Highest-Grossing Animated Films
The highest-grossing animated films are those that have achieved remarkable commercial success at the global box office, often surpassing the billion-dollar mark. These films captivate audiences of all ages, combining stunning visuals, engaging storytelling, and memorable characters, making them beloved worldwide.
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In recent years, franchises like Disney's "Frozen," Pixar's "Toy Story," and Universal's "Despicable Me" have dominated the animated film landscape, each contributing significantly to box office records. "Frozen II," for instance, grossed over $1.45 billion, while "Toy Story 4" also crossed the billion-dollar threshold, showcasing the enduring popularity of these franchises. Animation studios have adeptly utilized advancements in technology, allowing them to create visually stunning films that resonate with both children and adults. The success of these films is not merely financial; they often receive critical acclaim, winning prestigious awards like the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. As the animation industry continues to evolve, we can anticipate new stories and characters that will redefine the genre and capture the hearts of audiences worldwide.
The Lion KingView AllThe Lion King - Royal lion cub overcomes adversity to reclaim throne.
Frozen IIView AllFrozen II - Elsa and Anna uncover their family's ancient secrets.
FrozenView AllFrozen - An animated film about two sisters and magic.
Incredibles 2View AllIncredibles 2 - Superheroes unite to battle a new villain and family dynamics.
MinionsView AllMinions - Silly yellow creatures, loyal servants, love bananas, comedic antics.
Toy Story 4View AllToy Story 4 - Woody and friends embark on a new adventure together.
Toy Story 3View AllToy Story 3 - Toys face uncertainty as their owner grows up.
Despicable Me 3View AllDespicable Me 3 - Gru faces a former villain while embracing family and friendship.
Finding DoryView AllFinding Dory - A forgetful fish searches for her lost family.
ZootopiaView AllZootopia - Animated film about a diverse city of anthropomorphic animals.
Highest-Grossing Animated Films
1.
The Lion King
The Lion King is a classic Disney animated film that tells the story of a young lion named Simba, who is destined to become king of the Pride Lands. However, after the death of his father, Mufasa, Simba's uncle Scar takes over as king and banishes Simba from the kingdom. With the help of new friends Timon and Pumbaa, Simba learns important life lessons and ultimately returns to reclaim his rightful place as king. The film is a timeless tale of love, loss, and the importance of embracing one's destiny.
Pros
Beautiful animation- memorable songs
- powerful themes.
Cons
Some scenes may be intense for young children- some critics find it unoriginal.
2.
Frozen II
"Frozen II" is the enchanting sequel to Disney's beloved animated film "Frozen." Released in 2019, it follows sisters Anna and Elsa as they embark on a perilous journey beyond Arendelle to uncover the truth about Elsa’s magical powers and their family's past. Joined by friends Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven, they navigate mystical forests and ancient spirits, facing challenges that test their bond and bravery. With stunning animation, captivating songs including "Into the Unknown," and themes of self-discovery and bravery, "Frozen II" expands the magical world while deepening the emotional connection between characters.
Pros
- Stunning visuals
- strong themes
- character development.
Cons
- Pacing issues
- complex plot
- less memorable songs than original.
3.
Frozen
Frozen is a heartwarming and magical animated film that follows the journey of two sisters, Elsa and Anna, in the kingdom of Arendelle. Elsa, who has the power to create ice and snow, accidentally plunges the kingdom into eternal winter with her abilities. Anna sets off on a perilous journey to find her sister and save their kingdom, accompanied by the rugged iceman Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and the hilarious snowman Olaf. Filled with catchy songs, stunning animation, and a message of love and acceptance, Frozen is a beloved tale of sisterhood and self-discovery.
Pros
- Catchy songs
- beautiful animation
- strong female characters.
Cons
- Over-marketed
- repetitive storyline
- potential for merchandise overload.
4.
Incredibles 2
"Incredibles 2" picks up right where its predecessor left off, following the superhero family, the Parrs, as they navigate the challenges of modern life. With Mr. Incredible taking on the role of stay-at-home dad while Elastigirl is recruited to lead a campaign for superhero legalization, the dynamics of their family are tested. Meanwhile, they face a new villain, Screenslaver, who uses technology to manipulate and control people. The film explores themes of family, identity, and the balance between personal and societal responsibilities, all wrapped in stunning animation and action-packed sequences.
Pros
- Engaging animation
- strong characters
- humor
- and family themes
Cons
- lacks the original's freshness
- and pacing issues
5.
Minions
"Minions" is a popular animated film franchise produced by Illumination Entertainment, featuring small, yellow, and mischievous creatures known as Minions. These lovable characters, with their childlike behavior and whimsical language, serve as the loyal henchmen to the villainous Gru. The original film, released in 2015, showcases their quest for a new master, leading to hilarious antics and heartwarming moments. The franchise has expanded to include sequels and spin-offs, captivating audiences of all ages with its blend of humor, adventure, and the enduring charm of its quirky characters.
Pros
- Family-friendly humor
- vibrant animation
- catchy music
Cons
- jokes
- lack of depth
- oversaturation in media
6.
Toy Story 4
"Toy Story 4" continues the beloved Pixar franchise, reuniting audiences with Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and their friends. This installment follows Woody as he grapples with his identity and purpose after being given to a new child, Forky, a handmade toy who struggles to understand his role. As the toys embark on a road trip with their new owner, they encounter old friends and new challenges, leading Woody to a reunion with his long-lost love, Bo Peep. The film explores themes of friendship, belonging, and the meaning of being a toy, delivering heartwarming moments and humor.
Pros
- Engaging story
- emotional depth
- stunning animation
- strong character development
Cons
- it unnecessary
- less impact than previous films
7.
Toy Story 3
"Toy Story 3" is a vibrant animated film released in 2010, continuing the beloved saga of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and their toy friends. As Andy prepares to leave for college, the toys face an uncertain future. Mistakenly sent to a daycare center, they encounter both new friends and formidable foes. The film explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the bittersweet nature of growing up. With heartwarming moments and humor, "Toy Story 3" captivates audiences of all ages, culminating in an emotional farewell that resonates deeply with fans of the franchise.
Pros
- Emotional depth
- strong character development
- nostalgic themes.
Cons
- Some darker themes may not suit younger audiences
- pacing issues.
8.
Despicable Me 3
"Despicable Me 3" is an animated comedy film released in 2017, the third installment in the popular Despicable Me franchise. The story follows former supervillain Gru, his wife Lucy, and their adorable daughters Margo, Edith, and Agnes as they face a new threat: a flamboyant villain named Balthazar Bratt, a former child star obsessed with the 1980s. As Gru reconnects with his long-lost twin brother, Dru, they team up to thwart Bratt's evil plans. The film blends humor, heartwarming moments, and the beloved Minions, making it a delightful adventure for families.
Pros
- Humor
- family themes
- engaging characters.
Cons
- Predictable plot
- less originality
- weaker than previous installments.
9.
Finding Dory
"Finding Dory" is a heartwarming animated film and sequel to "Finding Nemo," produced by Pixar Animation Studios. The story follows Dory, a forgetful blue tang fish, as she embarks on a journey to find her long-lost parents, whom she can't remember. Alongside her friends Marlin and Nemo, Dory navigates the challenges of the ocean and encounters various sea creatures. The film beautifully explores themes of friendship, family, and self-discovery, while also highlighting the importance of perseverance and embracing one's unique qualities. Its humor and emotional depth make it a delightful experience for audiences of all ages.
Pros
- Heartwarming
- charming characters
- stunning animation
- strong themes of family and perseverance
Cons
- predictable plot
- less impactful than its predecessor
10.
Zootopia
"Zootopia" is an animated film set in a vibrant, anthropomorphic city where animals of all shapes and sizes coexist. The story follows Judy Hopps, an optimistic rabbit who becomes the first bunny police officer, and Nick Wilde, a sly fox with a troubled past. Together, they uncover a conspiracy that threatens the peace of their diverse society. Through their adventure, the film explores themes of prejudice, identity, and friendship, ultimately conveying a powerful message about acceptance and understanding. With its humor, heart, and stunning animation, "Zootopia" resonates with audiences of all ages.
Pros
- Engaging story
- diverse characters
- strong themes of tolerance.
Cons
- Some stereotypes persist
- pacing issues in parts
- predictable resolution.
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