Top Grossing Non-Disney/Pixar Animated Films

This prequel in the Despicable Me franchise broke numerous opening weekend records globally, capitalizing on the immense popularity of the yellow characters. It secured its spot as one of the highest-grossing animated films ever by appealing to both children and nostalgic adult fans.

Marking a significant peak for the Despicable Me franchise before the Minions spin-offs, this film featured iconic villains and a family-oriented adventure. Its massive global appeal drove it to become the highest-grossing entry in the series for several years upon its release.

Nintendo and Illumination Entertainment collaborated to create a live-action/CG hybrid adaptation that became a cultural phenomenon. With over a billion dollars in revenue, it demonstrated the massive untapped potential of video game adaptations in the animated feature space.

This standalone origin story for the beloved yellow minions proved that character-driven narratives could succeed without a traditional plot. The film's merchandise success and universal humor helped it become one of the highest-grossing animated films in history at the time of its release.

While produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios, this film is distinct from the Pixar partnership and was a cultural juggernaut. Its soundtrack and emotional depth resonated with global audiences, making it one of the highest-grossing non-live-action films ever made.

The sequel to the massive hit followed its predecessor with even higher production values and a more complex narrative. It leveraged the enduring popularity of Elsa and Anna to secure its place among the top-grossing animated films globally.

Brad Bird's return to the superhero family genre delivered spectacular action sequences and strong character development. It successfully expanded on the original's success, proving that sequels to critically acclaimed animated features could achieve massive commercial heights.

Although primarily a live-action film, it features significant animated sequences and is often categorized within broader animation discussions due to its CGI intensity. It remains one of the highest-grossing films of all time, though it may be excluded depending on strict animation-only definitions.

Disney's urban allegory combined sophisticated storytelling with stunning character animation to appeal to a broad demographic. Its themes of prejudice and bias resonated globally, driving ticket sales and solidifying its status as a modern animated classic.

Pixar's underwater sequel focused on Dory's journey to find her parents, expanding the world of the original. It performed exceptionally well worldwide, leveraging the emotional connection audiences had with the characters from the first film.

This 1991 Disney classic revolutionized the animation industry by being the first animated film nominated for Best Picture. Its theatrical re-releases and enduring legacy have contributed significantly to its total box office gross over the decades.

The conclusion of Woody and Buzz's journey offered a poignant reflection on purpose and letting go. Pixar managed to maintain high audience engagement, ensuring the film performed strongly globally despite the franchise's long history.

Often cited as one of the best sequels ever made, this film provided a satisfying emotional conclusion to the trilogy. Its themes of growing up resonated deeply with audiences who had grown up alongside the characters, boosting its box office performance.

Continuing the story of Gru and his minions, this film introduced new villains and expanded the universe's lore. It was a critical and commercial success, further cementing the franchise's place in the animation landscape.

Due to its simultaneous release on Peacock during the pandemic, it blurred traditional box office metrics. However, its massive digital reach and subsequent home entertainment sales have made it one of the most successful animated titles in recent years.

DreamWorks Animation's sequel improved upon the original with better humor and star-studded voice casting. It set a new standard for animated sequels and remained a box office giant for many years after its release.

DreamWorks' fantasy adventure captivated audiences with its stunning visuals and heartfelt story of friendship between a boy and a dragon. Its high rewatch value and strong merchandise sales contributed to its enduring financial success.

Studio Ghibli's masterpiece is a cornerstone of international animation, winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Its critical acclaim has led to numerous re-releases, maintaining its status as one of the highest-grossing non-English animated films.

This sequel deepened the lore of Berk and introduced more complex characters and emotional stakes. It demonstrated that animated franchises could mature with their audience, leading to strong global box office returns.

Disney's take on the Rapunzel legend combined traditional musical elements with modern computer animation techniques. Its fresh take on a classic fairy tale helped it perform well at the box office and in subsequent home media sales.