The Biggest Animated Disney Films That Ruled The Box Office
Disney’s animated films have shaped the childhoods of millions, capturing hearts and conquering the global box office. From classic tales to modern adventures, these films have not only entertained but also become box office juggernauts. Here's a detailed look at the highest-grossing animated Disney films, including their release years and notable accomplishments.
Frozen II (2019)
Earning a jaw-dropping $1.45 billion worldwide, Frozen II stands as the highest-grossing animated Disney film. The sequel builds on Elsa and Anna's story, as they journey beyond their kingdom to uncover the origins of Elsa's magical powers. With its stunning animation and emotionally driven narrative, it became a global sensation.
Frozen (2013)
Frozen is the original phenomenon, grossing $1.29 billion globally. Released in 2013, this film redefined modern animated musicals, introducing the world to the powerful sisterhood of Elsa and Anna. With “Let It Go” still resonating worldwide, Frozen remains a benchmark in Disney animation.
The Lion King (1994)
The Lion King, with a 1994 release, is not just a movie—it’s a cultural icon. Originally earning $968 million, this tale of Simba’s journey from a cub to the king is one of the most beloved stories ever told. Its success inspired stage productions and a 2019 live-action remake.
Walt Disney, The Lion King (1994)
Zootopia (2016)
Grossing over $1.02 billion, Zootopia quickly became one of Disney's most acclaimed films when it debuted in 2016. Featuring Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, this film blends humor with social commentary, making it a standout in the Disney lineup.
Finding Dory (2016)
A heartwarming sequel to Finding Nemo, Finding Dory hit theaters in 2016 and earned over $1.02 billion. It follows the forgetful Dory as she embarks on an adventure to find her family. This film touched hearts with its themes of identity and belonging.
Walt Disney, Finding Dory (2016)
Toy Story 4 (2019)
Toy Story 4 captivated audiences in 2019, raking in over $1.07 billion worldwide. This chapter takes Woody, Buzz, and the gang on a road trip, and introduces the character Forky. The emotional depth and new adventures solidified its place among the top earners.
Walt Disney, Toy Story 4 (2019)
Toy Story 3 (2010)
In 2010, Toy Story 3 became the first animated film to surpass $1 billion at the box office, ultimately earning $1.06 billion. The film’s emotional ending, which saw Woody and the toys parting with Andy, struck a chord with generations of fans.
Walt Disney, Toy Story 3 (2010)
Big Hero 6 (2014)
Released in 2014, Big Hero 6 grossed $657 million globally. The film blends superhero action with heartfelt moments as it follows Hiro Hamada and his inflatable robot, Baymax, on their mission to stop a masked villain threatening their city.
Walt Disney, Big Hero 6 (2014)
Moana (2016)
Moana brought in $645 million globally after its 2016 release. This beautiful tale of a Polynesian girl who sets sail to restore balance to her island’s ecosystem resonated with audiences, thanks to its empowering storyline and unforgettable songs.
Ralph Breaks The Internet (2018)
The 2018 sequel to Wreck-It Ralph earned $529 million globally. Ralph Breaks the Internet takes Ralph and Vanellope into the digital world, where they explore the internet’s vastness in a funny, heartwarming journey.
Walt Disney, Ralph Breaks The Internet (2018)
Aladdin (1992)
The animated version of Aladdin earned over $504 million worldwide. Aladdin’s journey, along with his magical genie, is now a Disney classic, beloved for its humor, romance, and iconic music.
Tangled (2010)
Disney’s retelling of Rapunzel in Tangled earned $592 million worldwide. Its vibrant animation and lovable characters, such as the witty Flynn Rider, transformed the traditional princess tale into something fresh and exciting.
Monsters, Inc. (2001)
Released in 2001, Monsters, Inc. grossed $577 million globally. It tells the story of Sulley and Mike, two monsters who work at a company that generates power from children’s screams. Their lives are turned upside down when they meet Boo, a human girl.
Walt Disney, Monsters, Inc. (2001)
The Incredibles (2004)
The Incredibles earned $633 million and introduced the world to the Parr family—a superhero team forced to live in secrecy. With its blend of family dynamics and superhero action, it became one of Pixar’s most iconic films.
Walt Disney, The Incredibles (2004)
Coco (2017)
Earning $807 million, Coco was released in 2017 and tells the moving story of Miguel, a boy who dreams of becoming a musician but must confront his family’s ban on music. The film’s exploration of the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos and its stunning animation captured hearts around the world.
Monsters University (2013)
As a prequel to Monsters, Inc., Monsters University earned $743 million. It follows Mike and Sulley’s college days, showing how their unlikely friendship developed and how they became top scarers.
Walt Disney, Monsters University (2013)
Up (2009)
Up grossed $735 million worldwide and is one of Pixar’s most emotional films. It follows Carl, an elderly widower, and Russell, a young boy, as they embark on an adventure to South America in a house lifted by thousands of balloons.
Brave (2012)
Released in 2012, Brave grossed $540 million. This film centers around Merida, a Scottish princess who defies her kingdom’s traditions to carve out her own path, ultimately learning the importance of family along the way.
Wreck-It Ralph (2012)
Grossing $471 million, Wreck-It Ralph tells the story of a video game villain who longs to be a hero. Ralph’s journey through various game worlds to prove his worth resonated with gamers and non-gamers alike.
Walt Disney, Wreck-It Ralph (2012)
The Little Mermaid (1989)
The Little Mermaid marked Disney’s revival during its Renaissance period, earning $211 million globally. Ariel’s journey to the human world, aided by memorable songs like “Under the Sea,” became one of Disney’s most beloved tales.
Walt Disney, The Little Mermaid (1989)
Raya And The Last Dragon (2021)
Released in 2021, Raya and the Last Dragon grossed $130 million despite the pandemic. The film tells the story of Raya, a warrior princess who embarks on a quest to find the last dragon and save her fractured world.
Walt Disney, Raya And The Last Dragon (2021)
Bolt (2008)
Bolt hit theaters in 2008 and earned $309 million globally. The story follows a dog who believes he has superpowers and embarks on a cross-country journey to save his human companion.
The Princess And The Frog (2009)
Earning $267 million, The Princess and the Frog modernized the classic fairytale with Tiana, Disney’s first Black princess. Set in New Orleans, the film mixes jazz culture with a heartfelt romance.
Walt Disney, The Princess And The Frog (2009)
Lilo & Stitch (2002)
Lilo & Stitch, released in 2002, grossed $273 million. The film tells the heartwarming story of a Hawaiian girl, Lilo, who befriends Stitch, an alien experiment gone rogue. Together, they form an unlikely family.
Walt Disney, Lilo & Stitch (2002)
Tarzan (1999)
Grossing $448 million worldwide, Tarzan (1999) is a visually stunning film that tells the story of a man raised by gorillas who must navigate life between two worlds—his jungle family and human heritage.
Hercules (1997)
Hercules grossed $252 million globally. The film follows the titular hero on his journey to prove himself a true hero and earn a place on Mount Olympus, all while blending Greek mythology with Disney humor.
Bambi (1942)
One of Disney’s earliest successes, Bambi grossed $267 million (adjusted for inflation). The coming-of-age story of a young deer continues to be a powerful tale about love, loss, and growth.
Dumbo (1941)
Released in 1941, Dumbo grossed $1.3 million during its initial run (equivalent to about $60 million today). The story of a flying elephant became one of Disney’s most beloved classic films.
The Jungle Book (1967)
The Jungle Book, released in 1967, grossed $378 million. Based on Rudyard Kipling’s stories, the film follows Mowgli, a boy raised by animals in the jungle, as he navigates the wild.
Walt Disney, The Jungle Book (1967)
Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Sleeping Beauty grossed $51 million (over $600 million, adjusted for inflation). This classic tale of Princess Aurora and the villainous Maleficent remains one of Disney’s most visually stunning films.
Walt Disney, Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Mulan (1998)
Released in 1998, Mulan grossed $304 million worldwide. The film tells the empowering story of a young woman who disguises herself as a man to take her father’s place in the Chinese army.
Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs (1937)
The very first Disney animated feature, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, grossed $418 million (adjusted for inflation). It remains a groundbreaking achievement in animation history.
Walt Disney, Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs (1937)
Pocahontas (1995)
Pocahontas earned $346 million globally after its release in 1995. The film, based on the life of the famous Native American woman, tells the story of Pocahontas’s relationship with English settler John Smith.
Walt Disney, Pocahontas (1995)
Oliver & Company (1988)
Oliver & Company, released in 1988, grossed $121 million. This retelling of Oliver Twist with a cast of animals set in modern-day New York City was a hit with audiences.
Walt Disney, Oliver & Company (1988)
The Rescuers (1977)
Grossing $169 million, The Rescuers tells the tale of two mice, Bernard and Miss Bianca, who embark on a dangerous mission to rescue a young girl held captive by treasure hunters.
Walt Disney, The Rescuers (1977)
The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)
Released in 2000, The Emperor’s New Groove earned $169 million. Its comedic tone, focusing on the selfish Emperor Kuzco’s transformation into a llama, has since earned it a cult following.
Walt Disney, The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)
The Aristocats (1970)
The Aristocats, released in 1970, grossed $191 million. This charming story about a family of aristocratic cats who are kidnapped and rescued by a streetwise alley cat remains a beloved Disney classic.
Walt Disney, The Aristocats (1970)
Treasure Planet (2002)
Treasure Planet, released in 2002, grossed $110 million. It reimagines the classic story of Treasure Island with a sci-fi twist, following a young boy on his journey through space to find hidden treasure.
Walt Disney, Treasure Planet (2002)
The Incredibles 2 (2018)
After a 14-year wait, fans flocked to see The Incredibles 2, which earned a remarkable $1.24 billion globally. Released in 2018, it focuses on Elastigirl’s return to superhero work while Mr Incredible stays at home with their kids. This dynamic blend of action and family drama captivated both children and adults—but many fans were left divided over the portrayal of one controversial character.
The villain of the movie, Screenslaver, controls people's minds through TV screens and goes on to berate society's dependence on technology. In a world where technology and social media have become integral parts of our lives, many people saw some truth in the character's motivation to turn against society, and questioned if he was truly evil.
