Top 15 Highest-Grossing Purely Animated Film Franchises

This spin-off series within the Despicable Me universe has become a global phenomenon, particularly among younger demographics. The films leverage the quirky charm of the yellow characters to achieve massive box office returns, often surpassing their parent franchise's individual entries.

Starring the anti-hero Gru and his team of Minions, this franchise redefined the animated family comedy genre with its unique blend of heartwarming family dynamics and high-stakes action. It consistently delivers strong global ticket sales across multiple installments.

Disney's modern fairy tale phenomenon captivated audiences worldwide with its catchy songs and stunning visual effects. The original film and its sequel represent some of the highest-grossing animated releases in history, driven by extensive merchandise and theme park integration.

Disney's 1994 classic remains one of the most financially successful animated films ever made, with its 2019 photorealistic remake further boosting its total gross. The franchise's enduring legacy is sustained by theatrical re-releases and cultural relevance.

Pixar's superhero family saga combines spectacular action sequences with relatable domestic themes. The long-awaited sequel successfully capitalized on the nostalgia of the original, securing a top spot among highest-grossing animated sequels globally.

As Pixar's groundbreaking original franchise, it pioneered the CGI feature film era. The series has maintained commercial dominance through emotional storytelling and technological innovation, making it one of the most profitable animated series in cinema history.

DreamWorks' parody-heavy franchise revolutionized animated humor with its adult-oriented jokes and pop culture references. Despite fluctuating critical reception, the original trilogy and subsequent specials have generated billions in global box office revenue.

Sony's innovative visual style and multiverse storytelling earned critical acclaim and commercial success. The franchise expanded with a sequel that further pushed artistic boundaries, becoming one of the most beloved animated superhero series.

Pixar's underwater adventure resonated deeply with families, creating iconic characters like Marlin and Dory. The original film and its sequel have collectively grossed over a billion dollars, bolstered by continuous presence in theme parks and home media.

This franchise is celebrated for its emotional depth, stunning aerial animation, and rich world-building. The trilogy provided a satisfying narrative arc, culminating in high box office returns that secured its place among top-grossing animated series.

Disney's modern detective story combined sharp social commentary with appealing animal characters to achieve massive global success. The film's unique setting and engaging mystery kept audiences engaged, resulting in record-breaking opening weekends and total gross.

DreamWorks' martial arts comedy blended Eastern philosophy with Western humor to create a lasting hit. The franchise's success is driven by its charming protagonist, Po, and consistent box office performance across multiple sequels.

This series of prehistoric adventures brought humor and heart through its ensemble cast of animals. Despite mixed reviews for later entries, the franchise achieved significant commercial success, particularly in its earlier installments which defined the era.

Disney's retelling of Rapunzel showcased a new artistic direction for the studio, merging traditional character design with advanced CGI. Its strong financial performance laid the groundwork for future animated ventures and remains a top earner.

Marvel and Disney collaborated to create a superhero story with a unique tech-driven aesthetic. The film's emotional core and distinctive visual style contributed to its strong box office performance, distinguishing it within the animated superhero genre.