Long before cinematic universes became Hollywood's favorite business model, Disney had already mastered something far more enduring. It built a kingdom where a wooden puppet could teach honesty, a lion cub could inherit a kingdom, and a little girl guided by emotions could unite audiences across the globe, one generation after another. 

From hand drawn classics to groundbreaking CGI spectacles, the Walt Disney legacy has repeatedly reshaped what animation can achieve at the global box office. Every record broken has become another chapter in an ever growing storybook.

But which animated adventures have earned the biggest fortunes in Disney history? Here are the ten highest grossing Disney and Pixar animated features of all time.

Directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, the newest champion of Disney animation wasted little time rewriting the record books. Zootopia 2 expanded the bustling mammal metropolis with another mystery that reunited optimistic rabbit officer Judy Hopps and clever fox Nick Wilde. While introducing new districts, species, and political tensions, the sequel balanced social commentary with razor sharp comedy that made the original such a phenomenon.

The film crossed an astonishing $1.87 billion worldwide, making it the highest grossing Disney animated feature ever released. Its success reflected Disney's enduring ability to build worlds that feel both fantastical and remarkably human, proving that audiences were eager to return to Zootopia's carefully crafted ecosystem.

The Real Story Behind Rapunzel Is Way Darker Than What Disney’s Fairytale Shows

Every Disney box office giant has borrowed a little magic from the one before it. The next film, however, reminded everyone that even emotions could become blockbuster stars.

Directed by Kelsey Mann, this Pixar movie transformed adolescence into one of its most emotionally intelligent adventures with Inside Out 2. As Riley entered her teenage years, familiar emotions Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust welcomed newcomers led by Anxiety, reflecting the growing complexity of adolescence.

The sequel earned around $1.70 billion globally, becoming Pixar's highest grossing film ever. Critics praised its emotional maturity while audiences connected with its universal exploration of growing up, further cementing Pixar's reputation for blending psychology with imaginative storytelling.

Although created using photorealistic computer animation, Disney officially classifies The Lion King (2019) within its animated catalog. Director Jon Favreau reimagined the beloved story of Simba's journey from reluctant exile to rightful king using groundbreaking visual technology. The remake generated approximately $1.66 billion worldwide, becoming one of Disney's biggest commercial triumphs despite debates surrounding its live action presentation.

Elsa and Anna ventured beyond Arendelle in search of the truth behind their family's past. Rich mythology, larger scale action, and memorable songs expanded the universe that audiences had embraced six years earlier. With $1.45 billion worldwide, Frozen II became the highest grossing traditionally animated franchise sequel before later records were surpassed.5.

Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's The Snow Queen, Frozen transformed Disney's princess formula through the heartfelt bond between sisters Elsa and Anna. 'Let It Go' became a worldwide anthem, while Olaf quickly entered Disney's pantheon of unforgettable sidekicks. The film collected $1.28 billion globally, won two Academy Awards, and ignited a merchandising phenomenon unlike almost anything Disney had experienced since its Renaissance era.

Fourteen years after the original, the Parr family returned with Helen taking center stage as Elastigirl while Bob tackled chaotic family life at home. Brad Bird delivered a superhero sequel that balanced spectacular action with relatable domestic comedy. The long awaited follow up earned roughly $1.24 billion worldwide, making it one of Pixar's biggest financial successes.

Many believed Woody's story had reached its natural ending, yet Toy Story 4 explored themes of purpose, change, and letting go. Forky introduced fresh humor while Bo Peep returned with a completely new perspective.

The film grossed approximately $1.07 billion globally, proving that Pixar's oldest franchise still had emotional stories left to tell.

As Andy prepared for college, Woody, Buzz, and the gang faced one of Pixar's most emotional farewells. Few animated films have captured the bittersweet feeling of growing up with such sincerity. The film earned about $1.067 billion worldwide, becoming the first animated feature to cross the billion dollar milestone at the global box office.

Originally conceived as a streaming series, Moana 2 evolved into a theatrical release that far exceeded expectations. Moana embarked on another ocean voyage filled with ancient legends, fresh allies, and larger adventures across Oceania. Its remarkable $1.059 billion worldwide total demonstrated the enduring popularity of one of Disney Animation's newest modern icons.

Pixar shifted the spotlight to the lovable blue tang fish whose forgetfulness had already captured audiences' hearts in Finding Nemo. Dory's search for her parents became an uplifting story about memory, family, and belonging. The sequel finished its theatrical run with approximately $1.029 billion globally, becoming another billion dollar milestone for Pixar's extraordinary library.

Disney's animation empire has never been built solely on impressive numbers. Each billion dollar milestone reflects generations of artists, storytellers, composers, and animators who transformed imagination into shared cultural memories. Whether through magical kingdoms, talking animals, or heartfelt family adventures, these films continue to prove that great storytelling speaks every language.

Disney CEO Says ‘Mandalorian and Grogu’ and ‘Moana’ Box Office Failures Fueled Disney+

Which Disney animated blockbuster is your favorite? Share your thoughts and rankings in the comments.