Let us talk about the big blockbusters of Hollywood, the movies that made it to the billion-dollar club, and thus, secured Disney’s throne as the king of family entertainment. It was not only through the revival of classic cartoon masterpieces, but also through the huge live-action box office hits (plus a couple of surprises) that Disney managed to do so. These are the giants whose performance is unmatched by any other studio. A reverse countdown of the 10 biggest box office monsters that not only helped Disney’s kingdom become the most successful but also changed movie history is presented here.
10. The Lion King (2019) – The King Is Still the One
Disney’s stunning photorealistic remake of The Lion King was met with a reaction that had never been seen before. The 2019 version didn’t only recount Simba’s story; it was a box office titan that made a single worldwide haul topping $1.67 billion. As well as stars such as Beyoncé and Donald Glover, the film reached one record after another to become the highest-grossing animated film of that era. There was little merit for critics to debate the closeness of the new adaptation to the 1994 original all the time, as the majority of viewers acknowledged the show both as a great classic and as a grand spectacle at the same time.
9. Frozen II – The Sequel That Surpassed Its Predecessor
This is one of those sequels where the first is an extraordinary original and the sequel manages to be better. It is the case of Frozen and Frozen II where the younger sister, Elsa, and the older one, Anna, ensured that the audience would have a grown-up number with a mature atmosphere and an unstoppable soundtrack. By taking home $1.45 billion, Frozen II made it to the list of the highest-grossing animated films of all time as it grossed only slightly less than Inside Out 2 and Ne Zha 2. The atmosphere of the sequel, the story, and the music gave Disney the idea that its charm not only stays but also gets stronger as it grows alongside its fans.
8. The Super Mario Bros. Movie – Not Disney, But Definitely a Power-Up
The Super Mario Bros. Movie is not a Disney project, but it is hard to leave this one out just because of its tremendous success. With $1.36 billion, this animated film marked the third spot on the list of the highest-grossing films in history. Simply said, the Shining and Illumination teams brought back the retro vibes, the fun of a family movie, and the glitter of the popular culture to create a phenomenon that was a legitimate rival to Disney’s top performances. Some of the most significant wins can actually be located beyond the Magic Kingdom.
7. Inside Out 2 – Pixar’s Emotional Powerhouse
Once more, Pixar has struck a gold mine with Inside Out 2, an emotionally strong and box office blockbuster. The worldwide total of $1.69 billion made it the first-ever animated film of 2024 and the second overall highest-grossing one. The follow-up not only amplified the emotional arc of the first but also remained impressive as before, Pixar’s knack for mixing touching moments with humor. Moreover, tellingly enough, the fact that four out of the five highest-grossing animated films are now all part of the Disney family speaks a lot about the studio’s dominance in the animation field.
6. Deadpool & Wolverine – Where R-Rated Went Beyond Record-Breaking
Not only was family-friendly the only way to succeed, but perhaps someone was enlightened. Deadpool & Wolverine turned that dictum to smithereens with their smashing success. By the end of the first month, the movie had surpassed $1.08 billion to be the highest-grossing R-rated film ever. Simply by having Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds working together, Marvel was reinvigorated, and the total sum of its theatrical takeover passed the $30 billion mark. “The trick was really simple,” as Kevin Feige put it: “Let Deadpool be Deadpool.”
5. Avengers: Endgame – The Superhero Finale That Went Viral Worldwide
Hype of the sequenced 22-movie-tied universe conquering the box office has never been greater than in the case of Avengers: Endgame. This one leaves no less than everything to the audience: courage, tears, and money records as Samsung Electronics goes off the charts, grossing $2.797 billion worldwide. It’s the best Disney can do, yet the film still holds firm as the second-highest-earning title in the world, ranking just behind Avatar. From the “I love you 3000” to the extremely impressive last fight, Endgame was not a film, but a very special event bringing fans together in a new way.
4. Ne Zha 2 – The Chinese Animated Icon
Firstly, the most successful animated film in the history of the genre is not from Disney but from China. Ne Zha 2 amazed the industry by raking in $2.15 billion, mostly from domestic audiences. This is a clear sign that the animation boom is truly global and that the billion-dollar club has members from all over who are ready to knock the old guard off the thrones. The fantastic movie’s mythic narrative and dazzling visuals made it a pop phenomenon.
3. The Jungle Book (2016) – A Remake That Beat the Original
Jon Favreau, with his The Jungle Book revival, was not just narrating again; he was making a new one. Through the use of impressive CGI and the telling of a touching story, the 2016 edition won the hearts of all (94% score on Rotten Tomatoes) and made a great profit at the cinema. “As stunning as it is engaging” is the phrase the critics used, and the audience was on the same page. From this title, the very principle of what Disney’s live-action reimaginings could and even had to be was conveyed.
2. Beauty and the Beast (2017) – Nostalgia That Paid Off
One of the reasons why the Disney remake of Beauty and the Beast was so successful was that it managed to charm not only the audience but also the box office, which received an impressive $1.26 billion. The duo of Emma Watson’s Belle and Dan Stevens’ Beast brought the old story a smart and vibrant new life. This excellent combination of acknowledgment and reinterpretation worked out beautifully, showing that handling nostalgia as a beautiful, fragile, and still largely unknown thing is the right approach.
1. Animation vs. Live-Action – The Real Box Office Story
The reality is: animation is not only keeping pace, it’s running the show. Animated movies always give the highest rate of return in Hollywood, and sequels and known franchises are the way to go. Streaming only added to their dominance, making these tales even more potent and lucrative than before. And live-action remakes keep hauling in billions, even when critics are at odds. But if the numbers say anything, it’s that animation has evolved as the crown jewel of contemporary cinema, and Disney is still grasping the scepter.
Whether you prefer hand-drawn characters or ultra-realistic CGI, the fact remains that Disney and its extensive network of studios have turned storytelling not only to be a craft but also into an empire. The box office keeps changing, but Disney’s charm, music, and magic are still going strong. Scrooge McDuck would certainly be very happy.