Get ready to be amazed as we take a look at the top 5 animated films that have raked in the most money at the box office! From Disney classics to Pixar masterpieces, these movies have captivated audiences and made history in the world of animation.
![5 highest-grossing animated movies of all time](https://businessofanimation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/1-1-7-1024x1024.png)
1. The Lion King - $1.65B
Production Cost: Around $250M
The film uses virtual reality to create a "cinematic stage" for animators. This gave animators real-time control over the film's look by letting them move around the virtual set and adjust lighting and camera angles.
![the lion king grossed 1.65 billion dollars against a budget of 250 million](https://businessofanimation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2-13-1024x1024.png)
2. Frozen 2 - $1.45B
Production Cost: Around $150M
The film was created using the Hyperion renderer, which allows the animators to create highly detailed and realistic lighting and shadows.
![frozen 2 grossed 1.45 billion dollars against a budget of around 150 million dollars](https://businessofanimation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/3-14-1024x1024.png)
3. Frozen - $1.26B
Production Cost: Around $150M
Frozen was the first Disney animated film to use this new animation software Meander, which allows the animators to create more fluid and realistic movement for the characters.
![the first frozen movie grossed 1.26 billion dollars against a budget of around 150 million dollars](https://businessofanimation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/4-13-1024x1024.png)
4. Incredibles 2 - $1.24B
Production Cost: Around $200M
The animation was done using Pixar's proprietary animation software, Presto. This software lets animators create realistic characters and environments and control their movements and facial expressions.
![the Incredibles 2 movie grossed 1.24 billion dollars against a budget of around 200 million dollars](https://businessofanimation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/5-14-1024x1024.png)
5. Toy Story 4 - $1.07B
Production Cost: Around $200M
"Emoji" technology helped Pixar's animators create expressive and emotional characters. For Bo Peep, they used "Sketch and Toon," which lets animators draw more realistically.
![toy story 4 grossed 1.07 billion dollars against a budget of around 200 million dollars](https://businessofanimation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/6-16-1024x1024.png)
Learn the Business Side of Animation
Sign up for our FREE Masterclass!
![learn the business side of animation by signing up for our free masterclass](https://businessofanimation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/7-12-1024x1024.png)