As a long-time movie enthusiast and critic who has witnessed the evolution of animated films since their humble beginnings, I must say that the top five highest-grossing animated films of all time are truly a marvel to behold.
In recent times, known as the Digital Age of animation, the industry has thrived far beyond initial predictions. For example, the last decade, specifically the 2010s, has given rise to many of the most memorable and aesthetically pleasing animated films ever made. These films have not only become mainstays in media and popular culture but have also smashed box office records and raised the bar for what’s expected from animated movies. The technology and software developments of that era enabled animators to express themselves visually in ways that were once thought impossible.
Consequently, this decade has seen an array of compelling narratives that have carved a significant niche in animation’s storied past. While some of these tales are continuations, they often match or surpass the impact of their predecessors. These box office hits serve as just one more trophy for these critically acclaimed and award-winning films.
10 Zootopia (2016)
$341,268,248
Under the guidance of directors Rich Moore and Byron Howard, who have previously worked on films like “Bolt”, “Tangled”, and “Wreck-It Ralph” among others for Disney, comes the thought-provoking animated film, “Zootopia”. This movie, which depicts societal prejudice using anthropomorphic characters, grossed over 340 million dollars at the U.S. box office, placing it just behind the original “Inside Out”. The film’s earnings have surpassed popular animated films of the previous decade such as “Up” and “Monsters, Inc.”. Following its release, “Zootopia” earned over a billion dollars worldwide. Due to its remarkable success, a sequel has been announced, with a short teaser unveiled at D23.
A significant portion of the movie’s triumph can be credited to its stellar cast and their palpable camaraderie. For instance, Jason Bateman played Nick Wilde, Ginnifer Goodwin portrayed Judy Hopps, and Jenny Slate voiced Bellweather in the film Zootopia. Moreover, the movie’s themes powerfully illustrated the detrimental effects of stereotyping, making it an accessible and impactful experience for audiences of all ages, ultimately earning it a lasting place in Disney’s illustrious film library.
9 Inside Out (2015)
$356,461,711
Pete Docter continues to impress with his latest work, “Inside Out”, another thought-provoking and memorable addition to his esteemed collection of films. As the chief creative officer at Pixar, Docter has also played a significant role in blockbuster productions like “Inside Out 2”, the “Toy Story” series, “Monsters University”, and “Up”. Globally, “Inside Out” grossed over $850 million.
The movie, “Inside Out,” delved deep into subjects like the subconscious mind, family relationships, feelings, and recollections, making it an unexpectedly thoughtful contribution to animated films from the 2010s. Similar to “Zootopia,” its skillful handling of weighty topics allowed all viewers to find a connection, whether through the emotions portrayed by Riley or those experienced by her parents. The film’s popularity resulted in a sequel, “Inside Out 2,” which as of 2024, holds the record for being the highest-grossing animated movie ever made.
8 Despicable Me 2 (2013)
$368,065,385
In the latest chapter of the beloved Despicable Me series, I find myself cheering for our reformed protagonist, Gru (brilliantly portrayed by Steve Carell), as he embarks on a mission to defeat the menacing supervillain El Macho. To aid him in his quest, Gru joins forces with the clever and witty Lucy Wilde, brilliantly brought to life by Kristen Wiig. Under the skilled guidance of franchise creator Pierre Coffin, this film promises yet another dose of laughter and excitement for fans everywhere.
Despite not being as popular as some other animation studios, Illumination has still managed to rack up several box office successes such as Sing and The Secret Life of Pets. Domestically, Despicable Me 4 and Minions: The Rise of Gru have even made it into the top 20 highest-grossing animated films of all time.
Despite predictions that long-lasting franchises might eventually lose their charm, each Despicable Me movie has pleasantly surprised audiences, with the latest fourth film even being hailed as one of the best in the series by critics. With witty humor, a catchy soundtrack, and top-notch voice acting, Despicable Me 2 was a hit at the box office, following the same trend as its predecessors.
7 The Secret Life of Pets (2016)
$369,094,830
As a movie enthusiast, I must admit that Chris Renaud’s “The Secret Life of Pets” may not have been as ground-breaking or revolutionary as some other films on the list, but it certainly proved to be quite entertaining. This film offered an intriguing perspective on what our pets might get up to when we’re away from home. The story revolves around a group of animals, known as the Flushed Pets, who are against domestication and recruit strays. Unfortunately for them, Max and Duke, two new pets, find themselves right in the thick of their chaotic struggle for freedom.
Generally speaking, “The Secret Life of Pets” received positive feedback from many viewers. Critics, however, pointed out that it lacked originality when compared to the “Despicable Me” series and other Illumination Entertainment productions. Despite this, the film managed to stand out among its contemporaries in 2016, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the year.
6 Frozen (2013)
$400,953,009
The movie “Frozen,” which was inspired by a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen (you might recognize some of his other works as “The Little Mermaid” or “Thumbelina”), is one of the most beloved animated films ever made. With stunning visuals, catchy tunes, and an endearing story about two sisters, Frozen has left a lasting impact on Disney and its audience. To this day, it remains one of the highest-grossing animated films worldwide, though it falls slightly short of the box office earnings of “Inside Out 2.
Under the guidance of Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, the movie Frozen surpassed expectations in terms of its success, leading to the production of Frozen 2, which outperformed financially compared to its predecessor. Remarkably, it outshone several Disney-Pixar masterpieces such as Finding Nemo, Up, and The Incredibles.
5 Toy Story 3 (2010)
$415,004,880
As a movie enthusiast, I can confidently say that Lee Unkrich’s masterpiece, Toy Story 3, stands tall among Pixar’s impressive catalog. It not only maintains, but exceeds the excellence of its predecessors with a poignant narrative about growing up and the precious memories we leave behind. The film subtly yet powerfully explores themes of nostalgia, resonating deeply with audiences across generations. To top it off, a significant portion of the original cast, including the inimitable voices of Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, graced us once more with their roles.
Despite not matching the financial success of Toy Story 4, there’s widespread consensus that Toy Story 3 was the ideal conclusion for the Toy Story series. However, even though Toy Story 4 outperformed financially, Toy Story 3 remains one of Pixar’s most impressive storytelling feats, establishing a high standard in the animation industry.
4 Toy Story 4 (2019)
$434,038,008
In Toy Story 4, new characters are brought into the series as the movie aims to rekindle the freshness of the initial trilogy. Indeed, it seems successful in doing so by presenting a thoughtful, character-focused perspective on Woody and Buzz’s life post-Andy, Bonnie, and their impending future. The film gives off a sense of completion, but another sequel is planned for release in 2026.
Despite a slight drop in popularity with each successive installment, the box office earnings show no sign of this decline at all. Every Toy Story movie has consistently outperformed its predecessor, suggesting that the 5th one is likely to be another success as well. At the moment, Toy Story 4 stands as the 7th highest-grossing animated film in U.S. history, and it surpasses all other films within this franchise.
3 Frozen 2 (2019)
$477,373,578
Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee swiftly came back to guide the highly anticipated follow-up for the Frozen series. In this sequel, Elsa delves deeper into her powers, uncovering their origins. As they progress, Elsa and Anna become aware of potential threats posed by external elemental and magical forces that imperil Arendelle.
While not receiving the same level of critical praise as its predecessor, Frozen 2 remains an enjoyable and visually stunning journey, and a touching story about Elsa’s self-exploration. On a worldwide scale, Frozen 2 is among the top-earning animated films ever made, reflecting the enduring appeal of the franchise overall.
2 Finding Dory (2016)
$486,295,561
In the capable hands of Pixar’s visionary, Andrew Stanton, I found myself captivated by the thoughtful continuation of a beloved tale, Finding Dory. Although it may not possess the same degree of initial creativity or visual grandeur, this film offers an engaging and poignant journey into the life of our forgetful friend, Dory, battling with memory loss. The exceptional talents of Albert Brooks and Ellen DeGeneres once more shine as Marlin and Dory, delivering performances that are nothing short of remarkable.
Contrasting with “Finding Nemo”, “Finding Dory” managed to exceed $1 billion at the global box office. In the U.S., “Finding Dory” ranks as the 4th highest-grossing animated film ever, trailing slightly behind the latest “Super Mario Bros. Movie.
1 Incredibles 2 (2018)
$608,581,744
Brad Bird, famous for directing Ratatouille, stepped back into the director’s chair for Incredibles 2, nearly 15 years after the original movie, The Incredibles (2004). This film finds the Parr family in the heart of a superhero revival. Once more, Brad Bird skillfully delves into themes of family and values within the extraordinary realm of superpowered beings.
At home, “Incredibles 2” ranks as the second highest-earning movie ever made, trailing only “Inside Out 2” by more than $50 million. The film’s impressive earnings can be attributed largely to the anticipation built around it, as fans had been waiting for years for a sequel. Director Brad Bird aimed to make the film as good as the original, and many believe he achieved this goal with “Incredibles 2”.
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2024-10-19 22:32