Top 20 Highest Grossing Anime Films of All Time, Ranked

Anime films have surprised the global box office again and again, with several titles breaking records far beyond Japan. This list looks at the 20 top earners around the world and highlights where their money came from, how they performed in key markets, and what helped them connect with audiences. Totals refer to worldwide grosses and include reissues where applicable. Figures are rounded where needed for clarity.

‘Detective Conan: Black Iron Submarine’ (2023)

This entry in the long running franchise sailed past earlier series highs with a worldwide total of about $121.9 million. Japan provided the majority of the revenue after a strong Golden Week run. Additional earnings came from releases across Asia and select European territories. Its momentum helped push the brand to new overseas partners for later films.

‘Dragon Ball Super: Broly’ (2018)

Goku’s return in feature length form delivered a global haul of about $122.7 million. Japan led the way while North America added a sizeable chunk thanks to wide theatrical play through specialty distributors. Latin American markets were particularly strong given the franchise’s deep fan base. The film’s modern animation update and IMAX screenings boosted per theater averages.

‘Pokémon the Movie 2000’ (1999)

The second Pokémon feature earned about $133.9 million worldwide. The United States and Canada contributed a large share following the massive success of the TV series. Japan’s earlier release created strong merchandise tie ins that amplified interest. Europe and parts of Latin America rounded out the total with family friendly summer play.

‘The Wind Rises’ (2013)

Hayao Miyazaki’s historical drama flew to about $136.9 million globally. Japan delivered the biggest slice with a long legged domestic run. Overseas results were powered by France, Italy, and the United States through limited but premium art house engagements. Awards attention extended its box office life beyond the initial release window.

‘Detective Conan: One-eyed Flashback’ (2025)

This recent installment secured around $162.0 million worldwide. Japan anchored the gross after a record setting opening week for the series. Solid contributions came from China and South Korea as the franchise’s overseas footprint widened. Expanded showtimes and premium formats helped lift average ticket prices.

‘Princess Mononoke’ (1997)

Studio Ghibli’s epic adventure reached about $170.0 million worldwide. It became a major event in Japan and later found success in Europe through strong festival buzz. North American revenue grew through reissues and special screenings. The film’s environmental themes supported long term interest and steady catalog play.

‘Pokémon: The First Movie’ (1998)

The franchise’s first feature captured about $172.7 million globally. North America delivered a huge slice driven by the late 1990s Pokémon craze. Japan’s earlier performance and heavy merchandise tie ins amplified overall revenue. The film also charted in Europe and Australia during school holiday periods.

‘Stand by Me Doraemon’ (2014)

This 3D update of a classic brand earned about $183.4 million worldwide. Japan led with strong family turnout and repeat business. China added significant revenue during a summer frame with limited competition. Southeast Asia markets contributed steady grosses thanks to the character’s long standing popularity.

‘Weathering with You’ (2019)

Makoto Shinkai’s follow up to ‘Your Name’ collected about $193.7 million worldwide. Japan delivered the largest portion with an extended run and multiple format options. China and South Korea added strong totals, while North America and Europe provided solid specialty returns. The film benefited from event screenings and fan previews that lifted early weekends.

‘Jujutsu Kaisen 0’ (2021)

This prequel fought its way to about $196.2 million globally. Japan and China drove the majority of the earnings with competitive holds across several weeks. North America contributed notable revenue through wide release partnerships. Word of mouth and strong late night shows lifted weekday performance.

‘Ponyo’ (2008)

Ghibli’s ocean tale swam to about $204.8 million worldwide. Japan accounted for the biggest share with family attendance across multiple school breaks. The film played strongly in Europe, especially in France and Italy. North America added to the total through a dubbed release supported by star voice casting.

‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ (2004)

This fantasy adventure powered to about $237.5 million globally. Japan delivered the core revenue with a long domestic run. France provided exceptional results, reflecting Ghibli’s strong presence there. Reissues and festival circuits kept the title earning in international markets for years.

‘One Piece Film Red’ (2022)

The franchise hit a new high with about $246.5 million worldwide. Japan led with more than $20 billion yen in local currency, setting series records. France and other European territories delivered some of the best overseas numbers for the brand. Event style screenings and concert tie ins helped maintain momentum after opening weekend.

‘The First Slam Dunk’ (2022)

The basketball drama netted about $279.0 million worldwide. Japan and South Korea were the top contributors with record admissions for an anime sports film. China provided a powerful push with a strong opening session and healthy weekday holds. The film leveraged nostalgia and drew new viewers with modern animation techniques.

‘The Boy and the Heron’ (2023)

Hayao Miyazaki’s return soared to about $294.2 million worldwide. Japan opened without traditional marketing and still delivered leading results. North America added meaningful revenue after a number one domestic debut. Europe and China pushed the total higher with extended runs and premium large format play.

‘Suzume’ (2022)

Makoto Shinkai’s road fantasy unlocked about $323.6 million globally. Japan and China were the primary drivers with excellent week to week retention. South Korea, Taiwan, and other Asian markets added sizable contributions. Select releases in North America and Europe broadened the audience through limited event screenings.

‘Spirited Away’ (2001)

This landmark Ghibli film stands at about $395.6 million worldwide. Japan’s record breaking admissions set the foundation, later boosted by 2020 reissues. Internationally the film expanded through festival acclaim and repertory bookings. Ongoing special screenings continue to add incremental revenue.

‘Your Name.’ (2016)

Shinkai’s body swap romance earned about $405.3 million worldwide. Japan accounted for a substantial share while China and South Korea delivered exceptional overseas totals. The film saw strong legs from fan engagement and repeat viewing. Limited runs in North America and Europe added steady specialty grosses.

‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train’ (2020)

The franchise phenomenon cut through global markets for about $512.7 million worldwide. Japan produced massive earnings with unprecedented speed to key milestones. Overseas totals were led by North America and a wide spread of releases across Asia and Europe. Premium large format showings and late night sessions helped push per screen averages higher.

‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle’ (2025)

The latest chapter surged to more than $555 million worldwide. Japan set new franchise records in its first weeks, followed by robust openings in Europe and North America. China and South Korea contributed strong numbers during national holiday corridors. Ongoing theatrical exclusivity and repeat attendance continue to lift the total.

Share your favorite from the list and the box office stat that surprised you most in the comments.