Animated musical movies have a special place in our hearts. They combine colorful visuals, catchy songs, and heartwarming stories that appeal to both kids and adults. Let’s take a look at the 10 most-watched animated musical movies of all time, based on their worldwide box office success up to 2025.
1. Inside Out 2 (2024)
The long-awaited sequel to Pixar’s beloved Inside Out takes the top spot as the most-watched animated musical movie ever. Inside Out 2 continues the story of Riley and the emotions inside her head as she navigates her teenage years.
With catchy new songs and the return of beloved characters like Joy, Sadness, and Anger, Inside Out 2 resonated with audiences worldwide. The movie explores complex themes of growing up and changing emotions in a way both kids and adults can relate to. Its blend of humor, heart, and toe-tapping musical numbers made it a massive hit, earning nearly $1.7 billion at the global box office.
2. Frozen 2 (2019)
Disney’s Frozen 2 is the second most-watched animated musical of all time. This sequel to the hugely popular Frozen sees sisters Elsa and Anna embark on a new adventure to save their kingdom.
Frozen 2 built on everything fans loved about the first movie – stunning animation, lovable characters, and unforgettable songs. “Into the Unknown” became another iconic Frozen anthem like “Let It Go” before it. The movie’s themes of self-discovery and sisterly bonds once again connected with viewers of all ages. It earned over $1.45 billion worldwide, cementing its place as a modern classic.
3. Frozen (2013)
The original Frozen movie comes in at number three. This movie took the world by storm when it was released in 2013, becoming a cultural phenomenon.
Frozen tells the story of two princess sisters, Elsa and Anna. It features gorgeous snowy landscapes, funny sidekicks like Olaf the Snowman, and of course, the hit song “Let It Go.” The movie’s messages about the power of family love and being true to yourself struck a chord with audiences. Frozen earned $1.29 billion globally and kicked off a hugely successful franchise.
4. The Lion King (2019)
While not traditionally animated, the photorealistic CGI remake of The Lion King counts as an animated musical. This new version of the classic Disney story was a huge hit with moviegoers.
The Lion King (2019) retells the beloved tale of Simba the lion cub who must overcome tragedy to take his rightful place as king. The movie features stunning, lifelike animal animations and a star-studded voice cast. Iconic songs like “Circle of Life” and “Hakuna Matata” were given new life. Despite mixed reviews, audiences flocked to see this reimagining of a favorite story, resulting in nearly $1.66 billion at the box office.
5. Moana 2 (2024)
The sequel to Disney’s popular Moana sailed its way to number five on the list. Moana 2 continues the adventures of the brave Polynesian princess and demigod Maui.
Building on the first movie’s celebration of Polynesian culture, Moana 2 takes viewers on another epic ocean voyage. The movie features more of the gorgeous animation of Pacific islands and sea life that made the original so visually striking. New catchy songs and the return of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as Maui helped make this sequel a hit with fans. It earned over $1 billion worldwide.
6. Toy Story 3 (2010)
The third installment in Pixar’s beloved Toy Story series ranks as the sixth most-watched animated musical. Toy Story 3 brings the toy gang’s story to an emotional conclusion as their owner Andy grows up and prepares for college.
This movie perfectly balances humor, adventure, and heart-tugging moments. The scene of the toys facing a fiery fate together is considered one of the most emotional in any Pixar film. The bittersweet theme of growing up and moving on resonated with viewers who had grown up with the series. Toy Story 3 was a massive success, earning over $1 billion globally.
7. Toy Story 4 (2019)
Not to be outdone by its predecessor, Toy Story 4 also makes the list at number seven. This sequel continues the toys’ story as they adjust to life with a new child owner, Bonnie.
Toy Story 4 introduces lovable new characters like Forky, a craft project brought to life. The movie explores themes of purpose and belonging as Woody questions his place in Bonnie’s life. While some felt the story was unnecessary after Toy Story 3’s perfect ending, most viewers were happy to see their favorite toy characters again. The movie was another big hit, earning over $1 billion worldwide.
8. Zootopia (2016)
Disney’s Zootopia may not be a traditional musical, but its catchy soundtrack and one big musical number earn it a spot on this list. This clever animated movie is set in a world where animals of all kinds live together in a bustling city.
Zootopia follows Judy Hopps, a bunny police officer, as she teams up with a sly fox to uncover a conspiracy. The movie creatively uses animal traits to comment on real-world issues of prejudice and stereotypes. Its mix of humor, heart, and social commentary appealed to both kids and adults. Zootopia was a surprise mega-hit, earning over $1 billion globally.
9. Finding Dory (2016)
The sequel to Pixar’s beloved Finding Nemo, Finding Dory swims into the ninth spot on our list. This time, the forgetful blue tang fish Dory takes center stage as she searches for her long-lost parents.
Finding Dory captures the same blend of underwater adventure, humor, and emotion that made the first movie so popular. The movie explores themes of family and overcoming disabilities, as Dory learns to see her short-term memory loss as a strength. The gorgeous animation of sea life and Ellen DeGeneres’ charming voice performance as Dory helped make this sequel another big success, earning over $1 billion worldwide.
10. Despicable Me 3 (2017)
Rounding out our top 10 is Despicable Me 3, the third main entry in the hugely popular franchise. This installment sees former supervillain Gru meeting his long-lost twin brother and facing off against a new enemy.
The Despicable Me movies are known for their silly humor and the adorable yellow Minions, who have become pop culture icons. While not as music-heavy as some entries on this list, the movie features several fun musical moments, including the Minions’ gibberish renditions of famous songs. Despicable Me 3 was another big hit for the franchise, earning over $1 billion globally.
Bottom Line
Animated musical movies continue to captivate audiences worldwide with their blend of visual artistry, memorable music, and heartfelt storytelling. From the record-breaking success of Inside Out 2 to the cultural phenomenon of Frozen, these movies have left a lasting impact on popular culture.
What’s clear is that the best-animated musicals appeal to more than just kids. They tell universal stories about love, family, growing up, and finding your place in the world. They make us laugh, cry, and sing along. They become not just movies, but cherished memories that we carry with us and share with new generations.