Top 10 Billion-Dollar Animation Blockbusters That Shocked the World

Did you know a single animated movie just smashed every box-office record in history dethroning Disney legends with a jaw dropping $2.15 billion haul from ancient Chinese myths?

Animation movies are way more than just kids’ stuff these days. They are massive hits that have made over $14 billion from these top 10 alone. They blend cool visuals, funny moments and stories that touch your soul, pulling in kids, teens and even grandparents. From old Chinese legends to toys that come alive, here’s the latest top 10 list as of late 2025, with all the key details on earnings, stars and why they became huge.

1. Ne Zha 2 (2025) – $2.150 Billion

Ne Zha 2 | Source- CMC Pictures

Yang Yu directed this sequel based on Chinese myths, with gods fighting, in amazing 3D. It made $1.2 billion in China (over 300 million tickets) and $950 million worldwide. Starting with a $100 million budget, it earned 21 times that back. Yanting Lü voices the rebellious kid hero. Released in January, it topped Avatar 2 in China, thanks to family drama, demon battles and top-notch effects—plus $500 million in merchandise and cosplay trends.

2. Inside Out 2 (2024) – $1.698 Billion

Inside Out 2 | Source- Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Kelsey Mann and Meg LeFauve from Pixar explored a teen’s mind, adding Anxiety (voiced by Maya Hawke) alongside Joy (Amy Poehler). It opened with $295 million worldwide, earned $652 million in North America and $1.05 billion overseas and got an Oscar nomination. Over 150 million people watched it. Families connected with the real talk about growing up and scenes like Riley’s hockey even boosted girls’ sports gear sales by 15%.

3. Frozen II (2019) – $1.453 Billion

Frozen II | Source- Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee sent Elsa on a magical adventure, with Idina Menzel singing “Into the Unknown” (over 2.5 billion Spotify streams). It beat the first Frozen by $167 million, making $508 million in the US and $945 million across 145 countries. The franchise brought in more than $10 billion from toys and theme park rides. The sister bond and Olaf toys had everyone from kids to grandparents singing along.

4. The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) – $1.360 Billion

The Super Mario Bros. Movie | Source- Illumination Entertainment

Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic brought Nintendo to screens with Illumination, starring Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Peach and Jack Black as Bowser. It grossed $588 million in the US, $772 million overseas and had a $146 million opening weekend that beat Barbie. Nintendo Switch sales rose 20% and the “Peaches” song hit 500 million YouTube views. Families loved the nostalgia, power ups and warp pipes.

5. Frozen (2013) – $1.286 Billion

Frozen | Source- Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

The original from Buck and Lee gave us “Let It Go” with 3.2 billion YouTube views and an Oscar win. A $150 million budget led to a $400 million merchandise empire, $401 million in the US and $885 million globally. It revived Disney Animation and Josh Gad’s Olaf became a viral sensation with memes and toys that parents and kids adored.

6. Incredibles 2 (2018) – $1.243 Billion

Incredibles 2 | Source- Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Brad Bird made the mom (Holly Hunter as Elastigirl) the superhero while dad (Craig T. Nelson) managed home life. It set a record with an $182 million US opening and $608 million overseas. The advanced animation for fights and the 1960s retro style earned Oscar nods. The family action appealed to everyone, from relaxed grandparents to excited kids.

7. Toy Story 4 (2019) – $1.073 Billion

Toy Story 4 | Source- Walt Disney Studios

Josh Cooley took Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen) and new character Duke Caboom (Keanu Reeves) on a road trip. It made $434 million in the US and won Best Animated Feature Oscar on a $200 million budget. Adults made up 40% of the audience, getting emotional over characters like Forky and toys generated over $1 billion.

8. Toy Story 3 (2010) – $1.067 Billion

Toy Story 3 | Source- Walt Disney Studios

Lee Unkrich’s story of toys facing growing pains earned $415 million in the US during the recession. It’s part of a $15 billion franchise, with Michael Keaton as Ken and funny moments like Buzz in Spanish mode. It won multiple Oscars, including a Best Picture nomination, tugging at parents’ memories of their childhood.

9. Minions (2015) – $1.159 Billion

Minions | Source- Illumination Entertainment

Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda created chaos with the yellow Minions, Sandra Bullock as the boss and Jon Hamm as an inventor. It pulled in $336 million from China alone, relying on gibberish humor and bananas for a $4 billion Despicable Me series. Toys and theme parks turned it into fun for toddlers and older folks alike.

10. Moana 2 (2024) – $1.059 Billion

Moana 2 | Source- Walt Disney Animation Studios

David G. Derrick Jr. continued the adventure with Auliʻi Cravalho returning and songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda. It made over $450 million abroad and marked Disney’s first double-billion-dollar year since 2019 (with Inside Out 2). The Polynesian stories and ocean quests built cultural pride and $200 million in related merchandise like cruise promotions.

Prayan Animation Studio, founded in 2012 and based in Technopark, Trivandrum stands out as a full-service2D and 3D animation powerhouse with over 13 years of industry grind under its belt. Led by co-founders Mr. Remesh Ram (MD) and Mr. Vinayan V (CEO), alongside experts in animation direction and compositing, the studio has grown from a small team of four to 50-100 pros delivering broadcast-quality work worldwide.

Ready to animate your blockbuster? Reach out at info@prayananimation.com.​