The Highest-Grossing Animated Movies of All Time

Exploring the top-grossing animated films and how Ne Zha 2 reshaped the rankings

The world of animated films is more competitive than ever, with new releases constantly reshaping the box office rankings. Over the years, animated movies have not only captured the hearts of audiences worldwide but also dominated the global box office. From beloved Disney classics to unexpected international hits, the race for the highest-grossing animated movie of all time has never been more exciting.

Recently, a new contender has shaken up the rankings—China’s Ne Zha 2. This fantasy-adventure film has surpassed major Hollywood blockbusters, proving that animated storytelling knows no cultural boundaries. Let’s dive into the top animated films of all time, the rise of Ne Zha 2, and how sequels continue to dominate the industry.

The Highest-Grossing Animated Movies of All Time

As of 2025, the list of top-grossing animated movies has seen some major shifts. Here’s where things stand:

Top 10 Highest-Grossing Animated Movies (Worldwide Box Office Earnings):

1. Inside Out 2 (2024) – $1.698 billion
2. The Lion King (2019) – $1.662 billion
3. Ne Zha 2 (2025) – $1.66 billion (and rising)
4. Frozen 2 (2019) – $1.453 billion
5. The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) – $1.362 billion
6. Frozen (2013) – $1.290 billion
7. Incredibles 2 (2018) – $1.242 billion
8. Minions (2015) – $1.159 billion
9. Toy Story 4 (2019) – $1.073 billion
10. Toy Story 3 (2010) – $1.067 billion

Inside Out 2 Takes the Top Spot

The emotional journey of Inside Out 2 has officially made it the highest-grossing animated film of all time. Released in 2024, this Pixar sequel builds upon the beloved 2015 original by introducing new emotions and deeper explorations of adolescence.

Hitting the billion-dollar mark in just 19 days, Inside Out 2 soared past previous record holders like The Lion King (2019) and Frozen 2. The film’s universal themes, coupled with Pixar’s masterful storytelling, cemented its place at the top.

Ne Zha 2 Becomes an Unexpected Global Hit

One of the biggest surprises in recent years is the phenomenal success of Ne Zha 2, a Chinese animated film that has now become the third highest-grossing animated movie of all time.

What makes Ne Zha 2 special?

• It is based on Chinese mythology, specifically the legend of Nezha, a rebellious deity known for challenging fate.
• The film is a sequel to the 2019 hit Ne Zha, which was also a box office success in China.
• Released during Lunar New Year 2025, the film became an instant cultural phenomenon.

With a current global box office total of $1.66 billion, Ne Zha 2 has surpassed both The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Frozen 2, breaking records for a non-Hollywood animated film.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie Slips to Fifth Place

Despite its impressive performance upon release, The Super Mario Bros. Movie has now been pushed down to fifth place in the rankings.

When it hit theaters in 2023, this adaptation of the iconic Nintendo game quickly crossed $1 billion, becoming a massive success for both Universal and Illumination. However, with the rise of Inside Out 2 and Ne Zha 2, the Mario brothers have lost their fourth-place ranking.

That being said, a sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie is in the works. If it follows the trend of successful animated sequels, there’s a good chance Mario and Luigi could reclaim a spot in the top five.

Why Are Sequels Dominating the Box Office?

Looking at the top 10 animated films of all time, one thing is clear—sequels are king.

Out of the top five highest-grossing animated movies, four are sequels (Inside Out 2, Ne Zha 2, Frozen 2, Incredibles 2). Even further down the list, franchises like Toy Story, Minions, and The Super Mario Bros. continue to thrive on nostalgia and audience loyalty.

This trend suggests that audiences love revisiting familiar characters and worlds, and when a sequel is done right, it can outperform its predecessor.

The Future of Animated Blockbusters

With the success of Inside Out 2 and Ne Zha 2, the animated movie landscape is evolving. Hollywood may no longer have exclusive dominance, as international films like Ne Zha 2 continue to break records.

So what’s next?

• Upcoming sequels (Moana 2, Toy Story 5, The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2) have the potential to climb the rankings.
• Non-Hollywood animation is on the rise, with Chinese films leading the charge.
• Original animated films could make a comeback if they offer compelling storytelling and visual innovation.

For now, Inside Out 2 reigns supreme as the highest-grossing animated movie of all time, but with the way trends are shifting, that title might not last forever.

Final Thoughts

Animated films continue to prove that they’re more than just entertainment for kids—they are global powerhouses capable of earning billions. Whether it’s the emotional depth of Inside Out 2, the cultural significance of Ne Zha 2, or the nostalgia-driven success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, audiences are eager for stories that resonate.