While 20th Century Fox is perhaps best known for releasing films like Avatar, Titanic, and Deadpool, the entertainment company is also home to a load of animated films. Because of this, we thought it was time to look at which animated features with the 20th Century Fox label have grossed more than all the rest. To do this, we’ll be looking at the stats provided by Box Office Mojo.
In this list, we’ll be focusing on each film’s worldwide gross instead of their domestic profits. Additionally, it’s worth noting that we’re taking into account any theatrical animated feature that was either produced or distributed by 20th Century Fox. With the logistics out of the way, it’s time to head to the theater and watch the cash roll in; Here are the highest-grossing animated films released by 20th Century Fox.
Rio (2011) - $483 million
This 2011 musical adventure tells of a macaw named Blu who enjoys his easy domestic life in Minnesota. Though he believes he’s the only one of his kind left, he soon discovers that another Spix’s macaw named Jewel lives in Rio de Janeiro. Blu sets out on a journey to meet Jewel, however, he can’t fly, which adds problems to his already complicated journey.
Rio was praised by critics for its pretty visuals and catchy songs. Audiences obviously loved it, as shown by how the movie glided home with $483 million in its pocket.
Rio 2 (2014) - $498 million
The 2014 sequel to Rio did even better the first. This time around, Jewel and Blu are caring for their three little children, who they worry are growing to become too much like people and not birds. This sends them on an adventure to find more of their kind deep in the Amazon jungle.
Though Rio 2’s reviews weren’t quite as high as the original, it still managed to bring back $498 million from the worldwide box office.
Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016) - $521 million
Though Paramount Pictures distributed the original Kung Fu Panda and its direct sequel, 20th Century Fox got a hold of the third. Thankfully, it was almost as commercially successful as its predecessor.
In this installment, Po discovers his birth father and the other pandas that live in a nearby village. Though he is at first excited by the casual meeting, he is soon tasked with preparing his kind to take on the evil Kai, who wishes to steal the chi from the kung fu masters.
Fans couldn’t help but praise the funny narrative, throwing $521 million at the film in the process.
The Simpsons Movie (2007) - $527 million
The longest-running sitcom in existence, The Simpsons, received its own theatrical feature in 2007. It proved that adult animations can be just as profitable as those aimed at younger viewers.
The Simpsons Movie had Homer polluting the Springfield lake, thereby forcing the Environmental Protection Agency to secure his town underneath a large dome. Though Homer's family is angry at him, he decides to search out a way to win back their approval.
The slick writing easily attracted longtime fans to the theater. The Simpsons Movie ended its runs after grossing $527 million.
The Boss Baby (2017) - $527 million
This 2017 comedy, based on the picture book of the same name by Marla Frazee, tells of a talking baby who deems himself “The Boss” and is taken in by Tim’s parents. Though 7-year-old Tim is at first jealous, he soon realizes that the child is a spy who is engaged in a long-running battle between baby-kind and puppy-kind.
Though The Boss Baby received mixed reviews, that didn’t stop it from grossing $527 million and scoring a 2021 sequel.
The Croods (2013) - $587 million
This 2013 prehistoric comedy tells of a family of cavepeople who live during The Croodaceous period. Though Grug enjoys leading his fellow Croods, his place is soon threatened by an innovative teenager — and after an earthquake rips through their home, the gang is forced to search out a new future.
The film took home generally positive reviews as well as $587 million and a Best Animated Feature nomination at the Academy Awards.
How To Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) - $621 million
In the first How to Train Your Dragon sequel, Viking Hiccup and his trusty dragon friend Toothless discover a mystical cave on an uncharted part of the island. Here, they discover hundreds of other dragons as well as Hiccup’s long-lost mother. As excited as they are for the reunion, they’re soon faced with the threat of a warrior who wants to take over the world.
The film was both a critical and commercial success, with moviegoers praising the sleek visuals and excitement-building story. This had the film earning $621 million and a sequel, though the third installment belonged to Universal Pictures instead of Fox. How To Train Your Dragon 2 also scored a Best Animated Feature nomination at the Academy Awards.
Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006) - $660 million
The Ice Age franchise had an incredibly successful run, and though the first film did well, the second did even better.
In this 2006 sequel, Manny the mammoth falls for another one of his kind who mistakenly believes she’s a possum. This happens while the Herd is attempting to run from a quickly approaching flood.
While this comedy’s reviews were mixed-to-average, fans couldn’t help but enjoy the fast-paced, fun humor. This had the film grossing $660 million.
Ice Age: Continental Drift (2012) - $877 million
We’re skipping to the fourth Ice Age installment, which managed to increase the gross of Ice Age: The Meltdown by over $200 million.
In Continental Drift, Scrat the squirrel accidentally lets his animal friends loose on an iceberg after causing the supercontinent of Pangaea to split apart. They’re soon forced to face a group of treasure-thirsty pirates.
Though the film’s reviews came in on the lower end, it didn’t stop audiences from heading to the theater. This had Continental Drift floating away with $877 million.
Ice Age: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs (2009) - $886 million
Last in line, the highest-grossing film to be produced and distributed by 20th Century Fox is none other than Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs.
The third installment in the Ice Age series sees Sid the Sloth nabbing a Tyrannosaurus’ eggs, which ultimately leads to his abduction. It’s up to the rest of the gang to track him down inside of a tropical paradise.
Some critics felt the Ice Age world had become a little worn out, however, they couldn’t help but appreciate the polished animation. Audiences were also interested, leading the film to snatch up $886 million at the global box office.