 24, 2024)
2. Frozen II (2019)
Directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee and featuring the stellar voices of Josh Gad, Jonathan Groff, Idina Menzel, and Kristen Bell, Frozen II whisked audiences away on a magical quest without a villain in sight. Instead, Elsa and Anna braved enchanted forests and mysterious seas, discovering the origins of Elsa’s powers and embracing their true destinies. With a heartwarming tale, dazzling animation style and a soundtrack that’s impossible not to sing along to, this sequel didn’t just melt hearts—it froze a whopping $1.4 billion in box-office magic! (Global revenue: $1,453,683,476)
3. The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
Jump into the Mushroom Kingdom with The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)! Directed by Aaron Horvath and crew, this animated romp has Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) on a wild quest to save Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) from the clutches of Bowser (Jack Black). With hilarious antics, epic showdowns, and a world bursting with vibrant colours, this flick nails the magic and fun that the 1993 live-action version could only dream of. No wonder it soared past the billion-dollar mark—this film is a total game-changer! (Global revenue: $1,361,992,475)
4. Frozen (2013)
Hold onto your snow boots, because Frozen is the ultimate ice-breaker which melted hearts everywhere upon its release! Directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, this icy adventure had everyone singing and spinning, thanks to its catchy anthem “Let It Go” and a soundtrack that has sold over ten million copies. Princess Anna, her rugged mountaineer pal Kristoff, and the hilariously chatty snowman Olaf tackled icy obstacles with a song in their hearts and magic in their step. The film’s sparkling animation and unforgettable tunes made it a billion-dollar blockbuster and an epic karaoke favourite! (Global revenue: $1,285,048,126)
5. Incredibles 2 (2018)
Directed by Brad Bird and featuring the voices of Craig T. Nelson and Holly Hunter, Incredibles 2 kicks off with baby Jack-Jack’s wild powers keeping the family on their toes. While Elastigirl saves the world, Mr. Incredible tackles superhero-level parenting at home. With the tech-savvy villain Screenslaver causing chaos, this film is a rollercoaster of laughs, thrills, and heartwarming family moments. Baby Jack-Jack’s antics and the fabulous Edna Mode steal the show, making it no surprise this film rocketed past the billion-dollar mark. (Global revenue: $1,243,225,667)
6. Minions (2015)
Directed by Kyle Balda and Pierre Coffin, Minions catapulted those hilarious, banana-loving yellow creatures from sidekicks to superstars. With the voices of Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, and Michael Keaton, the film takes us on a wild ride through the Minions’ quest to serve the ultimate villain, landing them in cahoots with the ambitious supervillain Scarlet Overkill. Their misadventures in trying to steal the crown jewels are pure comedy gold, delighting audiences worldwide. Since debuting in Despicable Me, these adorable, gibberish-speaking dynamos have stolen hearts and box office records, grossing over $1 billion. It’s no wonder Universal is thrilled—this spin-off was definitely money well spent! (Global revenue: $1,159,457,503)
7. Toy Story 4 (2019)
Directed by Josh Cooley and featuring the beloved voices of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and Annie Potts, Toy Story 4 brought Woody, Buzz, and the gang back to the big screen for a heartwarming road trip adventure. This time, they’re rescuing Forky, Bonnie’s DIY handcrafted toy who hilariously thinks he’s literal trash. Despite mixed feelings about the sequel’s necessity, this film delivered the perfect blend of humour and heart with a touch of nostalgia, scoring over $1 billion at the box office. And only when you thought it was over, Toy Story 5 is on the horizon for 2026! (Global revenue: $1,073,841,394)
8. Toy Story 3 (2010)
Next on the list: Toy Story, again! This time, it’s Toy Story 3, where Woody, Buzz, and the gang face their biggest adventure yet. With Andy heading off to college, his beloved toys are accidentally donated to a daycare centre, where chaos reigns under the rule of the sinister Lotso the bear. The film hits all the right notes—laughter, tears, and edge-of-your-seat thrills—captivating audiences and amassing over $1 billion worldwide. No wonder this Pixar classic is hailed as one of the most rewatchable animated films ever! (Global revenue: $1,067,316,101)
Image Credit: Disney Movies
9. Despicable Me 3 (2017)
When Despicable Me 3 hit theatres, it wasn’t just another sequel—it was a comedic whirlwind of 80s nostalgia and Minion mayhem! Gru (Steve Carell) and his yellow sidekicks were back, this time with a twist: a long-lost twin brother, Dru, who’s equally mischievous. As Gru grapples with his new family dynamics and an over-the-top villain with a mullet, the film dances through action-packed, laugh-out-loud moments and a delightful unicorn obsession; a fun banter that kept audiences rolling in the aisles. But the real magic? It raked in over $1 billion worldwide, solidifying the Despicable Me franchise as a colossal animated success and proving those loveable minions know how to make it rain at the box office! (Global Revenue: $1,034,800,131)
10. Finding Dory (2016)
Swimming straight to the top, Finding Dory proved that Pixar’s magic wasn’t just a one-time wonder! Following the lovable blue tang with a memory as short as a goldfish’s, this sequel dove into the oceans (and an aquarium or two) to uncover Dory’s long-lost parents. With Ellen DeGeneres reprising her role as the hilariously forgetful fish, the film hooked audiences and reeled in a staggering $1 billion worldwide. It snagged $486.3 million domestically and made an even bigger splash overseas, amassing $538.7 million. No wonder this aquatic tale swam straight into the hearts (and wallets) of moviegoers everywhere! (Global Revenue: $1,029,266,989)
11. Zootopia (2016)
Welcome to Zootopia, where a clever rabbit cop and a sly fox unravel a citywide mystery with a splash of humour and heart! Directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore, this Disney hit, featuring Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman, roared past $1 billion globally, including nearly $350 million in North America. With its sharp animation, poignant themes, and witty storytelling, Zootopia proved that Disney’s magic is still alive and kicking, captivating audiences of all ages. (Global Revenue: $1,025,521,689)
