Highest Grossing Disney Animated Movies - Top 10 Successful Films
by Maivizhi A
Updated Nov 27, 2023
Highest-Grossing Disney Animated Movies
Disney has long been the unrivaled maestro in the magical realm of animated storytelling, enchanting audiences of all ages with timeless tales, unforgettable characters, and breathtaking animation. As a testament to their unparalleled creativity and storytelling prowess, Disney has produced a dazzling array of animated movies that have not only captivated hearts but also shattered box office records. This journey through the highest-grossing Disney animated movies invites you to explore the captivating worlds, relive the heartwarming adventures, and marvel at the cinematic brilliance that has made Disney a global cultural phenomenon.
1
Frozen II
2019
$1.45 billion
2
Frozen
2013
$1.28 billion
3
Incredibles 2
2018
$1.24 billion
4
Toy Story 4
2019
$1.07 billion
5
Toy Story 3
2010
$1.06 billion
6
Finding Dory
2016
$1.02 billion
7
Zootopia
2016
$1.02 billion
8
The Lion King
1994
$968 million
9
Finding Nemo
2003
$941 million
10
Inside Out
2015
$858 million
S. No
Movie
Release Year
Box Office Earnings
From the enchanting fairy tales of the early classics like "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" to the groundbreaking achievements of the Disney Renaissance with films like "The Lion King" and "Beauty and the Beast," the studio has consistently raised the bar for animated storytelling. The journey doesn't stop there; Pixar, a Disney subsidiary, has added its own brand of magic with computer-animated masterpieces such as "Toy Story" and "Finding Nemo," contributing to the studio's extraordinary legacy.
This exploration wouldn't be complete without a nod to the more recent triumphs that have continued to solidify Disney's dominance in the animation realm. "Frozen," with its empowering anthem "Let It Go," became a cultural phenomenon, while "Moana" sailed into the hearts of audiences with its stunning visuals and empowering narrative. The unstoppable success of these films, both critically and commercially, underscores Disney's ability to evolve and resonate with audiences across generations.
Top 10 Highest-Grossing Disney Animated Movies
As we embark on this cinematic journey, we'll delve into the fascinating stories behind these animated gems, uncover the innovative techniques that brought them to life, and celebrate the indelible mark they have left on the entertainment world. Join us as we explore the highest-grossing Disney animated movies, a testament to the enduring magic that continues to make Disney a beacon of imagination and storytelling excellence.
1. Frozen II - 2019 ($1.45 billion)
Frozen II, released in 2019, stands as one of Disney's highest-grossing animated movies, amassing a staggering $1.45 billion worldwide. The film, directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, is a sequel to the immensely popular Frozen (2013). Building on the success of its predecessor, Frozen II continued the enchanting tale of sisters Elsa and Anna.
Set in the mystical land of Arendelle, Frozen II explores the origins of Elsa's magical powers and the sisters' quest to discover the truth about their family. The film's breathtaking animation, coupled with a compelling storyline and a soundtrack featuring hit songs like "Into the Unknown," contributed to its immense box office success. Audiences were captivated by the characters' journeys and the expansion of the Frozen universe.
The movie's international appeal played a significant role in its financial triumph. It resonated with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, becoming a cultural phenomenon globally. Frozen II not only solidified Disney's prowess in creating animated blockbusters but also demonstrated the enduring popularity of the Frozen franchise.
2. Frozen - 2013 ($1.28 billion)
Frozen, released in 2013, was a groundbreaking success for Disney, grossing $1.28 billion worldwide. Directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, the film became an instant classic, captivating audiences with its compelling narrative, memorable characters, and iconic soundtrack.
At the heart of Frozen is the story of two royal sisters, Elsa and Anna, navigating the challenges of Elsa's magical ice powers and the bonds of sisterhood. The film's theme of self-discovery and empowerment resonated with audiences, making it a cultural phenomenon. The song "Let It Go" became a global anthem, and Elsa's character became an empowering symbol for audiences worldwide.
Frozen's success extended beyond the box office, earning critical acclaim and accolades, including two Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song. Its impact on popular culture and the animation industry solidified Frozen as a Disney classic.
3. Incredibles 2 - 2018 ($1.24 billion)
Incredibles 2, released in 2018, soared to a remarkable $1.24 billion in global box office revenue. Directed by Brad Bird, the film picked up right where The Incredibles (2004) left off, continuing the story of the Parr family and their superhero adventures.
The long-awaited sequel capitalized on the nostalgic love for the original while introducing new elements, including the spotlight on Elastigirl as the family's main superhero. Incredibles 2 was praised for its action sequences, humor, and thematic depth, appealing to both children and adults.
The film's success underscored the enduring popularity of Pixar and Disney collaborations. With its impressive box office performance, Incredibles 2 reaffirmed the demand for compelling animated storytelling and showcased the timeless appeal of beloved characters in the world of animation.
4. Toy Story 4 - 2019 ($1.07 billion)
Released in 2019, "Toy Story 4" is the fourth installment in the beloved Toy Story franchise. Directed by Josh Cooley, the film follows Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and their toy friends as they embark on a new adventure with a spork named Forky. The movie explores themes of loyalty, friendship, and self-discovery, resonating with audiences of all ages.
"Toy Story 4" was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $1.07 billion worldwide. Its impressive box office performance can be attributed to the enduring popularity of the Toy Story brand, coupled with the film's heartwarming narrative and stunning animation. The movie received praise for its emotional depth, humor, and the introduction of new characters that added richness to the Toy Story universe.
The success of "Toy Story 4" not only reaffirmed the franchise's enduring appeal but also showcased Disney and Pixar's ability to create compelling stories that resonate with global audiences. The film's financial achievements solidified it as one of the highest-grossing Disney animated movies, contributing to the overall success of the Pixar Animation Studios and Disney partnership.
5. Toy Story 3 - 2010 ($1.06 billion)
"Toy Story 3," released in 2010 and directed by Lee Unkrich, continued the adventures of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the gang. The film centered around the toys' journey to a daycare center after their owner, Andy, prepares to leave for college. The emotional depth of the story, coupled with the nostalgia of longtime fans, contributed to the film's immense success.
Grossing over $1.06 billion worldwide, "Toy Story 3" became a cultural phenomenon. It received critical acclaim for its poignant storytelling, humor, and themes of growing up and letting go. The movie resonated not only with the generation that grew up with the original Toy Story in 1995 but also with new audiences, making it a cross-generational success.
The financial success of "Toy Story 3" underscored Disney and Pixar's ability to create animated films that appeal to both children and adults. The movie's box office achievements further solidified the Toy Story franchise as a cornerstone of animated storytelling, setting the stage for the later success of "Toy Story 4."
6. Finding Dory- 2016 ($1.02 billion)
Released in 2016, "Finding Dory" is the sequel to the 2003 hit "Finding Nemo" and is directed by Andrew Stanton. The film focuses on Dory, the forgetful blue tang fish, as she embarks on a journey to reunite with her long-lost family. The heartwarming story, coupled with stunning underwater animation, contributed to the film's success.
"Finding Dory" grossed over $1.02 billion globally, making it one of the highest-grossing Disney animated movies. The film resonated with audiences of all ages, combining humor, emotion, and a compelling narrative. It addressed themes of family, perseverance, and self-discovery, much like its predecessor.
The financial success of "Finding Dory" demonstrated the enduring popularity of the characters from "Finding Nemo" and Pixar's ability to create sequels that captivate audiences. The film's box office achievements solidified Pixar's reputation for creating animated films that not only entertain but also resonate with a broad and diverse audience.
7. Zootopia - 2016 ($1.02 billion)
Released in 2016, "Zootopia" quickly became one of Disney's highest-grossing animated films. Directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore, this anthropomorphic adventure took audiences on a journey to the bustling city of Zootopia, where a bunny named Judy Hopps teams up with a sly fox named Nick Wilde to solve a mysterious case.
The film's clever blend of humor, engaging storytelling, and a relevant social message contributed to its immense success. "Zootopia" explores themes of prejudice and inclusivity, using its diverse animal characters to address real-world issues. The animation was praised for its attention to detail, creating a vibrant and immersive world that captivated audiences of all ages.
The movie's global box office earnings surpassed the $1 billion mark, solidifying its status as a blockbuster hit. "Zootopia" received critical acclaim for its clever plot twists, compelling characters, and the way it tackled important social themes in a family-friendly manner.
8. The Lion King - 1994 ($968 million)
"The Lion King," released in 1994, remains a timeless classic in the Disney animated filmography. Directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff, this epic musical journey follows the life of Simba, a young lion prince, as he navigates the challenges of growing up and reclaiming his place as the rightful king of the Pride Lands.
With its iconic soundtrack, featuring songs like "Circle of Life" and "Hakuna Matata," and stunning animation, "The Lion King" captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. The film's emotional depth, memorable characters, and Shakespearean-inspired plot resonated with both children and adults.
Earning an impressive $968 million at the global box office, "The Lion King" became one of the highest-grossing animated films of its time. Its success led to various adaptations, including a Broadway musical and a CGI-animated remake in 2019, further solidifying its place in Disney history.
9. Finding Nemo - 2003 ($941 million)
Directed by Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich, "Finding Nemo" took audiences on a breathtaking underwater adventure in 2003. The film follows Marlin, a clownfish, as he embarks on a perilous journey across the ocean to find his son, Nemo, who has been captured by a diver and placed in a fish tank.
Featuring vibrant animation and a heartwarming story, "Finding Nemo" became a massive success for Disney. The film's memorable characters, including the forgetful but lovable Dory, contributed to its widespread appeal. The underwater world created by Pixar Animation Studios showcased their technical prowess, with stunning visuals that brought the ocean to life.
"Finding Nemo" grossed an impressive $941 million globally, solidifying its place as one of Disney's highest-grossing animated films. Its success paved the way for Pixar's continued collaboration with Disney, marking a significant milestone in the history of animated filmmaking.
10. Inside Out - 2015 ($858 million)
Pixar's "Inside Out," directed by Pete Docter and Ronnie del Carmen, took audiences on a journey into the mind of an 11-year-old girl named Riley. The film explores the emotions—Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust—that guide Riley's actions as she copes with significant life changes.
The unique and imaginative concept of personifying emotions struck a chord with both children and adults, making "Inside Out" a critical and commercial success. The film's creative storytelling, emotional depth, and visually inventive representation of the mind contributed to its popularity.
"Inside Out" received widespread acclaim for its originality, humor, and emotional resonance. It won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and solidified Pixar's reputation for creating films that appeal to a broad audience while addressing complex themes. The success of "Inside Out" further established Pixar as a leader in the animation industry.
Top Highest-Grossing Animated Movies
In the magical kingdom of Disney animation, the journey through the highest-grossing films is a testament to the studio's enduring legacy of storytelling excellence. From the enchanting classics that laid the foundation to the modern blockbusters that continue to captivate audiences worldwide, Disney's animated movies have not only shattered box office records but also left an indelible mark on the hearts of generations.
The top 10 highest-grossing Disney animated movies stand as a dazzling showcase of the studio's ability to evolve with the times while staying true to the core elements that make their films timeless. From the ice-capped landscapes of "Frozen II" to the heartwarming adventures of "Toy Story 3" and the underwater journey of "Finding Nemo," each film has contributed to Disney's unparalleled success in the animation realm.
The list is a journey through the evolution of animation, from hand-drawn classics to cutting-edge computer-animated wonders, showcasing the collaborative brilliance of Disney and its subsidiary, Pixar. As we celebrate the success of these films, we recognize not only the financial triumphs but also the cultural impact they have had on audiences around the globe.
Disney's ability to weave compelling narratives, create iconic characters, and explore themes that resonate across generations has solidified its status as a beacon of imagination and storytelling excellence. As we continue to be enthralled by the magic of Disney animation, the highest-grossing films stand as a testament to the studio's unwavering commitment to creating cinematic masterpieces that transcend time and leave an everlasting enchantment on the hearts of viewers.
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Highest Grossing Disney Animated Movies - FAQs
As of now, "Frozen II," released in 2019, holds the title as Disney's highest-grossing animated movie, amassing an astounding $1.45 billion worldwide.
The top 10 list includes a diverse range of Disney animated movies, from timeless classics like "The Lion King" to modern hits like "Zootopia."
Pixar, a Disney subsidiary, contributed significantly to the list with movies such as "Toy Story 3" and "Inside Out," showcasing their innovative storytelling and animation techniques.
"Frozen," released in 2013, became a cultural phenomenon, thanks in part to its empowering anthem, "Let It Go," and its impact on audiences of all ages.
Yes, both "Frozen II" and "Toy Story 4" are sequels that continued the stories of their immensely popular predecessors.