Animated films have a magical way of reaching audiences across all ages and cultures. Whether it’s the timeless stories, breathtaking visuals, or emotional connections, animated movies continue to dominate the global film industry. Some go beyond just being fan favorites — they become box office legends.
Let’s dive into the world of animation and explore the top 10 highest grossing animated films of all time, films that didn’t just entertain, but made cinematic history.
1. The Lion King (2019) – $1.66 Billion
Though often mistaken as a remake, this CGI-animated version of the 1994 classic roared louder than anyone expected. With stunning lifelike visuals, a nostalgic soundtrack, and a heart-wrenching storyline, Disney’s The Lion King became the highest-grossing animated movie ever — and it’s easy to see why.
2. Frozen II (2019) – $1.45 Billion
Elsa, Anna, and Olaf returned stronger than ever in this emotional sequel. With powerful themes of self-discovery and an even more mesmerizing soundtrack, Frozen II enchanted the world and surpassed its predecessor in box office success.
3. Incredibles 2 (2018) – $1.24 Billion
After a 14-year wait, fans finally saw the return of the superhero family. Pixar’s Incredibles 2 lived up to expectations with high-stakes action, smart humor, and a story that resonated with both kids and adults alike.
4. Minions (2015) – $1.16 Billion
Love them or not, the Minions took the world by storm. Their silly antics and universal humor made Minions an instant international sensation and a massive financial success.
5. Toy Story 4 (2019) – $1.07 Billion
The farewell to Woody, Buzz, and the gang was emotional yet satisfying. Toy Story 4 delivered a powerful message about identity, love, and finding your own path, leaving audiences tearful and theaters full.
6. Toy Story 3 (2010) – $1.06 Billion
Before part four, Toy Story 3 was already considered the perfect conclusion. With emotional depth and nostalgic storytelling, it bridged generations and solidified Pixar’s place in cinematic history.
7. Despicable Me 3 (2017) – $1.03 Billion
Gru’s journey continued with hilarious twists, new villains, and plenty of Minion mayhem. Despicable Me 3 proved that the franchise was far from losing steam.
8. Finding Dory (2016) – $1.02 Billion
Everyone’s favorite forgetful fish made a splash with this heartwarming sequel. Finding Dory reminded audiences of the beauty of family, friendship, and persistence, wrapped in colorful underwater adventures.
9. Zootopia (2016) – $1.02 Billion
A modern classic with a deep social message, Zootopia cleverly used its animal metropolis to tackle themes of diversity and inclusion. With engaging storytelling and vibrant animation, it became a global favorite.
10. Despicable Me 2 (2013) – $970 Million
The rise of Gru as a lovable anti-hero continued to charm the masses. With more heart, laughter, and bananas, Despicable Me 2 rounded out the top 10 with an impressive box office performance.
Why These Films Matter
These films do more than entertain. They push the boundaries of storytelling, technology, and emotion. Each one demonstrates that animated movies aren’t just “for kids” — they are powerful cinematic experiences that bring families together, evoke deep emotions, and reflect real-world themes.
From Pixar’s heartwarming tales to Disney’s musical epics and Illumination’s laugh-out-loud comedies, these top 10 animated films have earned their place in history not just by their earnings, but by the lasting impact they’ve made on audiences around the globe.
Where Can You Watch the Top Animated Films?
That’s a great question! Some of the most popular animated movies are available on Netflix, while others are only found on platforms like Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, or Apple TV, depending on which company made them.
Here’s a simple guide to help you find where these movies are usually available:
Sometimes Available on Netflix (depends on your country):
- Minions (2015) – May be available on Netflix in some places.
- Despicable Me 2 (2013) – Often shows up on Netflix, depending on where you live.
- Despicable Me 3 (2017) – Also available in some regions.
These movies are made by Illumination, and Netflix often gets the rights to stream them, at least in certain countries.
Not on Netflix (Usually on Disney+):
Big hits from Disney and Pixar are usually only on Disney+, including:
- The Lion King (2019)
- Frozen II (2019)
- Incredibles 2 (2018)
- Toy Story 3 (2010)
- Toy Story 4 (2019)
- Finding Dory (2016)
- Zootopia (2016)
If you’re looking for these beloved titles, Disney+ is the best place to watch them.
How to Know Where a Movie is Streaming?
Since movies can move between streaming services, it’s a good idea to:
- Search directly on Netflix or any other app you use
- Or check websites like JustWatch.com, which tell you where a movie is currently available in your country
If the movie isn’t available to stream, you can usually rent or buy it on platforms like:
- YouTube Movies
- Google Play
- Apple TV
- Amazon Prime Video
Final Thoughts
The animated film industry continues to evolve, with new releases constantly vying for the top spot. As technology advances and storytelling becomes even more inclusive and creative, we can expect many more animated blockbusters to join this elite list.
Which of these animated hits is your favorite? Or is there one you think deserves to be up there? Share your thoughts with us and stay tuned for more movie updates and entertainment insights!