Widely known as “anime,” Japanese animation’s worldwide popularity has increased significantly over time, making its way to the Western world during the early 1990s. Through the years, it has become even more of a hit among global audiences, with various anime series likeNarutoandOne Pieceascending in prominence and becoming two of the most beloved animated shows.
In the film strand, Studio Ghibli has conquered the hearts of thousands, proving that Japanese animation is some of the most visually stunning and emotionally charged in the industry. Ghibli has paved the way for more Japanese directors to translate their fantastic stories to the big screen for international audiences to cherish; naturally, this could only have incredible results, as seen in the impressive worldwide earnings of the following films. FromOne Piece Film: RedtoSpirited Away,these are the highest-grossing anime movies of all time.
25’Sword Art Online the Movie: Ordinal Scale' (2017)
Worldwide Earnings:$29,322,339
Appealing to fans and newcomers alike,Sword Art Online the Movieis an action-adventure following Kirito, who uncovers a conspiracy within Ordinal Scale, a popular AR game developed for a new system called The Augma. The film takes place in a fictional 2022 setting and blends futuristic technology with action, drama, and an emotionally engaging narrative.
Sword Art Online the Movie’s stunning animation dazzles audiences and fully elevates its narrative…
Sword Art Online the Movie’s stunning animation dazzles audiences and fully elevates its narrative, including its action sequences. Beyond its thrilling battles, the film introduces fresh faces to fans of the franchise while also providing further character development for well-known ones. Part of what sets it apart, though, is how it doesn’t just focus on high-tech action, but also delves into themes of trust, love, and redemption. For all these reasons,Sword Art Onlinehas been propelled to financial success around the world.
Watch on Hulu
24’Mirai' (2018)
Worldwide Earnings:$30,430,147
Also known asMirai no Mirai, this visually stunning anime film byMamoru Hosodais a heartwarming watch that follows a young boy struggling with jealousy and insecurity after the birth of his baby sister. After encountering a magical garden that enables him to travel through time, he meets relatives from different eras, with guidance from his younger sibling from the future.
Audiences who enjoy heartwarming anime dramas featuring strong character development — the case forMirai, whose primary strength lies in Kun’s growth — may want to watch Hosoda’s entertaining film. At its core,Miraiexamines family bonds and the struggles of growing up, resonating with audiences of all ages while also captivating viewers with its visuals.TheAcademy Award-nominated animated filmhas grossed over $30 million at the box office, which is impressive for a small-scale anime production.
23’Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods' (2013)
Worldwide Earnings:$50,461,371
Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods, also by director Mashiro Hosoda, sees the God of destruction surprised to learn that Frieza was defeated by the saiyajin Goku after sleeping for 39 years. Upon finding him, Goku is excited to face him but soon realizes that his powers are negligible compared to Beerus.
Battle of Godsis a triumphant revival of the franchise, considering that it was released after years of its absence, and thus played a crucial role in setting the stage for future installments. For these same reasons,it is not the least surprising that the beloved film was successful financially, earning over $50 million. The engaging and high-stakesDragon Ball Zwas lauded for capturing the essence and magic of its source material and offering viewers a nostalgic experience while also breathing new life into the franchise by introducing new elements.
Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods
Watch on Crunchyroll
22’From Up On Poppy Hill' (2011)
Worldwide Earnings:$61,459,425
A beautiful coming-of-age story by Studio Ghibli, even if an underrated one when compared to other more iconic films by the studio,From Up On Poppy Hillsees a group of Yokohama teenagers looking to save their school’s clubhouse from the wrecking ball in preparation for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Directed byGorô Miyazaki.
This heartwarming and nostalgic watchnot directed by Hayao Miyazaki,invites viewers to delve into the magical world of Ghibli, featuring visually stunning animation and detailed depictions of 1960s Japan. Like many other films by the studio,From Up On Poppy Hillis quiet and introspective, but never dull or underwhelming; its coming-of-age narrative — focusing on the journey of discovering where you come from to where you’re going — makes it a resonating watch that has drawn audiences to theaters in droves.
From Up On Poppy Hill
21’Tales from Earthsea' (2006)
Worldwide Earnings:$68,625,104
AlthoughTales from Earthseahas received mixed feedback from critics and was met with disappointment by fans,it is still one of the highest-grossing Studio Ghibli features, grossing over $60 million. The Japanese anime epic follows a young boy and a man who investigate a series of unusual occurrences in a mythical land.
This divisive adaptation ofUrsula K. Le Guin’s renownedEarthseaseries blends the signature Ghibli animation with a thoughtful exploration of life, death, and equilibrium. Although it tackles interesting themes, the movie ultimately fails to live up to high expectations, with many — includingK. Le Guin herself— criticizing its plot and describing it as incoherent. Despite not reaching the milestones of other iconic films,Tales from Earthsearemains a point of interest for Ghibli enthusiasts thanks to its striking visuals and atmosphere.
Tales from Earthsea
20’Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time' (2021)
Worldwide Earnings:$93,882,453
The fourth and final film intheRebuild of Evangelionserieswas the highest-grossing of the bunch. It reimagines the original 1995 showNeon Genesis Evangelion, picking up from whereEvangelion: 3.0 you may (Not) Redoleft off: the world is devastated and humanity is on the brink of extinction, with Shinki, along with his friends, attempting to prevent the Fourth Impact.
Although hardlythemost popular anime movie to ever grace the big screen,3.0+1.0benefits from strong animation and visual effects, with the soundtrack byShiro Sagisualso playing a big role in the film’s storytelling. It is overall a nice closure to the series, featuring complex character arcs and delving into universal themes of human connection and trauma.Considering that it was a very much anticipated concluding chapter, it makes sense that this anime film was a hit.
Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time
19’Detective Conan: Zero the Enforcer' (2018)
Worldwide Earnings:$101,860,359
Filled with action and suspense,Detective Conan: Zero the Enforcerkeeps audiences on the edge of their seats as it follows the lead and titular character investigating an explosion that happened on the opening day of a large Tokyo resort and convention center. It explores Zero’s background and adds depth to the three-dimensional character while also delivering high-quality visuals.
This high-grossingDetective Conanfilm was successful upon its release, taking home more than one hundred million dollars. Not only does this have to do with its incredibly engaging, intricate storyline filled with twists and turns, stunning high-quality animation, evocative soundtrack, and overall production, but also given to its huge fanbase that has certainly lent a helping hand in making it such a popular film.
Detective Conan: Zero the Enforcer
Rent on Apple TV
18’Dragon Ball Super: Broly' (2018)
Worldwide Earnings:$115,750,445
Following the story of a powerful Saiyan warrior exiled to a distant planet due to its great potential,Dragon Ball Super: Brolyis a must-see for fans of its source material. On Earth and in the present day, Goku and Vegeta continue their training while Frieza’s forces find Broly and his father and bring them to Earth to use Broley’s strength against the two of them, originating an epic, intense battle.
It’s not surprising thatBrolyis a successful film, as its dedicated fanbase is huge. Balancing a profound character study with incredible combat sequences, the movie benefits from the return of some popular characters (and the huge reintroduction of Broly), overall animation quality, and action-packed scenes that have become some of the most epic battles. All these elements help cement thisDragon Ballmovie as an anime fan-favorite, which is reflected in its box office:Brolyhasearned over 115 million dollarsworldwide.
Dragon Ball Super: Broly
17’Pokémon the Movie 2000' (1999)
Worldwide Earnings:$133,949,270
Centering around Ash Ketchum, Pikachu, and their friends' journey as they travel to Orange Islands,Pokémon the Movie 2000depicts collector Lawrence III and his quest to capture Pokémon Moltres, Zapdos, and Articuno to summon Lugia, with disastrous, chaotic consequences. When Ash is chosen as the “Chosen One” by an ancient prophecy, he must team up with Lugia to restore balance and save the world.
The belovedreturn of thePokémoncharactersand the movie’s engaging narrative, featuring a handful of epic action scenes, dragged fans to the movie theater, entertaining both adult and younger audiences. With stunning animation that helps bring its compelling world to life,Pokémon the Movie 2000hasearned over 130 million at the worldwide box office, proving that its impact is undeniableand that its universe remains as relevant as ever.
Pokémon the Movie 2000
Watch on Hoopla
16’The Wind Rises' (2013)
Worldwide Earnings:$136,864,780
The first Studio Ghibli film to make it to this list isThe Wind Rises, a touching and powerful tale about pursuing one’s dreams. The fictionalized biographical movie follows the life of aeronautical engineerJiro Horkioshi, the designer of fighter aircraft for the Japanese military during WWII. The story illustrates the character as a kid dreaming about becoming a pilot and growing up to face the ethical challenges that come with his career.
All in all,the gentle yet tragicThe Wind Risesis an excellent Studio Ghibli picture, even if arguably not the best in the studio’s catalog. Exploring internal conflict and ethics as well as responsibility and sacrifice, Hayao Miyazaki’s thought-provoking and beautifully animated movie (meticulously crafted with the filmmaker’s distinct signature touch) has captured the attention of many following its release thanks to its emotionally rich and deep narrative, which reminds audiences of the complexities of life. It has gathered over 136 million dollars at the worldwide box office.
