The Most Successful Animated Movie of All Time, Ranked

Choose the animated movie you think is the most successful!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jun 5, 2024 07:27
Choosing the most successful animated movie of all time can be a delightful challenge, as each film brings its unique blend of story, artistry, and emotional depth. This ranking helps define what success means in the context of animated cinema – whether through box office earnings, critical acclaim, or cultural impact. By casting your vote, you contribute to a collective assessment of what makes an animated movie resonate with audiences across the globe. This process not only celebrates the diversity and creativity found in these films but also provides insights into the evolving tastes and preferences of viewers like you.

What Is the Most Successful Animated Movie of All Time?

  1. 1
    72
    points

    Frozen

    A 2013 animated film that tells the story of a fearless princess who sets off on a journey alongside a rugged iceman, his loyal reindeer, and a naive snowman to find her estranged sister, whose icy powers have trapped their kingdom in eternal winter.
    • Worldwide Box Office: $1.28 billion
    • Release Year: 2013
  2. 2
    29
    points

    Incredibles 2

    A 2018 animated superhero film and a sequel to the 2004 film The Incredibles. It follows the Parr family as they attempt to restore the public's trust in superheroes while balancing their family life, only to combat a new foe who seeks to turn the public against all superheroes.
    • Worldwide Box Office: $1.24 billion
    • Release Year: 2018
  3. 3
    19
    points

    The Lion King

    A 2019 photorealistic computer-animated remake of Disney's traditionally animated 1994 film of the same name. It follows the story of Simba, a young lion who must embrace his role as the rightful king of his native land following the murder of his father, Mufasa.
    • Worldwide Box Office: $1.66 billion
    • Release Year: 2019
  4. 4
    12
    points

    Toy Story 3

    A 2010 animated comedy-drama film and the third installment in Pixar's Toy Story series. The story follows Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and other toys as they deal with their owner, Andy, leaving for college, leading them to a daycare center where they meet new toys and face new challenges.
    • Worldwide Box Office: $1.07 billion
    • Release Year: 2010
  5. 5
    8
    points

    Minions

    A 2015 animated comedy film and a spin-off/prequel to the Despicable Me franchise. It centers on the Minions, small, yellow creatures who have existed since the beginning of time, serving history's most despicable masters.
    • Worldwide Box Office: $1.16 billion
    • Release Year: 2015
  6. 6
    8
    points

    Finding Dory

    A 2016 animated film and a sequel to 2003's Finding Nemo. It focuses on the amnesiac fish Dory, and explores her journey to be reunited with her parents. Along the way, she learns the true meaning of family.
    • Worldwide Box Office: $1.03 billion
    • Release Year: 2016
  7. 7
    3
    points

    Zootopia

    A 2016 animated buddy cop comedy film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. It details the unlikely partnership between a rabbit police officer and a red fox con artist as they uncover a conspiracy involving the disappearance of savage predator inhabitants of a mammalian metropolis.
    • Worldwide Box Office: $1.02 billion
    • Release Year: 2016
  8. 8
    2
    points

    Despicable Me 3

    A 2017 animated comedy film and the third installment in the Despicable Me film series. It follows Gru as he meets his long-lost charming, cheerful, and more successful twin brother Dru who wants to team up with him for one last criminal heist.
    • Worldwide Box Office: $1.03 billion
    • Release Year: 2017
  9. 9
    0
    points

    Frozen II

    A 2019 animated film that follows Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven as they embark on a journey beyond their kingdom of Arendelle in order to discover the origin of Elsa's magical powers and save their kingdom.
    • Worldwide Box Office: $1.45 billion
    • Release Year: 2019
  10. 10
    0
    points

    Toy Story 4

    A 2019 animated comedy film and the fourth installment in Pixar's Toy Story series. The film focuses on Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and other toys as they embark on a road trip with their owner, Bonnie, which leads to a reunion between Woody and his long-lost friend Bo Peep.
    • Worldwide Box Office: $1.07 billion
    • Release Year: 2019

Missing your favorite animated movie?

Graphs
Error: Failed to render graph
Discussion
No discussion started, be the first!

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most successful animated movie of all time. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or animation is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2074 views
  • 153 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each animation once every 24 hours. The rank of each animation is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Successful Animated Movie of All Time

Frozen
Rank #1 for the most successful animated movie of all time: Frozen (Source)
The most successful animated movie of all time has captivated audiences worldwide. It achieved this through a mix of compelling storytelling, vibrant animation, and memorable characters. The film's journey to the top began with a strong script that resonated with viewers of all ages. The creators spent years perfecting the story, ensuring it would appeal to both children and adults.

The animation studio behind the movie invested in cutting-edge technology. This allowed them to create stunning visuals that pushed the boundaries of what was possible in animation. Each frame was crafted with care, resulting in a visually rich experience that drew audiences into the film's world.

The voice cast played a crucial role in the movie's success. The studio selected actors who could bring the characters to life with authenticity and emotion. Their performances added depth to the story, making the characters relatable and memorable.

Music also played a significant part in the film's popularity. The soundtrack featured catchy songs that became instant hits. These songs were not just background music; they were integral to the story, enhancing key moments and adding emotional weight.

Marketing efforts for the movie were extensive and strategic. The studio launched a global campaign, using various media to reach a wide audience. Trailers, posters, and social media buzz created anticipation and excitement long before the film's release.

When the movie finally hit theaters, it broke box office records. Critics praised it for its innovation, heart, and entertainment value. Audiences flocked to see it multiple times, contributing to its massive financial success.

Merchandising also played a role in the film's dominance. Toys, clothing, and other products related to the movie flooded the market. Fans eagerly bought these items, further boosting the film's revenue.

The animated film's influence extended beyond its financial success. It inspired other filmmakers and set new standards for the industry. Its impact can still be seen in the animated movies that followed, many of which tried to replicate its winning formula.

The movie's legacy continues to grow. It remains a beloved classic, cherished by new generations of viewers. Its themes of friendship, courage, and perseverance resonate with audiences, making it timeless.

In conclusion, the most successful animated movie of all time achieved its status through a combination of innovative technology, compelling storytelling, strong performances, and strategic marketing. Its influence on the animation industry is undeniable, and its legacy endures as a benchmark for future films.

Share this article