The Highest-Grossing Animated Movies of All Time: A Look at the Top Contenders
Animated movies have captivated audiences for decades with their charming stories and vibrant visuals. With advancements in technology and storytelling, these films have not only entertained millions but also broken box office records. As of 2024, the debate over the highest-grossing animated movie of all time continues, with Disney hits like “Frozen II” and the live-action/CGI hybrid “The Lion King” leading the discussion. Let’s dive into the top contenders and see how they stack up against each other.
1. Highest-Grossing Animated Movie: “Frozen II”
Disney’s “Frozen II,” released in 2019, holds the title of the highest-grossing animated movie of all time, with a remarkable worldwide gross of $1.45 billion. The sequel to the 2013 hit “Frozen,” this film continues the story of Princess Anna and Queen Elsa as they embark on a journey to discover the origins of Elsa’s magical ice powers. With returning stars Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, and Josh Gad, “Frozen II” delivered a compelling narrative and captivating animation that resonated globally.
2. The “Frozen II” Debate: The Lion King Controversy
While “Frozen II” claims the top spot among animated films, some debate surrounds Disney’s “The Lion King” (2019), a hyper-realistic CGI remake of the 1994 classic. “The Lion King” grossed $1.66 billion worldwide, surpassing “Frozen II” in total earnings. However, Disney categorized it as a live-action film despite its animated nature, leading to controversy. Director Jon Favreau has described it as a blend of live-action and animation, but it was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 2019 Golden Globes, complicating its classification.
3. Top 10 Highest-Grossing Animated Movies
Here’s a look at the top 10 highest-grossing animated movies based on worldwide earnings:
- Frozen II (2019) – $1.45 billion
- Frozen (2013) – $1.28 billion
- Incredibles 2 (2018) – $1.24 billion
- Minions (2015) – $1.16 billion
- Toy Story 4 (2019) – $1.07 billion
- Toy Story 3 (2010) – $1.06 billion
- Despicable Me 3 (2017) – $1.03 billion
- Finding Dory (2016) – $1.03 billion
- Zootopia (2016) – $1.02 billion
- Despicable Me 2 (2013) – $971 million
4. Top Animated Movies by Domestic Earnings
In the U.S., the rankings shift slightly. Here are the top animated films by domestic box office earnings:
- Incredibles 2 (2018) – $608 million
- Finding Dory (2016) – $486 million
- Frozen II (2019) – $477 million
- Shrek 2 (2004) – $441 million
- Toy Story 4 (2019) – $434 million
- Toy Story 3 (2010) – $415 million
- Frozen (2013) – $401 million
- Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022) – $370 million
- The Secret Life of Pets (2016) – $368 million
- Despicable Me 2 (2013) – $368 million
The debate over the highest-grossing animated movie continues, with “Frozen II” leading the charge in total worldwide earnings, while “The Lion King” (2019) remains a notable contender despite its mixed classification. As animation technology advances and storytelling evolves, it will be fascinating to see how future releases fare against these record-breaking hits. For now, these films represent some of the most successful and beloved animated features in cinema history.
