A definitive ranking of the top-earning animated movies from three industry giants: Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Illumination. This list highlights the massive box office success of franchises and standalone hits, showcasing the global appeal of family-oriented cinema.
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The sequel to Disney's record-breaking hit, this film grossed over $1.45 billion worldwide by expanding the lore of Arendelle. It featured iconic songs like 'Into the Unknown' and pushed the boundaries of 2D and 3D animation integration.
Pixar's superhero sequel surpassed its predecessor to become one of the highest-grossing animated films ever. It maintained high critical acclaim while delivering spectacular action sequences and exploring family dynamics through the lens of superpowers.
Disney's cultural phenomenon redefined the animated musical genre, earning nearly $1.3 billion globally. Its themes of sisterhood and the hit song 'Let It Go' resonated with audiences of all ages, cementing its place in pop culture history.
While developed by Illumination and Nintendo, this film often competes in the top tier of animated box office earnings. It grossed over $1.36 billion, proving the enduring power of iconic video game franchises when adapted for the big screen.
Illumination's entry in the Despicable Me franchise became their highest-grossing film, earning approximately $939 million. It successfully introduced a younger audience to the Minions' origins while maintaining the slapstick humor fans expect.
Pixar's fourth installment in the beloved toy franchise grossed over $1.07 billion worldwide. It provided a poignant conclusion to Woody's journey, balancing emotional depth with the adventurous spirit that has defined the series.
This Illumination film marked the first time the studio crossed the $1 billion mark globally. It expanded the universe with the introduction of Gru's twin brother, offering fans more laughs and heartwarming moments from the beloved villain-turned-hero.
Disney's modern classic combined a sophisticated crime thriller with accessible humor, earning nearly $1.02 billion. Its social commentary on prejudice and diversity earned it widespread critical praise and two Academy Awards.
Pixar's companion piece to Finding Nemo grossed over $1.03 billion, proving the strength of its intellectual property. The film focused on Dory's journey to find her parents, delivering emotional resonance alongside underwater adventure.
Pixar's vibrant exploration of Mexican culture and the Day of the Dead earned over $807 million globally. Its stunning visual aesthetic and deeply emotional story about family and memory resonated strongly with international audiences.
Disney and Pixar's groundbreaking look at adolescent emotions grossed over $857 million worldwide. It revolutionized how animated films tackle complex psychological themes, becoming a cultural touchstone for discussions on mental health.
Illumination solidified its place in the top tier of animated studios with this sequel, earning over $970 million. It introduced the concept of the Minions working for various villains, expanding their comedic appeal significantly.
Pixar's third entry is widely regarded as one of the greatest sequels ever made, grossing over $1.06 billion. It delivered a powerful emotional payoff to the original characters' arcs, balancing humor with themes of growing up and letting go.
Disney's oceanic adventure earned approximately $643 million, bolstered by a strong soundtrack and cultural authenticity. It showcased Disney's ability to blend mythological storytelling with modern animation techniques and memorable musical numbers.
Illumination's musical comedy grossed over $634 million, featuring a star-studded voice cast and popular songs. It established Illumination's versatility beyond the Minions, demonstrating success with original IP focused on talent competition themes.
Walt Disney Animation Studios' sequel earned over $529 million while exploring the internet as a new setting. It successfully bridged the gap between classic Disney shorts and modern digital culture, appealing to both nostalgic and new viewers.
Illumination's sequel expanded on the original's success, grossing over $402 million before and during the pandemic era. It featured new musical performances and further developed the relationships between the animal cast members.
Illumination's original IP hit the ground running, earning nearly $875 million globally. It capitalized on the universal relatability of pet ownership, offering a humorous glimpse into what domestic animals do when their owners are away.
Disney and Marvel collaborated on this superhero-origin story, which earned over $657 million. It combined heartfelt sibling dynamics with high-tech action, earning an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Disney's recent hit focused on a Colombian family with magical gifts, earning approximately $256 million theatrically but achieving massive digital success. Its soundtrack dominated charts globally, with 'We Don't Talk About Bruno' becoming a viral sensation.