You’ve laughed, you’ve cried, and you’ve hummed along to their catchy tunes. But did you know that animated films are not just a feast for the senses; they’re also a massive business raking in billions? From iconic classics to fresh takes on old stories, these are the animated films that have ascended to the top of the box office charts. Trust us; you’ll want to give each one a watch (or rewatch).
Smashing Records and Warming Hearts: The Disney Darlings
Frozen: The Ice-Breaker of 2013
“Frozen was an unexpected smash that played in theaters for months. Buoyed by an equally lucrative soundtrack, the film was a major win for Disney, rivaling if not exceeding the vast majority of their own Pixar lineup,” says Ben Hathaway, who updated this ranking list on October 22, 2023. Earning a whopping $401 million and still relevant to this day, this Disney gem is available to stream on Disney+. So, do you want to build a snowman?
Toy Story 3: The Emotional Rollercoaster
Sitting at $415 million, Toy Story 3 wasn’t just another sequel; it was a heartfelt goodbye to childhood. Ben Hathaway notes, “Toy Story 3 was perfect summer fare, and viewers turned out in droves, allowing it to surpass the domestic and worldwide totals of both its predecessors.” With the villainous Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear making an impression, this installment was anything but child’s play. Stream it on Disney+ to join Woody, Buzz, and the gang for another adventure.
The Lion King: Nostalgia Meets Box Office Gold
Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff’s 1994 animated classic, ‘The Lion King,’ roared its way into hearts and a massive $422.8 million in box-office earnings. “The Lion King was and remains one of Disney’s most iconic releases,” Ben Hathaway claims, and who are we to argue? With a ’90s soundtrack that still hits, this one’s a must-revisit, available on Disney+.
Frozen II: Cold Never Bothered Them Anyway
Frozen II was a dream come true for fans, earning an astronomical $477.4 million. Hathaway says, “Frozen II was every bit as popular” as the first, and, in terms of finances, even more so. Whether you’re a die-hard Elsa lover or a casual animated movie watcher, you can stream it on Disney+.
Finding Dory: A Quest Beyond the Reef
The 2016 sequel to Finding Nemo wasn’t just another fish in the sea; it earned an impressive $486.3 million at the box office. “Finding Dory scored a wildly impressive $486.3 million domestically and did even better elsewhere,” observes Hathaway. Not bad for a fish with short-term memory loss! Dive into this adventure on Disney+.
Toy Story 4: Still Pulling Strings
Even if many thought Toy Story 4 was an unnecessary extension, it still managed to pull in $434 million. The new characters Forky and Duke Caboom spiced things up, making it a fun watch available on Disney+.
Shrek 2: The Fairytale Everyone Needed
Dreamworks took the animated world by storm with Shrek 2, garnering $441.2 million. “Shrek 2 is flat-out the strongest of the films,” Ben Hathaway claims, adding to its legendary status. Head over to Peacock Premium to relive the fairy tale romance.
The Lion King (2019): A Technological Marvel
The 2019 Lion King remake was a visual feast that earned a staggering $543.6 million. Though some argue it lacked the emotional depth of the original, “one thing no one can take from Favreau or his project is the absolute surplus of ambition,” notes Hathaway. If you’re curious, it’s streaming on Disney+.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie: Game Over for the Competition
It’s a me, Mario! And I’m here to tell you that The Super Mario Bros. Movie hit a high score with $575 million. “With gorgeous animation, an involving plot, strong vocal work from Jack Black and Anya Taylor-Joy, and a few solid songs, The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a winner,” says Hathaway. Get ready to warp into this world on Peacock Premium.
Incredibles 2: The Family That Fights Together, Earns Together
Topping the list is none other than Incredibles 2, earning an unbelievable $608.6 million. According to Hathaway, “most of whom even found it to be an improvement over the original.” No small feat for a sequel that took 14 years to arrive! Go ahead and indulge on Disney+.
So there you have it! These are the animated movies that have turned into box office legends, ready to be streamed into your home for a movie night to remember.
