Cartoons have been a favorite pastime for kids of all ages since the very beginning. However, it wasn’t until 1928 that Walt Disney released Steamboat Willie, the first ever Mickey Mouse cartoon. This film was an instant success and is now considered to be one of the most iconic films in history. Since then, there has been no looking back for this industry with animated films being made in every corner of the world in various different languages and cultures. Some are more popular than others but not even close to all of them make it big at box office counters – after all these years people still love their cartoons! So today we’ll take a look at some of the highest grossing animated movies from around the world so far!
1. The Lion King (2019 Remake) – $1.65 Billion
The Lion King was first released in 1994 and became an instant classic, loved by children and adults alike. The story of a young lion cub’s journey to adulthood and his eventual ascension to the throne is one that has been retold many times over the years. So when Disney announced they were releasing a live-action version of its successor The Lion King, people waited in anticipation. Released in the summer of 2019 this film is currently at number 1 on highest grossing cartoons list with a total box office collection of $1.65 billion! As if that wasn’t enough, Disney is also releasing a sequel called The Lion King: Can You Feel the Love Tonight which is scheduled to hit theaters in July 2020.
2. Frozen – $1.29 Billion
Released in 2013, Frozen is the story of two sisters, Elsa and Anna, who are forced to save their kingdom from an eternal winter. This film was an instant hit with both kids and adults alike, thanks to its catchy soundtrack, memorable characters and funny moments. The film is the second highest-grossing animated movie in history (behind only Disney’s own Lion King) with its collection currently standing at $1.29 billion worldwide.
Animation buffs were treated to a sequel to Frozen last year, which did not disappoint either. Titled Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, it was a 22-minute Christmas special that aired on TV. However, the real sequel to Frozen is scheduled to release in November 2019 and is titled Frozen 2.
3. Incredibles 2 – $1.24 Billion
Released in 2018, Incredibles 2 is a sequel to the 2004 film The Incredibles. This film tells the story of a family of superheroes who have to save the world from a villain called The Underminer. It was an instant hit with both critics and audiences alike and ended up becoming the highest grossing animated film of 2018. It made a grand collection of $1,240,480,529 worldwide.
4. Minions – $1.16 Billion
First released in 2015, Minions is an American computer-animated comedy film that tells the story of Kevin, Stuart and Bob, three minions who set out to find a new evil boss after the death of their old one. The film was a commercial success and became the highest-grossing animated film of 2015. It made a total box office collection of $1.16 billion worldwide.
5. Toy Story 4 – $1.07 Billion
Toy Story 4 is the fourth installment in the Toy Story series and was released in 2019. The film tells the story of Woody, Buzz Lightyear and their friends who have to rescue a new toy called Forky from a toy museum. It made a total box office collection of $1.07 billion worldwide and was well-received by both critics and audiences.
6. Despicable Me 3 – $1.03 Billion
Released in 2017, Despicable Me 3 is the third installment in the Despicable Me series. The film tells the story of Gru, his wife Lucy and their Minions who have to stop a new villain called Balthazar Bratt from taking over the world. It was a commercial success and made $1.031 billion worldwide.
7. Finding Dory – $1.02 Billion
Released in 2016, Finding Dory is a sequel to the 2003 film Finding Nemo. The film tells the story of Dory, a blue fish with short-term memory loss, who sets out to find her family. It was a commercial success and made a total box office collection of $1.028 billion worldwide.
8. Zootopia – $1.023 Billion
Released in 2016, Zootopia is a computer-animated comedy film set in a world where animals live like humans. The story follows Judy Hopps, a rabbit who becomes the first ever rabbit police officer in Zootopia, and her partner Nick Wilde, a fox. It was a commercial success and made a total box office collection of $1.023 billion worldwide.
9. Despicable Me 2 – $970 Million
Released in 2013, Despicable Me 2 is the sequel to the 2010 film Despicable Me. The film tells the story of Gru who has to stop former super-villain El Macho from accomplishing his evil plan. It was an instant hit with critics and audiences alike, earning a worldwide collection of $970 million.
10. The Lion King (original) – $968 Million
Released in 1994, The Lion King is a Disney animated film that tells the story of Simba, a lion cub who has to reclaim his throne from his uncle Scar. It was an instant hit with audiences and is currently the highest-grossing traditionally animated movie in history, making a collection of $968 million worldwide.
The highest grossing cartoon films of all time are not only entertaining for children, but also provide a great source of entertainment and education to adults. If you’re looking to make your next animated film go viral or if you simply want to enjoy some quality family-friendly movies with your kids, this list is perfect for you!
