A curated ranking of the most commercially successful animated feature films produced outside the traditional Hollywood studio system. This list highlights major hits from Japan, South Korea, France, and other international markets that have achieved significant box office dominance, showcasing the global reach and financial power of non-US animation industries.
Get targeted exposure with custom position pinning and highlighted placement.
This Japanese anime film shattered global box office records, becoming the highest-grossing anime film of all time and one of the highest-grossing films overall. It captivated audiences with its stunning Ufotable animation and emotional storytelling, earning over $500 million worldwide.
Makoto Shinkai's supernatural romance became a cultural phenomenon in Japan and internationally, breaking box office records for anime films outside the US. Its unique visual style and heartfelt narrative resonated with millions, generating over $380 million in global theatrical revenue.
Hayao Miyazaki's masterpiece is not only the highest-grossing film in Japanese history but also a global critical darling that won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It grossed over $395 million worldwide, setting a precedent for the international success of Studio Ghibli productions.
Although produced by DreamWorks Animation, this film is often grouped in broader animation discussions. However, strictly adhering to non-Hollywood, we focus on truly international hits. *Correction*: This entry is excluded to maintain strict non-Hollywood criteria. Instead, we highlight another major hit.
Another Hayao Miyazaki epic that achieved massive commercial success upon its release, grossing over $260 million worldwide. The film combines Miyazaki's signature hand-drawn aesthetic with complex themes, cementing Studio Ghibli's position in the global top tier of animated cinema.
This prequel to the popular manga series became one of the highest-grossing anime films of 2022, earning nearly $130 million globally. It showcased the enduring popularity of modern shonen anime, attracting both dedicated fans and new viewers with its intense action and polished animation.
Makoto Shinkai's subsequent hit followed 'Your Name' and 'Weathering with You,' grossing over $260 million worldwide. The film's road-trip adventure structure and emotional depth appealed to international audiences, further establishing Shinkai as a leading figure in global animation.
An early Studio Ghibli classic that has consistently performed well in international markets, with re-releases boosting its total earnings. It features Miyazaki's imaginative world-building and steampunk aesthetics, remaining a favorite among fans of classic adventure animation.
This epic fantasy by Hayao Miyazaki grossed over $230 million globally, becoming a landmark in anime history. Its mature themes and complex characters appealed to adult audiences, breaking stereotypes about anime being exclusively for children and achieving mainstream success in Western markets.
Adapted from Diana Wynne Jones's novel, this film was the highest-grossing film in Japan in 2004 and earned over $230 million worldwide. Its whimsical design and romantic plot have made it a staple of international animation fandom and critical acclaim.
While more somber in tone, this Studio Ghibli film has had a long theatrical life and significant international distribution, earning substantial revenue over decades. It remains a critically revered work for its powerful anti-war message and devastating emotional impact.
Mamoru Hosoda's heartfelt family drama grossed over $30 million in Japan alone, with international sales adding significantly to its total. Its realistic portrayal of single motherhood and the struggle of identity resonated deeply with audiences, establishing Hosoda as a major directorial talent.
Hayao Miyazaki's biographical drama about aircraft designer Jiro Horikoshi grossed over $130 million worldwide. It marked Miyazaki's retirement film at the time and showcased his ability to blend historical fiction with personal storytelling, attracting a sophisticated global audience.
Mamoru Hosoda's film about family dynamics and time travel earned critical acclaim and decent box office returns, particularly in Japan and Asia. It demonstrated the growing international appetite for Japanese animated films that focus on contemporary family issues.
This Japanese anime film series adapted from the popular manga, with the first film grossing over $20 million in Japan. It introduced audiences to a modern urban fantasy genre within anime, appealing to fans of supernatural action and horror elements.
Preceding 'Your Name' and 'Suzume' in Shinkai's trilogy of hits, this film grossed over $190 million globally. Its theme of climate change and youth romance struck a chord with international viewers, further solidifying Shinkai's status as a box office powerhouse outside the US.
This French animated film achieved significant success in European markets, grossing over $20 million domestically. It offers a unique take on historical fantasy, highlighting the strength of European animation studios in producing commercially viable, culturally specific content.
Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon's debut feature grossed over $11 million worldwide, a remarkable feat for an indie European production. Its beautiful watercolor art style and Irish folklore themes earned critical praise and a strong niche audience globally.
Produced in Canada and Ireland, this film grossed over $11 million worldwide, bringing attention to Afghan culture and women's rights. It demonstrated the potential for co-productions to achieve international recognition and box office success while addressing serious social themes.
Also known as 'Mirai,' this film represents the growing influence of Asian animation in global markets. Its exploration of sibling rivalry and family history through a magical realism lens has kept it relevant and commercially viable in streaming and home video markets worldwide.