Anime films have become a global phenomenon, captivating audiences with their unique blend of story, art, and emotional depth. Over the years, many anime films have broken box office records and cemented their place as cinematic masterpieces. From Studio Ghibli’s timeless classics to modern hits like Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen 0, these films have gained immense popularity not only in Japan but around the world.
Explore the top 10 highest-grossing anime films of all time, showcasing their remarkable achievements at the global box office. Each film on this list has left a lasting impression, attracting millions of fans and making impressive earnings. Whether you’re a longtime anime fan or a newcomer, these movies offer a glimpse of the best of anime cinema.
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10 blockbuster anime movies around the world
Jujutsu Kaisen 0
Worldwide Gross: US$196,290,952
Animation Studio: MAPPA
Release date: December 2021
A prequel to the popular Jujutsu Kaisen anime series, Jujutsu Kaisen 0 tells the story of Yuta Okotsu, a high-school student who is possessed by the cursed spirit of his childhood friend, Rika Orimoto. Guided by the powerful sorcerer Gojo Satoru, Yuta sets out on a journey to control Rika’s destructive power.
Released in December 2021, the film quickly became a huge success, grossing US$91 million in Japan alone and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 2021.
Ponyo
Worldwide Gross: US$204,826,668
Animation Studio:Studio Ghibli
Release date: July 2008
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, Ponyo follows the adventures of a goldfish named Ponyo and a young boy named Sousuke. This magical story of friendship between a human and a sea creature earned widespread praise and grossed over US$3.5 million in its opening weekend in the United States.
howl’s Moving Castle
worldwide gross: US$237,536,126
Animation Studio: studio ghibli
Release date: November 2004
Another masterpiece from Miyazaki, Howl’s Moving Castle is a fantasy film that focuses on Sophie the Hatter, a young girl cursed by the Witch of Doom, and her adventure with the wizard Howl. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival, where it won the Osella Award for Technical Achievement.
one piece movie red
worldwide gross: US$246,570,000
Animation Studio: toei animation
Release date: August 2022
The One Piece film Red introduces Uta, the mysterious daughter of Shanks, one of the Four Emperors. The film became the highest-grossing film in One Piece history, surpassing Jujutsu Kaisen 0 with record-breaking earnings.
boy and heron
Worldwide Gross: US$294,217,033
Animation Studio: studio ghibli
Release date: July 2023
Miyazaki’s latest film, The Boy and the Heron, tells the story of a 12-year-old boy named Mahito who sets out on a journey to find his mother after discovering that she may still be alive. The film has been praised for its hand-drawn animation and emotional depth.
first slam dunk
Worldwide Gross: US$279,045,965
Animation Studio: toei animation
Release date: December 2022
A nostalgic hit for fans of the original Slam Dunk anime series, The First Slam Dunk focuses on point guard Ryota Miyagi as he leads his team in the Inter-High Tournament. The film rekindled fans’ love for the series and became a huge box office hit.
suzume no tojimari
Worldwide Gross: US$323,638,107
Animation Studio:Comics Wave Films
Release date: November 2022
Makoto Shinkai’s Suzume no Tojimari follows Suzume and Souta as they embark on a journey across Japan to close mysterious doors that have the power to unleash disasters. Taking inspiration from real-life events such as the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, the film struck a deep chord with audiences.
Your name
Worldwide Gross: US$382,238,181
Animation Studio: comics wave films
Release date: August 2016
One of the most beloved anime films of our time, Your Name tells the story of two teenagers, Taki and Mitsuha, who inexplicably begin switching bodies. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, the film became a major hit, topping the Japanese box office for several weeks and grossing over US$160 million in 2016.
spirited Away
Worldwide Gross: US$395,580,000
Animation Studio: studio ghibli
Release date: July 2001
Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away remains a timeless classic. It tells the story of a young girl named Chihiro Ogino, who stumbles into the spiritual world and has to find her way back to the real world with the help of a boy named Haku. Spirited Away won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Demon Slayer: Mugen Train
Worldwide Gross: US$507,127,293
Animation Studio: ufotable
Release date: October 2020
Breaking all box office records, Demon Slayer: Mugen Train became the highest-grossing anime film of all time. The film follows the Kamado siblings and their companions when they encounter a powerful monster aboard the Mugen Train. The film, released during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, grossed over US$506 million worldwide, surpassing the long-standing record of Spirited Away.
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