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The development of animation has revolutionized how cinema is perceived. Animated movies have become a keystone of the film industry. With their ability to tap into every nuance of human imagination, animated movies have opened up a realm of possibilities previously unknown to mankind.
The engaging storylines and enchanting visuals have made these films universally entertaining projects that do not fail to leave a lasting impact. Their initial role of being reserved as children’s entertainment has transcended into a commercially successful branch of cinema. This article delves into the top 10 highest-grossing animated films that took the genre’s success to different heights.
1Inside Out 2(2024)
Box Office Collection:1.7 billion
Inside Out 2built onInside Out 1‘s success and performed overwhelmingly better than its predecessor. Directed by Kelsey Mann, the film’s unique exploration of emotions like Joy, Sadness, and Anger continues inside teenager Riley’s mind. However, these emotions are seen going through a particularly tumultuous period of Riley’s life: adolescence. In this fascinating screenplay by Meg LeFauve, the emergence of new emotions disrupts the smoothness of operations running in the brain.
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This animated feature is a refreshing take on the coming-of-age genre of films. Here the personification of emotions resonated with people of all ages across the globe.
Inside Out 2is available to stream on Disney+.
2The Lion King(2019)
Box Office Collection:$1.66 billion
The Lion King(2019) is a photorealistic CGI retelling of the popular 1997 animation movie. It is technically a hybrid of animation and live-action. The awe-strikingly real portrayals of the fan-favorite characters such as Simba, Mufasa, and Scar performed exceptionally well. The tale of Simba, a young lion who must take his rightful place as the king after his uncle Scar, murdered his father Mufasa is shown in the movie like never before.
Set in the Pride lands of Tanzania,The Lion Kingholds immense cultural significance. Fans revisit the story of Simba’s struggle and eventual ascend to his throne in the form of movies, spin-offs, theater plays, and particularly, Broadway musicals.
The film’s exploration of themes of belonging, responsibility, identity, and family resonates with audiences worldwide.
The Lion Kingis available to stream on Disney+.
3Frozen II(2019)
Box Office Collection:$1.45 billion
TheFrozenmovies have made a special place in the viewers’ hearts.Frozen IIis the continuation of a cultural phenomenon started by its predecessor in 2013. The film sees the Arendelle princesses Anna and Elsa embark on a journey where they go deep into the enchanted forest and into their past to discover the secret behind Elsa’s magical powers. Accompanied by the beloved characters of Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven; the sisters have an adventure of a lifetime.
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Apart from the heartwarming themes such as sibling love and adorable snowmen, the film is enhanced by musical masterpieces like Into the Unknown. Although the film did not live up to the hype of its predecessor, it did do spectacularly well at the box office. Another sequel in theFrozenfranchise is in the works.
As reported byVariety, theFrozen IIIwill hit theaters in Thanksgiving 2027.
Frozen IIis available to stream on Disney+.
4The Super Mario Bros. Movie(2023)
Box Office Collection:1.4 billion
The smashing success ofThe Super Mario Bros. Movietook most by surprise. The cinematic take on the beloved video game franchise took the viewers down the nostalgic lane. The film showcases the origin story of Mario and Luigi, the American plumbers of Italian origin. And how the two of them get transported to a separate world, ending up on different sides of a fight happening between the Mushroom Kingdom and the Koopas. The film also featured iconic characters such as Princess Peach and Bowser.
Humor and adventure accompanied by stunning visuals made for a delightful film that was enjoyed by audiences around the globe. With its tremendous performance at the box office, the film was the highest-grossing animated film and the second-highest-grossing film of 2023, withBarbiebeing the first. (viaBox Office Mojo)
The Super Mario Bros. Movieis available to stream on Peacock.
5Frozen(2013)
Box Office Collection:1.3 billion
Frozenintroduced the world to a fascinatingly new and enchanting world of Arendelle. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy taleThe Snow Queen. This tale of sisterly love and magical powers captured hearts worldwide. Elsa and Anna’s heartfelt story explores the themes of sisterly love, romantic love, fantastical powers, loneliness, and a sense of family.
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Furthermore, upon its release,Frozenbecame a cultural phenomenon that was enjoyed by not just kids but a significant amount of adults as well. The score of the movie greatly enhanced the essence of the film and it won several accolades including two Academy Awards, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA award among others. The film’s immense success gave rise to a franchise, which has two more films and several other forms ofFrozen-related entertainment.
Frozenis available to stream on Disney+.
6Incredibles 2(2018)
Box Office Collection:1.25 billion
WithIncredibles 2, the superpowered Parr family returned to the silver screen after a 14-year-long wait. The film resumes where its predecessor left off. And explores the dynamics of the most loved animated superhero family. The film sees the Incredibles attempting to balance family life while working to restore the public’s faith in superheroes.
The film’s success was an example of how a project can balance nostalgic value with refreshing takes. The action sequences, the humor, and the familial themes of this animation masterpiece resonated with worldwide audiences.
Fans waited over a decade for a sequel and the numbers are telling enough to say thatIncredibles 2did not disappoint.
Incredibles 2is available to stream on Disney+.
7Minions(2015)
Box Office Collection:1.15 billion
After the gibberish-speaking, yellow fellas gave a show-stealing performance inDespicable Me, they were all set to lead a film of their own.Minionswas released as a prequel toDespicable Meand splendidly outdid the film. The film shows the origins of these quirky little beings who embark on their search for an evil master.
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The film appealed to audiences globally but was an absolute hit among younger viewers. Almost in no time, there were sequels and other things in the works. This establishedMinionsas pop culture icons.
Minionsis available to stream on Netflix.
8Toy Story 4(2019)
Box Office Collection:1.07 billion
The beloved toys return for the fourth installment of the celebrated movie franchise.Toy Story 4follows Woody (voiced byTom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (voiced byTim Allen) along with the other toys head on a road trip where they are joined by a new toy, Forky. Things in this animation feature get interesting when Woody is reunited with Bo Peep.
The film explores the theme of change, identity, and the importance of letting go in life, regardless of whether one is a toy or a human; everyone must move on.
Toy Story 4is available to stream on Disney+.
9Toy Story 3(2010)
Box Office Collection:1.06 billion
The third installment of theToy Storyseries is considered one of the most emotionally reliable films. It shows Andy Davis all grown up and heading to college. He donates all his toys at the daycare his mother runs. The toys, who are not particularly happy with this must decide for themselves.
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The film’s themes of the inevitable passage of time, friendship, loyalty, and the significance of growing up resonated heavily with the audience as many had grown up with the series.
Toy Story 3is available to stream on Disney+.
10Despicable Me 3
Box Office Collection:1.03 billion
Despicable Me 3continued to be the package of entertainment like its predecessors. The third installment of the franchise introduces Gru’s long-lost twin Dru. The two brothers team up to fight the new villain, Balthazar Bratt. The presence and contribution of the ever-loved minions wonderfully enhanced the chaos and made the film an immense success.
The franchise’s global popularity, along with the promising storyline contributed to the film’s success.
Despicable Me 3is available to stream on Peacock.
Arpita Joshi
Articles Published :73
Arpita Joshi is an Evergreen Content Writer at FandomWire. With almost two years of experience, she has learned intricate details of writing in different niches, particularly entertainment.
