Over the last two decades, anime has firmly established itself on a global scale. Gone are the days when Japanese animated movies or series were limited to obscure VHS releases and short TV blocks; nowadays, the most popular anime films tend to get theatrical releases out of Japan, and fans from all across the world can follow theseasonal shows.
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This shift towards mainstream acceptance has, naturally, resulted in improved box office performance, but which is thehighest-grossing anime movieof all time? Is it a Studio Ghibli pick? Something directed by Makoto Shinkai? Or is it a continuation of a beloved anime series? Perhaps most importantly, do any (legal) streaming services have these films?
As the data can vary depending on the source,The Number’s Worldwide Box OfficeorBox Office Mojo’s Worldwide earningswill be primarily used; if the sites state different earnings for a film, the higher one will be picked. Regarding the availability of these films, the focus will be on U.S. streaming services.
Updated June 22, 2025 by Mark Sammut:The rankings of thehighest-grossing anime movieshave been constantly in flux over the last few years. Once upon a time, a year might have produced one anime flick that would gain significant traction outside of Japan, and it would have had to be produced by Studio Ghibli or feature Pokemon. That is no longer the case, and the animation world is all the better for it.
Where to Stream
Amazon Prime Video
Nearly a decade afterEvangelion: 3.0 you’re able to (Not) Redo’s debut,Rebuild of Evangelionfinally dropped its final chapter.Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Timebrings Hideaki Anno’s vision to a close in epic fashion. While the 2021 film revisits ideas explored in 1997’sTheEnd of Evangelion, these themes are explored in fresh ways that reveal new sides to the characters and the world they exist in.
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IfEvangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Timeproves to beNGE’s last anime, the franchise can forever claim that it went out on a high, both critically and commercially.
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WhileCase Closedis a recognizable name in Western nations,Detective Conanis a juggernaut brand in Japan. Alongside a series with over a thousand episodes, the franchise has released 25 movies across roughly the same amount of years. Such a consistent release schedule could result in public burnout, yet the series continues to perform well at the box office.
The Scarlet Bulletis not the onlyCase Closedfilm to rank among thehighest-grossing anime movies, serving as a testament to the franchise’s enduring popularity in its home country. Unlike the recentDragon Ballmovies,Case Closed’s features did not receive theatrical runs in North America.
Released at arguably the height ofYo-kai Watchmania, this movie roughly covers the second game in the series, although fans should not go in expecting a 100% faithful adaptation. Similar to the anime series,Yo-kai Watch: The Movieis predominantly concerned with delivering humor and lighthearted adventure, two things the film generally accomplished. At no point does this story attempt to extract a tear or get the audience thinking, and that is hardly a bad thing to experience every once in a while.
Yo-kai Watchhas produced a couple more films following this release, but none of them have come close to achieving the same level of international success. Still, they are decent ways to kill 90 minutes.
An enjoyable entry starring everyone’s favorite anime detective,Case Closed: Zero the Enforcerfinds Mori Kogoro accused of a terrorist attack at a Summit meeting. Despite evidence pointing towards Kogoro, there is clearly something not quite right about the case, and Conan sets out to discover the truth.
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Zero the Enforceris simply an entertaining film that moves at a good pace and comes with a fun final reveal. While not especially unique, this movie demonstratesCase Closed’s impeccable ability to craft tight mysteries with memorable payoffs.
When it comes tohighest-grossing anime films, it mostly boils down to Japan’s preferences, outside a couple of exceptions such asPokemonandDragon Ball.
The 23rd film released as part of theDetective Conanfranchise,The Fist of Blue Sapphiresometimes feels like more of a Kaito Kid flick than a Conan piece. Nevertheless, it is a solid entry in a series that has produced many of them.
Amazon Prime Video + Starz,Starz
Dragon Ballneeds no introduction since the show has served as an entry-level shounen anime for plenty of people. For all of its success,Dragon Ballhad to wait nearly two decades after its heyday to produce a proper theatrical movie.Dragon Ball Z: Battle of GodsandDragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’walked so thatDragon Ball Super: Brolycould run and smash through afew box office recordsalong the way.
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Wisely focusing on Broly rather than Goku, the 2018 film delivers a surprisingly effective story that creates a sympathetic figure out of a character who, up to that point, was mostly known for screaming.
Hoopla
Released at the height ofPokemonmania, Lugia’s star-making vehicle is a pop culture relic of the late ‘90s. When a collector seeks to “catch” the three Legendary Birds tosummon Lugia, the world is sent into chaos. Obviously, Ash and Pikachu are dragged right into the middle of this dangerous situation.
Pokemon: The Movie 2000is not going to offer much to people not already fond of the franchise, but it holds nostalgic value for those who grew up with Ash’s adventures or even the Nintendo RPGs.
HBO Max
In 2013,The Wind Riseswas billed as Hayao Miyazaki’s final movie, however, the director has since come out of retirement and is currently working on a new project entitledHow Do You Live?Although this development takes some shine away fromThe Wind Rises, the film still represents a culmination of the esteemed filmmaker’s work.
“Flight” is a constant theme throughout Miyazaki’s filmography, andThe Wind Risesfinds the director exploring this concept without any distractions. Unsurprisingly, the film is visually stunning, and the narrative pulls from reality in a way that adds significant weight to the story beats.
Studio Ghibli is the most renowned anime studio in the world, at least when it comes to movies. Directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi,The Secret World of Arriettypresents an enchanting world hidden within everyday reality, as small Borrower people live inside humanity’s walls.
Moving at a measured pace,The Secret World of Arriettydelivers plenty of atmosphere, charm, and drama. The characters are generally likable and grounded, particularly the Borrower Arrietty and the human Shou.
Along withDragon BallandSailor Moon,Pokemonintroduced many ’90s children to anime. While films likeAkiraandGhost in the Shellgained a following outside of Japan,Pokemon: The First Moviewas arguably the first anime flick to truly feel like a big deal in the West.
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Obviously,Mewtwo Strikes Backis far from perfect. The film suffered from pacing issues and the fact it couldn’t impact the overallPokemonuniverse in any significant way, but these things ultimately didn’t matter.Pokemon: The First Moviewas an event.
