Join Topshare to discover the list of Top 10 highest-grossing anime as of today! From colorful and fascinating cinematic works, to emotional love stories, we list the most beloved and successful anime in history. Under the leadership of the powerful protagonists and the creativity of the directors, these anime scored points with the audience and collected record sales. Join us in exploring anime culture and enjoy the memorable experiences these works offer!
1 Princess Mononoke
Princess Mononoke - The highest-grossing anime to date. Image source: Time Out
Highest-grossing anime to date - Princess Mononoke
Princess Mononoke (1997) is a Japanese animated film directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. The film is about the confrontation between man and nature in a mystical world. Ashitaka, the main character, is tricked into a war between the Emishi tribe and the forces of the Mascot Herald tribe as well as other cruel forces. Princess Mononoke has been critically acclaimed by both critics and audiences. The film offers a profound story about the conflict between humanity and nature, along with traditional Miyazaki film elements such as love, friendship, and the fight for justice. Joe Hisaishi's stunning visuals and signature music also contribute to a memorable experience. In terms of revenue, Princess Mononoke has grossed over $159 million worldwide. The film was not only a commercial success, but was also considered an outstanding work of art. The combination of a sentimental story and a poignant message about the balance between man and nature has captivated and influenced audiences around the world.
Revenue: Princess Mononoke, released in 1997, has grossed approximately $159 million worldwide.
Genre: Anime, Adventure, Fantasy, Action
Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
Screenplay: Hayao Miyazaki
Release year: Princess Mononoke was released in 1997.
2 Pokemon: The First Movie - Mewtwo Strikes Back
Pokemon: The First Movie - Mewtwo Strikes Back - the highest-grossing anime to date. Image source: IMDb
Highest-grossing anime to date - Pokemon: The First Movie - Mewtwo Strikes Back
Japanese animated film, based on the popular Pokemon manga and anime series. The film revolves around Ash Ketchum's group of Pokemon trainers and their confrontation with Mewtwo, an artificially created high-intensity Pokemon. Mewtwo wants to prove the superiority of Pokemon over humans and threaten the Pokemon world. Pokemon: The First Movie created a huge fever when it was released, attracting the interest of both Pokemon fans and new audiences. The film offers a dramatic and moving story, with a message about love, friendship and what it means to live in peace. In terms of revenue, Pokemon: The First Movie has grossed more than 160 million USD worldwide, proving the overwhelming success of the film. The appeal of Pokemon and the story of Mewtwo has captivated audiences around the globe. The film scored with its beautiful visuals, exciting Pokemon battles, and a positive message of solidarity and understanding between species.
Box office: Pokemon: The First Movie - Mewtwo Strikes Back, released in 1998, has grossed approximately $160 million worldwide.
Genre: Anime, Action, Adventure, Family, Fantasy
Directed by: Kunihiko Yuyama
Screenplay: Takeshi Shudo
Release year: Pokemon: The First Movie - Mewtwo Strikes Back was released in 1998.
3 Stand by Me Doraemon
Stand by Me Doraemon - The highest-grossing anime to date. Image source: VOV
Highest-grossing anime to date - Stand by Me Doraemon
Stand by Me Doraemon (2014) is a special Japanese animated film, based on the popular manga and anime series about the character Doraemon. The film tells the last adventure of Doraemon and Nobita before Doraemon has to return to the future. Stand by Me Doraemon has received love and praise from the audience, especially from those who have had memories with the Doraemon character since childhood. The film delivers an emotional, humorous and touching story about friendship and trust. It recreates the laughter and tears from the previous stories of Doraemon and Nobita. In terms of grosses, Stand by Me Doraemon has grossed over $183 million worldwide, proving the timeless appeal of the Doraemon character and the audience's love for the film. The film has created a special combination of childhood memories and current emotions, providing a memorable experience for both adults and children.
Revenue: Stand by Me Doraemon, released in 2014, has grossed approximately $183 million worldwide.
Genre: Anime, Comedy, Family, Adventure, Sci-fi
Directed by: Takashi Yamazaki, Ryuichi Yagi
Screenplay: Takashi Yamazaki
Release year: Stand by Me Doraemon was released in 2014.
4 Weathering with You
Weathering With You - the highest-grossing anime to date. Image source: NPR
Highest-grossing anime to date - Weathering with you
Weathering with You (2019) is a special Japanese animated film, written and directed by Makoto Shinkai. The film tells the story of Hodaka, a young man who runs away from home and finds Tokyo. There, he meets Hina, a girl with the ability to control the weather. Both begin a journey to discover love and find a way to change fate. Weathering with You has received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike. The film combines elements of fairy, love and real social issues. Beautiful visuals, great music and a deep message of love and hope make for a memorable piece. On the box office, Weathering with You has grossed over $193 million worldwide, proving the film's success and appeal. The combination of visual beauty, emotional plot and supernatural elements captivated the audience and created a memorable experience in the hearts of viewers.
Revenue: Weathering with You (Tenki no Ko), released in 2019, has grossed approximately $193 million worldwide.
Genre: Anime, Romance, Drama, Fantasy
Directed by: Makoto Shinkai
Makoto Shinkai
Release year: Weathering with You was released in 2019.
5 Ponyo
Ponyo - The highest-grossing anime to date. Image source: NPR
Highest-grossing anime to date - Ponyo
Ponyo (2008) is a Japanese animated film directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. The film tells the story of a goldfish named Ponyo and a 5-year-old boy named Sosuke. The two meet and become close friends. Ponyo wants to be a girl so she can be with Sosuke, and from there, the adventure begins. Ponyo has received a lot of love from children and adults alike. The film offers a world full of color and magic, where friendship and love can overcome all barriers. The bright plot and the message of love and environmental protection made for a memorable experience. Although Ponyo didn't do quite as well as some of Studio Ghibli's other anime films, it still grossed over $201 million worldwide. The blend of fantasy and reality, along with great visuals and music, makes for a movie worth watching for all audiences.
Revenue: Ponyo, released in 2008, has grossed approximately $201 million worldwide.
Genre: Anime, Family, Adventure, Fantasy
Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
Screenplay: Hayao Miyazaki
Release year: Ponyo was released in 2008.
6 Howl's Moving Castle
Howl's Moving Castle - The highest-grossing anime to date. Photo credit: Zing
Highest-grossing anime to date - Howl's Moving Castle
Howl's Moving Castle (2004) is a Japanese animated film directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Diana Wynne Jones. The story follows young Sophie, who is cursed and turned into an old man by a jealous witch. She joins the adventure with Howl, a handsome wizard, and his mysterious mobile castle. Howl's Moving Castle was loved by audiences and received positive reviews from critics. The film offers a rich, colorful world and unique characters. It portrays a story of love, self-acceptance and freedom. In terms of grosses, Howl's Moving Castle has grossed over $235 million worldwide, proving the film's artistic and commercial success. The appeal of Howl's Moving Castle lies in its deep plot, stunning visuals, and deeply human message that it brings to the audience.
Revenue: approximately $235 million worldwide.
Genre: Anime, Romance, Adventure, Fantasy
Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
Screenplay: Hayao Miyazaki
Release year: 2004.
7 Your Name
Your Name - The highest-grossing anime to date. Photo credit: Tinhte.vn
Highest-grossing anime to date - Your Name
Your Name (2016) is an emotional Japanese animated film, written and directed by Makoto Shinkai. The film tells the love story between the two main characters, Taki and Mitsuha. Two people live in two different places, but suddenly swap bodies and experience reversed lives. Melodrama and supernatural elements are interspersed in the story, delivering emotional emotional experiences. Your Name has been a huge hit around the world and has received critical acclaim from both audiences and critics. The movie has beautiful visuals, great music, and an engaging plot. It brings a message of love, growth and loss in life. In terms of revenue, Your Name has grossed over $360 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing anime series of all time. The success of the film proves the appeal of the Japanese anime industry and also shows the importance of a beautiful love story in the hearts of the audience.
Revenue: Your Name, released in 2016, has grossed approximately $360 million worldwide.
Genre: Anime, Romance, Drama, Fantasy
Directed by: Makoto Shinkai
Makoto Shinkai
Release year: Your Name was released in 2016.
8 Spirited Away
Spirited Away - the highest-grossing anime to date. Image source: VOV
Highest-grossing anime to date - Spirited Away
Spirited Away (2001) is a Japanese animated feature film, written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. The film follows the adventures of 10-year-old Chihiro Ogino as she stumbles into a supernatural world of spirits and goblins after her parents are turned into pigs. Chihiro must find a way to overcome the challenges and find her parents. Spirited Away received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike. The film combines elements of fairy, mystery and deep message about maturity and family love. Beautiful visuals, great music and a rich storyline make for a memorable cinematic. In terms of revenue, Spirited Away has grossed over $395 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing anime series of all time. The film's success lies not only in its revenue but also in creating an iconic work of art and having a profound impact on the anime industry.
Revenue: Spirited Away, released in 2001, has grossed approximately $395 million worldwide.
Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
Screenplay: Hayao Miyazaki
Release year: Spirited Away was released in 2001.
9 Pokemon: Detective Pikachu
Pokemon: Detective Pikachu - The highest-grossing anime to date. Image source: Game4V
Highest-grossing anime to date - Pokémon: Detective Pikachu
Pokemon: Detective Pikachu (2019) is a Japanese-American co-production, based on the famous Pokemon franchise. The film tells the story of protagonist Tim Goodman, a young man searching for his father to disappear, and Pikachu, his special friend, who has the ability to talk. The two embark on adventures to solve Pokemon-related mysteries and cases. Pokemon: Detective Pikachu has attracted the attention of both Pokemon fans and audiences who have never been exposed to this series of games and anime. With a combination of the real world and the Pokemon world, the film offers a funny and interesting detective story. At the same time, with the appearance of the lovable character Pikachu and other Pokemon, the movie created a unique experience. In terms of revenue, Pokemon: Detective Pikachu has grossed more than 433 million USD worldwide, standing in the list of the highest grossing anime series of all time. The combination of the Pokemon franchise and the detective puzzle element captivated audiences and contributed to the success of this movie.
Revenue: Pokémon: Detective Pikachu has grossed an estimated $433 million worldwide.
Directed by: Rob Letterman
Screenplay: Dan Hernandez, Benji Samit, Rob Letterman, Derek Connolly
Release year: Pokémon: Detective Pikachu was released in 2019.
10 Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba The Movie: Mugen Train - The highest-grossing anime to date. Image source: Looper
Anime Có Doanh Thu Cao Nhất Tính Đến Nay - Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train is an anime series based on the popular manga series of the same name by Koyoharu Gotouge. The film is the sequel to the anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and has created a huge craze in cinemas. The film follows the adventures of the protagonist Tanjiro Kamado and the Demon Slayer on a journey on the Mugen train, where dramatic events occur and meets new characters. The film is famous for its compelling plot, beautiful visuals and eye-catching action sequences. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train has been a huge hit and has achieved overwhelming success in attracting audiences. With sales exceeding 500 million USD worldwide, this film has set a new record and become one of the highest grossing anime series of all time.
Sales: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train recorded a record box office in Japan of over $500 million and became the highest-grossing anime film of all time.
Directed by: Haruo Sotozaki
Ufotable
Release year: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train was released in 2020.
