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In recent years, anime has become a global sensation, sparking interest far beyond Japan’s borders. With its rise in popularity, many companies are exploring the rapidly growing industry. The momentum anime has gained is more than a matter of hitting the mainstream; many are backed by record-breaking profits and increasingly ambitious productions rival Hollywood in scale and impact.
The increase in box office performance in recent years reflects much more than just fan engagement. Rather, it signals a shift in audience tastes and a longing for fresh visuals and narratives. With each new release, anime continues to demonstrate its reach and influence, as evidenced by the top ten worldwide-grossing films.
10
Jujutsu Kaisen 0
Produced by MAPPA, Directed by Sunghoo Park
- Release Date
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December 24, 2021
- Runtime
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105 minutes
- Director
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Sunghoo Park
- Writers
-
Hiroshi Seko
Jujutsu Kaisen 0 was released in 2021 and grossed $196,290,952 worldwide. As a prequel to the popular series, it follows Yuta Okkotsu, whose tragic past propels the story onward. The film features high-stakes battles and intriguing storytelling that resonated with both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Beyond its narrative success, the film’s performance demonstrated a major shift in anime’s commercial dynamics. As a spin-off without a protagonist, its triumph proved that audiences are invested not only in the franchise but also in the lore surrounding it. It offered deeper world-building and set a new standard for anime films that are tied to series. The strong international showing also reaffirmed anime’s growth into a worldwide phenomenon.
9
Ponyo
Produced by Studio Ghibli, Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
Ponyo, released in 2008, was another Studio Ghibli masterpiece, earning over $204 million globally. The story is a whimsical retelling of The Little Mermaid, following a goldfish who yearns to love as a human after forming a bond with a young boy. As she transforms into a human girl, their connection triggers a fantastical chain of events that threatens the balance of nature.
Ponyo is yet another of Studio Ghibli’s most enchanting and timeless stories. Its soft visual style is inspired by themes of love, innocence, and one’s connection with the world. Despite its slower pace and childlike tone, the movie captivated viewers across the globe. Hayao Miyazaki’s gift for storytelling shone through in Ponyo, offering fans an unforgettable story.
8
Howl’s Moving Castle
Produced by Studio Ghibli, Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
Released in 2004, Howl’s Moving Castle earned $237,536,126 at the global box office. The story is based on the novel by Diana Wynne Jones and follows Sophie, a young woman cursed with an elderly body. She finds refuge in Howl’s castle, and as she becomes closer to him, she becomes entangled in magic and the war brewing in the film’s background.
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Howl’s Moving Castle is another of Studio Ghibli’s finest works, especially in the West, where it gained a strong following. Its themes, including anti-war commentary, acceptance, and love, offered a more mature narrative that still included Ghibli’s whimsical charm. The film helped expand the global perception of anime as an art form with its visually stunning scenes and powerful, resonant storytelling.
7
One Piece Film: Red
Produced by Toei Animation, Directed by Gorō Taniguchi
One Piece Film: Red was released in 2022 and grossed $246,570,00 worldwide, becoming the most successful film in the long-running franchise. The story focuses on Uta, a world-famous singer and childhood friend of Luffy, whose voice holds an unexpected and dangerous power. As the Straw Hats reunite with her at a massive concert, they uncover more than they ever expected, unraveling secrets that connect to Shanks and the world of One Piece.
The movie’s massive performance reinforced the enduring popularity of One Piece while also showing off the franchise’s ability to evolve. With a musical-driven plot and an emotionally powerful backstory, One Piece Film: Red took creative risks that ultimately paid off. Its bold style and clear focus allowed the movie to stand independently while appealing to longtime fans.
6
The First Slam Dunk
Produced by Toei Animation and DandeLion Animation Studio, Directed by Takehiko Inoue
- Release Date
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December 3, 2022
- Runtime
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125 Minutes
- Director
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Takehiko Inoue
- Writers
-
Takehiko Inoue
In 2022, The First Slam Dunk earned $279,045,965 at the global box office, marking a triumphant return for one of anime’s best sports franchises. The film shifts its focus to the point guard Ryota Miyagi, who explores his personal struggles while leading his team through a high-stakes basketball match. The film reintroduced Slam Dunk to fans through a real-time game blended with flashbacks that have strong emotional depth.
Its box office success proved that long-dormant series can return with meaningful stories and gain a strong reception.
The First Slam Dunk is more than a nostalgic callback. It’s a bold reimagining. The film explored a fresh style of animation and a far more introspective tone, setting it apart from its 90s predecessor. Its box office success proved that long-dormant series can return with meaningful stories and gain a strong reception.
5
The Boy and the Heron
Produced by Studio Ghibli, Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
The Boy and the Heron was released in 2023 and earned $294,200,000 worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing anime films ever. The story follows Mahito, a young boy who, after the loss of his mother, finds himself drawn to a mysterious alternate world by a gray heron. What begins as a surreal journey of grief and escape becomes a powerful and rich narrative about acceptance, growth, and legacy.
The film’s success is yet another reaffirmation of Studio Ghibli’s storytelling power. With abstract narrative threads and symbolic world-building, The Boy and the Heron leaned into a deeper, more reflective tone than Miyazaki’s previous works. Despite its ambiguous storytelling, audiences responded to its emotional depth and visual artistry with high, widespread acclaim.
4
Suzume
Produced by CoMix Wave Films and Story Inc., Directed by Makoto Shinkai
Released in 2022, Suzume earned $323,638,107 worldwide, continuing director Makoto Shinkai’s streak of box office successes. The story follows a teenage girl named Suzume who encounters a mysterious young man and becomes involved in closing supernatural doors that threaten to unleash natural disasters across Japan. As she journeys through the country, Suzume must confront her past and the emotional scars left by both personal and collective loss.
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Makoto Shinkai’s latest film, Suzume, doesn’t reach the heights of his previous works, but it’s still a great film with plenty of heart.
Building on the successes of Your Name and Weathering With You, Suzume strengthens Shinkai’s reputation for blending romance with high-stakes fantasy elements. The film explores themes of trauma, healing, and memories. The supernatural premise and reflections on real-world tragedies like the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake deepen the narrative’s impact.
3
Spirited Away
Produced by Studio Ghibli, Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
Spirited Away was released in 2001 and earned $395,580,000 at the global box office, becoming a landmark achievement for Studio Ghibli and the anime industry. The film follows Chihiro, a young girl who finds herself entangled in a world full of spirits after her parents are transformed into pigs. To survive and save them, she begins working at a bathhouse for supernatural entities and embarks on a journey through the mysterious realm.
The film’s success was transformative for the anime industry and propelled Miyazaki to international fame. Its combination of imaginative world-building, coming-of-age themes, and cultural symbolism resonated with audiences across generations and remains one of the greatest Ghibli films to this day. Spirited Away went on to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, a first for an anime film.
2
Your Name
Produced by CoMix Wave Films, Directed by Makoto Shinkai
Your Name, released in 2016, grossed $405,340,703 worldwide and quickly became a global phenomenon. The story follows Taki and Mitsuha, two teenagers who mysteriously begin swapping bodies. This leads them to develop a deep, emotional connection despite never having met. Their lives become intertwined as they uncover the truth behind their unusual bond and try to prevent a catastrophe.
Your Name captured the hearts of millions worldwide with its blend of romance, time travel, and visually stunning animation. Makoto Shinkai’s direction struck a perfect balance between heartfelt storytelling and breathtaking visuals, making the film a perfect work of art. The film’s universal themes of longing, fate, and identity strongly resonated with audiences and propelled it to major success.
1
Demon Slayer the Movie: Mugen Train
Produced by Ufotable, Directed by Haruo Sotozaki
Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, released in 2020, earned $507,127,293 at the global box office, making it the highest-grossing anime film of all time. The film picks up where the anime series left off after the first season as Tanjiro and his companions board the Mugen Train to battle a powerful demon. As the group faces off against powerful and terrifying threats, they also uncover the tragic pasts of those involved in the attack as they confront an enemy who can manipulate their emotions.
Demon Slayer: Mugen Train broke records by capitalizing on the success of the TV series and delivering a visually stunning and emotionally powerful cinematic experience. Its massive box office success, especially considering the global pandemic, proved that anime could thrive in any climate. The film appealed to both returning and new fans and solidified Demon Slayer’s place as one of anime’s most successful franchises.
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