The top ten highest-grossing animated movie franchises of all time are a testament to the enduring power of animation. These films have captivated audiences worldwide, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers to become a shared experience that brings people together. The list includes franchises like Shrek, Frozen, and Toy Story, which have become synonymous with entertainment and joy. • Key characteristics of the top ten highest-grossing animated movie franchises include:
The Rise of Madagascar
The Madagascar franchise has experienced a remarkable resurgence in recent years, with the release of the fourth installment, Penguins of Madagascar, in 2014.
The Rise of Kung Fu Panda
The Kung Fu Panda franchise has been a global phenomenon, captivating audiences worldwide with its unique blend of martial arts, humor, and stunning animation. The series, which began with the release of the first film in 2008, has since become a beloved franchise, spawning four successful movies, numerous TV shows, and merchandise.
The Kung Fu Panda franchise has been a massive success, grossing over $2.3 billion worldwide across four movies.
The inside out franchise has proven itself to be a beloved and enduring brand. The Inside out franchise has been a staple of Pixar Animation Studios for over two decades. The studio’s creative vision and innovative storytelling have captivated audiences worldwide. The Inside Out films have been praised for their unique blend of humor, heart, and emotional depth. The original Inside Out, released in 2015, was a groundbreaking achievement in animation. The film’s use of personified emotions as characters allowed for a fresh and imaginative storytelling approach. The film’s success can be attributed to its relatable characters, clever writing, and stunning visuals. The Inside Out franchise has expanded beyond the original film to include short films, television specials, and merchandise. The franchise has also spawned a series of spin-off films, including Inside Out 2, which was released in 2024. Inside Out 2 has broken multiple box-office records, including the highest-grossing opening weekend for an animated film. The film’s success can be attributed to its engaging storyline, lovable characters, and stunning visuals. The franchise’s ability to tap into the universal human experience has resonated with audiences worldwide. The Inside Out films have become a staple of modern animation, and their influence can be seen in many other animated films and franchises. The Inside Out franchise has also been recognized for its positive impact on children’s mental health. The films have been praised for their portrayal of emotional intelligence and their ability to help children understand and manage their emotions. The Inside Out franchise has a wide range of merchandise available, including toys, clothing, and home decor items.
Frozen’s franchise has also been recognized for its impressive diversity and inclusivity. The film’s characters and storylines have been praised for their representation of various racial and ethnic groups, as well as their ability to tackle complex social issues such as disability and mental health. The franchise has been credited with helping to promote positive body image and self-acceptance among young viewers.
The Fengshen Cinematic Universe is the sixth-highest-grossing animated franchise in cinematic history. 2019’s Ne Zha had already landed as one of the most successful pieces of Chinese cinema ever made.
The Ice Age Franchise: A Global Phenomenon
The Ice Age franchise has been a global phenomenon for over two decades, captivating audiences with its lovable characters, witty humor, and heartwarming storylines.
The Rise of Toy Story
The Toy Story franchise has been a beloved and iconic part of many children’s lives for decades. The first film, released in 1995, was a groundbreaking achievement in animation and storytelling.
The Lion King franchise has been a massive commercial success with five movies that have grossed over $3.5 billion in the United States alone. This is an astonishing figure that surpasses the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe’s total box office gross. The Lion King’s success is largely due to its timeless and universal themes, memorable characters, and iconic music. The franchise has captivated audiences worldwide with its blend of stunning animation, engaging storylines, and memorable characters that have become a part of popular culture. The franchise’s success can be attributed to a combination of factors, including its well-developed characters, engaging storylines, and memorable music. The Lion King’s success has also been driven by its cultural relevance and appeal to a broad audience. The franchise has been able to transcend age, gender, and geographical boundaries, making it a beloved favorite among people of all ages and backgrounds. The Lion King’s impact extends beyond the box office, with its influence evident in music, art, and popular culture. The franchise has been a source of inspiration for many artists, designers, and musicians, with its iconic characters and scenes serving as a benchmark for creativity and imagination. The Lion King’s legacy continues to be felt, with its timeless themes and characters remaining relevant today. The franchise’s enduring popularity is a testament to the power of storytelling and the impact of its characters and themes on popular culture.
The announcement of the upcoming Shrek 5 has signaled the return of one of the most universally beloved and commercially successful animated franchises of all time. The franchise’s standout levels of longevity and marketability have been further highlighted by the success of the Puss in Boots spin-off movies.
The Rise of Despicable Me
The Despicable Me franchise has been a global phenomenon since its inception in 2010. The first film, directed by Chris Renaud and Pierre Coffin, introduced audiences to the lovable and mischievous Minions, who stole the show with their antics and adorable appearance. The movie’s success can be attributed to its unique blend of humor, heart, and stunning animation. The franchise’s popularity can be attributed to its well-crafted characters, clever writing, and impressive voice acting.