Discover the top highest grossing anime of all time and explore the box office success of beloved classics and modern masterpieces in the world of anime.
Japanese animation captivates millions of people not only on TV screens or mobile devices, but also in cinemas. Anime films not only differ from their serial counterparts in scale and sometimes even in the animation itself, but also clearly show how much this genre is loved all over the world.
Top Highest Grossing Anime of All Time
But how can you evaluate love? In monetary terms! We have collected ten of the highest grossing anime of all time and will tell you about them now.
Demon Slayer: Infinite Train
- Year of release: 2020
- Box office: $500 million
- Director: Haruo Sotozaki, Shinya Shimomura
The film follows the journey of young demon slayer Tanjiro Kamado and his companions as they embark on a dangerous mission aboard a mysterious train. Their mission is to help a more experienced hunter find and defeat a demon that has kidnapped and killed dozens of people.
The film’s defining feature is its colorful animation, created by Ufotable, a studio known for its attention to detail and fast-paced action. The film’s action scenes are a visual feast, immersing the viewer in the gritty yet compelling world of Demon Slayer.
Spirited Away
- Year of release: 2001
- Box office: $395 million
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
The girl Chihiro finds herself in a magical town full of spirits, gods and various creatures. She has a difficult journey ahead of her to unravel the mysteries of the new world, as well as to disenchant her parents, who succumbed to gluttony in this mystical place and turned into pigs.
The fantastical spirit world setting, filled with bustling markets, otherworldly landscapes and quirky characters, immerses viewers in a visually stunning and captivating world created in Miyazaki’s signature style.
Your name
- Year of release: 2016
- Box office: $382 million
- Director: Makoto Shinkai
Teenagers Taki and Mitsuha inexplicably start switching bodies periodically. They know nothing about each other, except that they possess each other during sleep. The heroes use notes to communicate with each other after “waking up”. Will they be able to meet? Or are these just strange visions?
The film skillfully combines humor, tenderness and emotional experiences of the characters, which creates an emotional spectrum that resonates with viewers of all ages.
Suzume closing the doors
- Release year: 2022
- Box office: $323 million
- Director: Makoto Shinkai
A girl named Suzume from a quiet town meets a traveler who is searching for nearby ruins. Driven by curiosity, she follows her new acquaintance to the unusual ruins, where she finds a mystical door. Suzume opens it, which causes earthquakes along with a series of other, equally strange events.
In a world full of endless possibilities, Suzume Closes Doors reminds the viewer that sometimes amazing discoveries can be found in the most unexpected places, including within oneself.
Signature Throw
- Release year: 2022
- Box office: $278 million
- Director: Takehiko Inoe
A sports drama about high school basketball players. A team of young athletes will have to face the reigning champions in the main match of the national championship among schoolchildren in order to win the coveted title.
The film’s comic-book-like animation brings the basketball games to life, vividly conveying the athletes’ actions and the emotional intensity of each game. Viewers can expect scenes full of adrenaline and movement, highlighting the excitement of the competition.
One Piece: Red
- Release year: 2022
- Box office: $246 million
- Director: Goro Taniguchi
The brave Straw Hat pirates, led by Luffy, go to see the singer Uta perform. At the concert, Luffy tells her that they are old acquaintances. That day, it turns out that the girl is the adopted daughter of Shansk, the captain of the pirate crew.
The film provides everything that fans of this anime love: action, humor, heart. And the distinctive feature of this picture is the soundtrack, filled with catchy compositions.
Howl’s Moving Castle
- Year of release: 2004
- Box office: $237 million
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
An evil and jealous witch has turned a young girl, Sophia, into an old woman. To remove the spell, the girl goes to the house of the young wizard Howl, the owner of a magical walking castle. During the heroine’s adventures, it turns out that the witchcraft spell is not only on her, but also on Howl himself, as well as other inhabitants of the castle.
Breathtaking landscapes, complex character designs and captivating magical elements make the film’s visuals unforgettable. Every set is meticulously designed, immersing viewers in a fantastical world.
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Ponyo on the Cliff
- Year of release: 2008
- Box office: $204 million
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Ponyo, the daughter of a sorcerer and a sea goddess, escapes from her underwater home. Driven by curiosity, she wants to explore the human world. However, this leads to the fish being put in a glass jar and then into the hands of a boy named Sosuke. This new acquaintance changes Ponyo’s life from the inside out as she decides to become human.
Miyazaki’s mastery of direction shines through in every frame, depicting the underwater world in stunning detail, from the vibrant marine life to the majestic underwater landscapes. Accompanied by a captivating score by Joe Hisaishi, renowned for his collaborations with Miyazaki, the film’s soundtrack underscores every emotion and adds depth to the narrative.
Magic battle 0
- Year of release: 2021
- Box office: $196 million
- Director: Park Sunhu
The film follows the adventures of Yuta Okkotse, a high school student who is haunted by the ghost of his deceased childhood friend Rika Orimoto. A skilled sorcerer, Satoru Gojo, tries to help Yuta tame the ghost at a Tokyo school.
The film masterfully combines intense battles, drawing viewers into a world where supernatural forces collide with human emotions.
Weathering Child
- Year of release: 2019
- Box office: $193 million
- Director: Makoto Shinkai
Teenager Hodaka Morishima runs away from his home island and moves to Tokyo, where it constantly rains. In pursuit of a better life, the boy faces financial difficulties. To make ends meet, he gets a job at a small news agency that mainly writes about the supernatural.
Later, Hodaka meets a girl named Hina Amano, who turns out to have an extraordinary ability to control the weather.
The film presents a colorful depiction of Tokyo, where rain plays a central role in shaping the narrative and aesthetics. Each frame is carefully crafted, highlighting the intricate details of the cityscape and weather patterns.