Top 15 Highest-Grossing Animated Movies of All Time

The 15 highest-grossing animated feature films of all time have been identified, showcasing the dominance of major studios like Disney, Pixar, and Universal. Compiled from Box Office Mojo without adjusting for inflation, the list features a mix of franchise sequels and original musicals. Inside Out 2 (2024) leads the ranking with a worldwide gross of $1,698,863,816, followed closely by Zootopia 2 (2025) with $1,464,212,160. These films highlight the continued financial power of animation, particularly in the post-pandemic era where titles like Minions: The Rise of Gru and The Super Mario Bros. Movie drew audiences back to theaters. The list includes beloved classics such as The Lion King (1994) and modern hits like Frozen II and Toy Story 4.

The highest-grossing animated film of all time is Inside Out 2, released in 2024. It achieved a worldwide gross of $1,698,863,816. This film marked a significant return to form for Pixar, which had faced challenges during the pandemic with titles relegated to streaming. Inside Out 2 hit the $1 billion global mark in 19 days, the fastest rate ever for an animated movie.

Securing the second spot is Zootopia 2 (2025), which earned $1,464,212,160. Nine years after the original, the sequel featuring Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde became the highest-grossing movie ever for Walt Disney Animation. It reached the $1 billion milestone in just 17 days, making it the fastest PG-rated movie to do so.

The third position is held by Frozen II (2019) with a gross of $1,453,683,476. Despite opinions that it was not as memorable as the first film, audience demand remained high due to the massive success of the original.

The remaining spots on the list are filled by a variety of popular titles. The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) took fourth place with $1,360,879,735, solidifying Illumination as a major competitor to Pixar. Frozen (2013) came in fifth with $1,310,530,830, noted as a "grand slam" for Disney Animation.

The list continues with:

• Incredibles 2 (2018) - $1,243,225,667
• Minions (2015) - $1,159,457,503
• Toy Story 4 (2019) - $1,073,841,394
• Toy Story 3 (2010) - $1,067,316,101
• Despicable Me 3 (2017) - $1,034,800,131

Further down the ranking are Finding Dory (2016) at number 11 with $1,029,266,989 and Zootopia (2016) at number 12 with $1,025,521,689. The final three spots include The Lion King (1994) at $979,161,632, Despicable Me 2 (2013) at $970,766,005, and Finding Nemo (2003) at $941,637,960.

Animated movies have consistently been major box office earners. The genre boasts wide appeal, often serving as ideal outings for the whole family. This trend was particularly evident in the post-pandemic landscape. Titles like Minions: The Rise of Gru and The Super Mario Bros. Movie were instrumental in bringing families back to theaters after a difficult period for the industry.

The dominance of specific franchises is also a key theme. The Despicable Me franchise, including the Minions characters, appears multiple times on the list. Similarly, the Toy Story series and the Frozen franchise have proven their longevity and box office power over decades.

The list of the 15 highest-grossing animated feature films demonstrates the enduring popularity and financial success of the genre. From the record-breaking performance of Inside Out 2 to the lasting legacy of The Lion King, these films have captured global audiences. The data, compiled from Box Office Mojo, illustrates that despite changing viewing habits, theatrical animation remains a dominant force in the entertainment industry.