Animated Films That Hit $1 Billion At The Box Office

The Most Successful Animated Movies That Ruled the Box Office

Animated movies have a remarkable ability to captivate audiences of all ages, and some of these films have achieved unprecedented success at the box office. In this article, we’ll explore the ten highest-grossing animated movies of all time and dive into the factors that contributed to their billion-dollar success.

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Frozen II: A Sequel That Shattered Records

Released in November 2019, Disney’s Frozen II quickly became a global sensation. Anticipation for the sequel was high, and the movie delivered by earning an impressive $1.453 billion worldwide. The opening weekend in the United States alone brought in $130 million, setting the stage for its phenomenal success. Its enchanting story and beloved characters, combined with the continuation of the iconic song “Let it Go,” kept audiences engaged for months after its release. The film’s ability to maintain strong box office numbers over an extended period contributed significantly to its monumental success.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie: A Game-Changing Hit

The animated adaptation of the beloved video game characters in The Super Mario Bros. Movie exceeded all expectations by earning a staggering $1.355 billion at the box office. Led by Chris Pratt, the movie showcased the enduring appeal of the iconic characters. Its opening five-day weekend, which coincided with the Easter holiday, generated an impressive $377 million, with more than $204 million of that coming from the United States. The film’s engaging storyline and nostalgic connection to a beloved video game franchise contributed to its rapid climb to the billion-dollar club.

Frozen: A Modern Disney Classic

Disney’s Frozen, released in 2013, proved that a captivating story and unforgettable music could lead to massive box office success. The film garnered $1.284 billion globally through its initial release and subsequent re-releases. It captured the hearts of audiences with its touching story and the breakout hit song “Let it Go.” The film’s popularity continued long after its initial release, maintaining strong daily box office earnings for over a month. The combination of endearing characters and a heartwarming tale resonated with audiences of all ages.

Incredibles 2: The Power of Sequel Success

Released in 2018, Incredibles 2 became Pixar’s most successful movie, earning an impressive $1.243 billion worldwide. The film’s appeal was evident from its trailer records, and audiences flocked to theaters to reconnect with the beloved superhero family. Incredibles 2 became the first animated film to cross the $500 million mark domestically, contributing to its worldwide success. Its engaging storyline and strong box office performance over several months demonstrated the enduring popularity of its characters.

Minions: A Prequel that Delivered Big

The release of Minions in 2015 marked a new height for the Despicable Me franchise. The animated prequel earned a staggering $1.159 billion worldwide, with $823 million of that total coming from international audiences. The film’s engaging humor and the popularity of the Minions characters contributed to its massive success. The opening weekend alone accounted for $115.7 million, showcasing the global appeal of these mischievous creatures.

Toy Story 4: Continuing the Beloved Franchise

Despite being the fourth installment in the franchise, Toy Story 4 achieved remarkable box office success, earning $1.073 billion worldwide. The film’s ability to captivate audiences with the enduring adventures of Woody and Buzz Lightyear contributed to its popularity. The film’s opening weekend, which brought in $120.9 million domestically, set the stage for its continued success. Toy Story 4 maintained strong box office numbers throughout its run, demonstrating the lasting impact of these beloved characters.

Toy Story 3: A Heartfelt Farewell

Toy Story 3, released in 2010, became a monumental success, earning $1.067 billion worldwide. The film’s emotional storyline and the nostalgia associated with the franchise contributed to its enduring popularity. The movie’s remarkable success was evident in its consistent box office performance, as it maintained strong earnings for months after its release. The combination of a beloved cast, engaging story, and emotional resonance made Toy Story 3 a standout in the animation genre.

Despicable Me 3: Illuminating the Box Office

Despicable Me 3 continued the success of the franchise by earning $1.034 billion worldwide. The film’s release before the Fourth of July holiday in 2017 generated a strong opening week, with $266 million worldwide, including $98 million domestically. The movie’s engaging humor and family-friendly appeal contributed to its worldwide box office success. Its strong performance in both domestic and international markets showcased the enduring popularity of the Minions and their hilarious antics.

Finding Dory: A Heartwarming Journey

Released in 2016, Finding Dory demonstrated the charm and appeal of its predecessor, Finding Nemo. The film earned $1.029 billion worldwide, with nearly 53% of that coming from theaters outside of North America. The film’s ability to resonate with audiences of all ages contributed to its success. Finding Dory maintained strong box office numbers over several months, reflecting its heartwarming story and enduring characters.

Zootopia: A Wildly Successful Adventure

Disney’s Zootopia became a massive hit in 2016, earning $1.025 billion worldwide. The movie’s clever storytelling and relatable characters resonated with audiences, resulting in a strong box office performance. Despite not having the biggest domestic opening, the film’s consistent box office receipts demonstrated its appeal to families and children. Zootopia maintained its popularity in theaters for nearly five months, reflecting its ability to engage and entertain audiences.

Honorable Mention: The Lion King (2019 Remake)

The 2019 remake of The Lion King combined live-action and CGI elements to retell the beloved story. While technically the highest-grossing movie on this list with a total of $1.663 billion worldwide, its unique blend of animation styles earned it an honorable mention. The film’s innovative approach and its ability to captivate audiences contributed to its impressive box office success.

These animated movies have demonstrated that captivating stories, beloved characters, and universal appeal can lead to billion-dollar success at the box office. From heartwarming tales to action-packed adventures, these films have left an indelible mark on the world of animation and entertainment. As new animated movies continue to captivate audiences, it’s likely that we’ll see more additions to this list in the coming years.