The Highest-Grossing Anime Movies of All Time: A Journey Through Success: Anime has evolved from a niche interest to a global powerhouse. Today, the anime industry is worth $25.8 billion, captivating audiences across the world. One of the main driving forces behind this success is anime movies. These films have not only won hearts but also conquered the global box office. Let’s dive into the highest-grossing anime movies of all time, ranked by their earnings, and explore how they managed to achieve such massive success.
1. Demon Slayer: Mugen Train
- Box Office Gross: $507 million worldwide
“Demon Slayer: Mugen Train” is the highest-grossing anime movie of all time. Released in 2020, this film is based on the popular manga series “Demon Slayer” by Koyoharu Gotouge. The story follows Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy who becomes a demon slayer after his family is slaughtered by demons, and his sister, Nezuko, is turned into one.
The movie picks up where the first season of the anime left off, with Tanjiro and his friends boarding the Mugen Train to investigate a series of disappearances. The film features stunning animation, intense battles, and a heart-wrenching story that resonated with audiences worldwide.
Its success can be attributed to the loyal fanbase of the manga and anime series, the emotional depth of the story, and the high-quality animation. “Mugen Train” also set several box office records, including becoming the highest-grossing Japanese film of all time.
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2. Your Name
- Box Office Gross: $357 million worldwide
“Your Name” is a body-swap romance that took the world by storm. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, the film follows the story of two teenagers, Taki and Mitsuha, who mysteriously begin to swap bodies. As they live each other’s lives, they develop a deep connection and eventually set out to meet each other.
The movie is known for its stunning visuals, captivating story, and emotional depth. The soundtrack, composed by the band RADWIMPS, also played a significant role in its success. “Your Name” became an instant cult classic and remains one of the most beloved anime films ever made.
The film’s global appeal, combined with its relatable characters and universal themes of love and fate, helped it achieve massive success at the box office.
3. Spirited Away
- Box Office Gross: $383.8 million worldwide
“Spirited Away” is a timeless classic directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki. The film tells the story of a young girl named Chihiro who stumbles into a magical world ruled by spirits and gods. She must navigate this strange world to save her parents, who have been transformed into pigs.
Released in 2001, “Spirited Away” became an international sensation. It won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, making it the only anime film to do so. The movie held the title of the highest-grossing anime film for nearly two decades.
The film’s success can be attributed to its unique story, memorable characters, and breathtaking animation. Miyazaki’s ability to create a world that feels both fantastical and real resonated with audiences of all ages, making “Spirited Away” a beloved classic.
4. The First Slam Dunk
- Box Office Gross: $278.6 million worldwide
“The First Slam Dunk” is an emotional rollercoaster that revisits the iconic manga series “Slam Dunk” by Takehiko Inoue. The movie brings the epic final arc of the series to life, focusing on the story of a high school basketball team aiming to win the national championship.
While basketball may seem like a niche subject, “The First Slam Dunk” transcends sports, delivering a story about determination, teamwork, and personal growth. The film’s success is a testament to the universal appeal of these themes, as well as the strong nostalgia factor for fans of the original manga.
The movie’s success at the box office proves that anime’s appeal goes far beyond its traditional boundaries, attracting audiences from all walks of life.
5. The Boy and the Heron
- Box Office Gross: $294.8 million worldwide
“The Boy and the Heron” is another masterpiece from Hayao Miyazaki. The film follows a young boy named Mahito on a fantastical journey during wartime Japan. Blending mythical creatures with stunning visuals, the movie captures the magic that Miyazaki is known for.
The film’s story is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, but its universal themes of loss, resilience, and hope resonated with audiences worldwide. “The Boy and the Heron” earned over $294.8 million at the box office and won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Miyazaki’s reputation as a master storyteller, combined with the film’s breathtaking animation and emotional depth, made it a must-see for audiences around the world.
6. Suzume
- Box Office Gross: $366.8 million worldwide
“Suzume” is a visually stunning film directed by Makoto Shinkai, the creator of “Your Name.” The movie explores themes of family, love, and resilience in the face of natural disasters. Inspired by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, the film tells the story of Suzume, a young girl who embarks on a journey to close mysterious doors that are causing disasters across Japan.
The film’s success can be attributed to its timely and relevant themes, as well as Shinkai’s reputation as a master of emotional storytelling. The movie’s breathtaking visuals and powerful message resonated with audiences worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing anime films of all time.
7. One Piece Film: Red
- Box Office Gross: $226.7 million worldwide
“One Piece Film: Red” is a celebration of the long-running anime series “One Piece.” Directed by Gorō Taniguchi, the film focuses on the story of Uta, a new character with a mysterious connection to one of the main protagonists, Shanks. As Uta’s past is revealed, the film delves into themes of music, dreams, and the power of friendship.
“One Piece Film: Red” was a massive success, earning over $226.7 million at the box office. The film’s success can be attributed to the popularity of the “One Piece” franchise, which has been a cultural phenomenon for over two decades. The movie’s engaging story, combined with high-quality animation and a memorable soundtrack, made it a hit with fans and newcomers alike.
8. Dragon Ball Super: Broly
- Box Office Gross: $124.5 million worldwide
“Dragon Ball Super: Broly” is a continuation of the “Dragon Ball” franchise, one of the most popular anime series of all time. The film focuses on the story of Broly, a powerful Saiyan warrior with a tragic past, who comes into conflict with Goku and Vegeta, the main protagonists of the series.
The movie was a huge success, earning over $124.5 million at the box office. Its success can be attributed to the enduring popularity of the “Dragon Ball” franchise, as well as the high-quality animation and intense action scenes. Fans of the series were thrilled to see Broly, a fan-favorite character, reimagined in the film.
9. Pokémon: The First Movie
- Box Office Gross: $172.7 million worldwide
“Pokémon: The First Movie” is a nostalgic favorite for many fans of the Pokémon franchise. Released in 1998, the movie focuses on the story of Mewtwo, a genetically engineered Pokémon who seeks revenge on the humans who created him. The film also features a memorable showdown between Mewtwo and the iconic Pokémon, Pikachu.
The movie was a massive success, earning over $172.7 million at the box office. Its success can be attributed to the popularity of the Pokémon franchise, which was at its peak in the late 1990s. The movie’s themes of friendship, identity, and the consequences of playing with nature resonated with audiences of all ages.
10. My Neighbor Totoro
- Box Office Gross: $45 million worldwide
“My Neighbor Totoro” is another classic from Hayao Miyazaki. The film tells the story of two young sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside and discover magical creatures living in the nearby forest. The most famous of these creatures is Totoro, a giant, friendly spirit who becomes the girls’ friend and protector.
Released in 1988, “My Neighbor Totoro” became a beloved classic over the years. While its initial box office earnings were modest, the film’s enduring popularity and critical acclaim have made it one of the most iconic anime films of all time.
The film’s success can be attributed to its gentle, heartwarming story, memorable characters, and beautiful animation. “My Neighbor Totoro” remains a favorite among children and adults alike, and Totoro himself has become a cultural icon.
11. Howl’s Moving Castle
- Box Office Gross: $235.2 million worldwide
“Howl’s Moving Castle” is another masterpiece from Hayao Miyazaki. The film tells the story of Sophie, a young woman who is cursed by a witch and transformed into an old woman. She seeks refuge in the moving castle of the wizard Howl, who is hiding from the authorities and trying to avoid being drawn into a war.
The film’s story is a blend of fantasy, romance, and anti-war themes, and its stunning animation and imaginative world-building captivated audiences worldwide. “Howl’s Moving Castle
” earned over $235.2 million at the box office, making it one of the highest-grossing anime films of all time.
The film’s success can be attributed to its unique story, memorable characters, and breathtaking visuals. Miyazaki’s ability to create a world that feels both magical and real resonated with audiences, making “Howl’s Moving Castle” a beloved classic.
12. Weathering With You
- Box Office Gross: $193.7 million worldwide
“Weathering With You” is another hit from Makoto Shinkai. The film tells the story of Hodaka, a runaway teenager who moves to Tokyo and meets Hina, a girl with the ability to control the weather. As they grow closer, they must navigate the challenges of their new lives and the consequences of Hina’s powers.
The film’s stunning animation, emotional story, and relevant themes of climate change and urbanization resonated with audiences worldwide. “Weathering With You” earned over $193.7 million at the box office, making it one of the highest-grossing anime films of all time.
The film’s success can be attributed to Shinkai’s reputation as a master storyteller, as well as the film’s breathtaking visuals and powerful message. “Weathering With You” is a must-see for fans of anime and anyone who appreciates a good story.
13. Ponyo
- Box Office Gross: $204.8 million worldwide
“Ponyo” is a charming film from Hayao Miyazaki that tells the story of a young boy named Sosuke who befriends a goldfish named Ponyo. As Ponyo discovers her true identity and the world around her, she embarks on an adventure that takes her from the sea to the land and beyond.
The film’s success can be attributed to its gentle, heartwarming story, memorable characters, and beautiful animation. “Ponyo” earned over $204.8 million at the box office, making it one of the highest-grossing anime films of all time.
The film’s success can be attributed to its universal appeal, as well as Miyazaki’s ability to create a world that feels both magical and real. “Ponyo” is a beloved classic that remains a favorite among children and adults alike.
14. The Secret World of Arrietty
- Box Office Gross: $145.6 million worldwide
“The Secret World of Arrietty” is a film from Studio Ghibli, based on the classic novel “The Borrowers” by Mary Norton. The film tells the story of Arrietty, a tiny girl who lives with her family beneath the floorboards of a house. When she is discovered by a human boy named Sho, they form a friendship that changes both of their lives.
The film’s success can be attributed to its charming story, beautiful animation, and memorable characters. “The Secret World of Arrietty” earned over $145.6 million at the box office, making it one of the highest-grossing anime films of all time.
The film’s success can be attributed to its universal appeal, as well as the reputation of Studio Ghibli as a master of animated storytelling. “The Secret World of Arrietty” is a must-see for fans of anime and anyone who appreciates a good story.
15. Kimi no Na wa (Your Name)
- Box Office Gross: $357.9 million worldwide
“Kimi no Na wa (Your Name)” is a modern classic from Makoto Shinkai that tells the story of two teenagers, Taki and Mitsuha, who mysteriously begin to swap bodies. As they live each other’s lives, they develop a deep connection and eventually set out to meet each other.
The film’s success can be attributed to its stunning visuals, captivating story, and emotional depth. The soundtrack, composed by the band RADWIMPS, also played a significant role in its success. “Kimi no Na wa” became an instant cult classic and remains one of the most beloved anime films ever made.
The film’s global appeal, combined with its relatable characters and universal themes of love and fate, helped it achieve massive success at the box office.
16. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
- Box Office Gross: $23.7 million worldwide
“The Tale of the Princess Kaguya” is a film from Studio Ghibli, directed by Isao Takahata. The film is based on the classic Japanese folktale “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter” and tells the story of Kaguya, a mysterious girl who is found inside a bamboo stalk and grows up to become a beautiful princess.
The film’s success can be attributed to its unique story, stunning animation, and emotional depth. “The Tale of the Princess Kaguya” earned over $23.7 million at the box office, making it one of the highest-grossing anime films of all time.
The film’s success can be attributed to its universal appeal, as well as the reputation of Studio Ghibli as a master of animated storytelling. “The Tale of the Princess Kaguya” is a must-see for fans of anime and anyone who appreciates a good story.
17. Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion
- Box Office Gross: $20 million worldwide
“Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion” is a film from Hideaki Anno, based on the popular anime series “Neon Genesis Evangelion.” The film is a continuation of the series, exploring the psychological and emotional struggles of the main characters as they confront their own fears and desires.
The film’s success can be attributed to its unique story, stunning animation, and emotional depth. “Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion” earned over $20 million at the box office, making it one of the highest-grossing anime films of all time.
The film’s success can be attributed to its universal appeal, as well as the reputation of Hideaki Anno as a master of animated storytelling. “Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion” is a must-see for fans of anime and anyone who appreciates a good story.
Conclusion
The anime industry has come a long way since its humble beginnings, and these films are a testament to the power of storytelling and the universal appeal of anime. From emotional journeys to epic battles, these films have not only captivated audiences but also dominated the global box office. As the anime industry continues to grow, we can expect to see even more incredible films that push the boundaries of animation and storytelling.
These 17 highest-grossing anime movies of all time have set the standard for what anime can achieve, and they will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for years to come. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the world of anime, these films are a must-see for anyone who appreciates great storytelling and stunning animation.