The Highest Grossing Animated Movie of Each Year in the 2010s

A Decade of Creativity and Success

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The 2010s was a decade that saw a significant growth in the animation industry, with studios producing high-quality films that captivated audiences of all ages. From Pixar to Disney, DreamWorks to Illumination, each studio brought their unique style and storytelling to the big screen. In this article, we’ll take a journey through the highest grossing animated movies of each year in the 2010s, exploring what made them so successful and why they continue to be beloved by audiences today.

2010: How to Train Your Dragon (DreamWorks Animation)

Released in March 2010, How to Train Your Dragon was a surprise hit that grossed over $495 million worldwide. The film tells the story of Hiccup, a young Viking who befriends a dragon and learns to understand its value. The film’s success can be attributed to its unique blend of humor, action, and heartwarming moments.

Why it worked:

Unique premise: The film’s concept of a young Viking befriending a dragon was fresh and exciting, offering a new take on the traditional hero’s journey.
Strong characters: The characters of Hiccup and Toothless were well-developed and relatable, making it easy for audiences to become invested in their story.

2011: Kung Fu Panda 2 (DreamWorks Animation)

In June 2011, Kung Fu Panda 2 was released to critical acclaim and commercial success, grossing over $645 million worldwide. The sequel to the original Kung Fu Panda follows Po as he faces a new threat to his homeland and must use his kung fu skills to save the day.

Why it worked:

Continuity: The sequel built upon the success of the original, offering more of the same humor and action that fans loved.
New challenges: The film introduced new villains and challenges for Po to overcome, keeping the story fresh and exciting.

2012: Wreck-It Ralph (Walt Disney Animation Studios)

Released in November 2012, Wreck-It Ralph grossed over $471 million worldwide. The film tells the story of Ralph, a video game villain who sets out on a quest to prove himself as a hero.

Why it worked:

Nostalgia: The film’s focus on classic video games and arcade culture struck a chord with audiences who grew up playing these games.
Unique premise: Ralph’s journey from villain to hero was an unexpected twist that kept audiences engaged.

2013: Monsters University (Pixar Animation Studios)

In June 2013, Monsters University was released, grossing over $744 million worldwide. The prequel to Monsters Inc. follows Mike and Sulley as they attend Monsters University and learn the importance of teamwork.

Why it worked:

Prequel magic: The prequel format allowed for a fresh take on beloved characters while still honoring the original story.
College setting: The Monsters University setting provided a unique backdrop for humor and adventure.

2014: The Lego Movie (Warner Bros. Animation)

Released in February 2014, The Lego Movie grossed over $468 million worldwide. The film follows Emmet, an ordinary LEGO minifigure who finds himself on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant from gluing the universe together.

Why it worked:

Humor: The film’s rapid-fire jokes and pop culture references made it a laugh-out-loud comedy.
Unique visuals: The LEGO animation style was unlike anything seen before, offering stunning visuals that wowed audiences.

2015: Inside Out (Pixar Animation Studios)

In June 2015, Inside Out grossed over $856 million worldwide. The film follows Riley as she navigates her emotions during a big change in her life.

Why it worked:

Original concept: The idea of personifying emotions as characters was innovative and relatable.
Universal themes: The film’s exploration of emotions resonated with audiences of all ages.

2016: Zootopia (Walt Disney Animation Studios)

Released in March 2016, Zootopia grossed over $1 billion worldwide. Set in a world where animals have evolved to live in harmony with each other, the film follows Judy Hopps as she becomes the first rabbit police officer in Zootopia.

Why it worked:

Unique world-building: The film’s animal-centric world was richly detailed and imaginative.
Strong characters: Judy Hopps was a strong and inspiring protagonist who embodied determination and perseverance.

2017: Despicable Me 3 (Illumination Entertainment)

In June 2017, Despicable Me 3 grossed over $1.03 billion worldwide. The third installment in the Despicable Me franchise follows Gru as he faces off against his long-lost twin brother Balthazar Bratt.

Why it worked:

Continuity: The franchise had built up a loyal following over the years, making fans eager for more.
New characters: Balthazar Bratt added a fresh dynamic to the story and offered opportunities for humor.

2018: Incredibles 2 (Pixar Animation Studios)

Released in June 2018, Incredibles 2 grossed over $1.24 billion worldwide. The sequel to the beloved original follows Mr. Incredible as he takes on new challenges while Elastigirl is out saving the world.

Why it worked:

Continuity: Fans had been waiting years for a sequel to this beloved superhero family.
New challenges: Elastigirl’s absence allowed for new conflicts and opportunities for growth.

2019: Frozen II (Walt Disney Animation Studios)

In November 2019, Frozen II grossed over $1.52 billion worldwide. The sequel to Frozen follows Elsa as she ventures into an ancient forest to find answers about her past.

Why it worked:

Nostalgia: Fans of the original Frozen were eager for more of the beloved characters and music.
New music: The sequel introduced new songs that resonated with audiences of all ages.

In conclusion, each of these films brought something unique to the table, from unique premises to strong characters and stunning visuals. As we look back on the highest-grossing animated movies of each year in the 2010s, we’re reminded of the power of creativity and storytelling in bringing people together around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What was the highest-grossing animated movie of all time? A: As of now, Frozen II is the highest-grossing animated movie of all time with over $1.52 billion in worldwide box office sales.

Q: Which animation studio has produced the most successful films? A: Pixar Animation Studios has produced some of the most successful animated films of all time, including Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and Inside Out.

Q: What was the most successful franchise of the decade? A: The Despicable Me franchise has been one of the most successful franchises of the decade, with three films grossing over $1 billion each worldwide.

Q: Which animated movie won an Academy Award? A: Inside Out won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film in 2016.

Q: What was the most critically acclaimed animated movie? A: Zootopia received widespread critical acclaim from critics and audiences alike, earning an impressive 98% Rotten Tomatoes score.

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Ali Armian: Video Producer

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