A definitive ranking of the most commercially successful animated feature films that do not fall under the Disney or Pixar banners, highlighting global box office achievements from studios like Illumination, Universal, and Studio Ghibli.
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Released in 2015, this spinoff prequel focused on the origin of the iconic yellow characters. It shattered box office records upon release, becoming the highest-grossing film directed by a debut feature filmmaker at the time.
The third installment in the beloved franchise introduced new villains and expanded the universe with greater scale. It capitalized on the strong brand recognition of its predecessors to achieve massive worldwide theatrical returns.
This sequel deepened the relationship between Gru and his daughters while introducing Lucy Wilde. It successfully combined heartwarming family moments with high-octane spy action, resonating with audiences across multiple demographics globally.
Illumination Entertainment's original IP explores the secret lives of pets when their owners leave. The film's relatable premise and vibrant animation style drove significant ticket sales, proving that original concepts can rival established franchises.
This musical comedy centered on a koala who decides to restore his crumbling theater. It featured pop music covers performed by well-known artists, creating a broad appeal that extended beyond typical animated movie audiences.
The original film that started the global phenomenon, redefining the superhero genre by making the hero a villain. It established the emotional core and comedic timing that would sustain the franchise for over a decade.
Pixar's vibrant tribute to Mexican culture and Day of the Dead traditions received universal acclaim. While produced by Disney-owned Pixar, it stands as a unique artistic achievement, often categorized separately due to its distinct cultural focus and non-traditional narrative structure.
Hayao Miyazaki's masterpiece from Studio Ghibli remains the highest-grossing film in Japanese cinema history. It won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and is celebrated for its intricate hand-drawn animation and surreal storytelling.
Although distributed by Disney, this film is often noted for its massive cultural impact separate from Pixar. Its soundtrack became a global phenomenon, and it remains one of the highest-grossing animated films ever made in history.
This anime-style animated feature serves as a prequel to Peter Jackson's live-action trilogy. It brings a distinct visual style to the Middle-earth universe, targeting long-time fans of the fantasy epic genre.