Anime has rapidly evolved from a niche interest to a worldwide phenomenon, with movies captivating audiences across the globe. Some anime films have performed exceptionally well, not only winning the hearts of fans but also breaking box office records and making massive earnings. These top-grossing anime films have played a significant role in the mainstream acceptance of anime, competing with Hollywood blockbusters.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the top 10 anime films that broke box office records and explore just how much they earned.
The Global Rise of Anime Films
Anime films have grown exponentially in popularity over the last two decades, captivating fans both in Japan and internationally. Titles like Spirited Away and Your Name not only performed well in Japan but also drew massive audiences globally, shattering box office records.
Streaming platforms such as Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Funimation have only accelerated anime’s growth, making it more accessible to viewers worldwide. With movie theaters reopening after the pandemic and digital streaming on the rise, anime films are setting new standards in global entertainment.
#10: One Piece Film: Red (2022)
One Piece Film: Red is the latest entry in the long-running One Piece franchise and has quickly become one of the top-grossing anime films of all time. The film’s success was fueled by decades of loyal fans eagerly awaiting every new release.
Box Office Earnings: $246 million
The One Piece fandom played a massive role in the movie’s success, with the film making huge waves in Japan and internationally. It smashed several box office records in 2022 and continues to perform well with Blu-ray and DVD sales.
#9: Jujutsu Kaisen 0 (2021)
This prequel to the Jujutsu Kaisen anime series was a much-anticipated release, with fans excited to see how the origin story unfolded. It didn’t disappoint, both in terms of storytelling and financial performance.
Box Office Earnings: $196 million
The film quickly became a box office hit, especially in Japan, and made impressive earnings in international markets, including the U.S. Streaming platforms like Crunchyroll have continued to keep the hype alive.
#8: The First Slam Dunk (2022)
A revival of the classic Slam Dunk franchise, The First Slam Dunk brought the beloved basketball anime back into the limelight. Fans of the original series were eager to see their favorite characters in action again.
Box Office Earnings: $262 million
The movie was a hit, especially in Asian markets, and it became one of the highest-grossing anime films of 2022. Its success proves that nostalgia plays a huge role in anime’s profitability.
#7: Ponyo (2008)
Studio Ghibli’s Ponyo is a delightful, whimsical story directed by Hayao Miyazaki. While it didn’t shatter records initially, over time, it has amassed huge earnings due to its timeless appeal.
Box Office Earnings: $204 million
Loved by both children and adults, Ponyo became a family favorite worldwide. Its unique animation style and heartfelt storyline have continued to draw in new viewers through streaming platforms and home media.
#6: Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
Another masterpiece by Hayao Miyazaki, Howl’s Moving Castle is a fantasy epic that still captivates audiences today. Its stunning visuals and imaginative world-building have helped it remain one of the most successful anime films.
Box Office Earnings: $236 million
Howl’s Moving Castle is widely regarded as a classic, and its popularity extends to streaming platforms and home video sales. Its blend of magic, love, and adventure resonates with viewers of all ages.
#5: Weathering With You (2019)
Directed by Makoto Shinkai, Weathering With You is a visually stunning film that tells the story of a boy and a girl who can manipulate the weather. The film became an instant hit, particularly after the success of Shinkai’s previous film, Your Name.
Box Office Earnings: $193 million
While it didn’t surpass Your Name in earnings, it still performed exceptionally well at the global box office, further establishing Makoto Shinkai as a visionary director.
#4: Your Name (2016)
Makoto Shinkai’s Your Name took the world by storm, captivating viewers with its emotional depth and breathtaking animation. The story of two teenagers who switch bodies and experience each other’s lives resonated with audiences worldwide.
Box Office Earnings: $382 million
Your Name became a global sensation and set new standards for anime films, earning the title of the highest-grossing anime film at the time. Its international success was unprecedented, and it continues to be a fan favorite.
#3: Spirited Away (2001)
Spirited Away held the title of the highest-grossing anime film for nearly two decades, and for good reason. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, this Studio Ghibli classic is a magical tale that has left a lasting impact on audiences around the world.
Box Office Earnings: $395 million
Even years after its release, Spirited Away continues to captivate new generations through streaming platforms and physical media. Its enduring popularity has cemented its place in anime history.
#2: Suzume (2022)
Makoto Shinkai strikes again with Suzume, a visually stunning and emotionally rich film that quickly climbed the ranks of top-grossing anime films. The movie follows a young girl who must close doors to prevent disasters across Japan.
Box Office Earnings: $365 million
With a strong box office performance, Suzume became a hit not only in Japan but also internationally, continuing the trend of Shinkai’s films dominating global markets.
#1: Demon Slayer: Mugen Train (2020)
Breaking every record in its path, Demon Slayer: Mugen Train became the highest-grossing anime film of all time. Following the story of Tanjiro and his friends battling a demon aboard a train, this film was a massive hit worldwide.
Box Office Earnings: $507 million
The movie’s incredible success helped boost the popularity of the Demon Slayer franchise, and it remains a cultural juggernaut. Its streaming availability and Blu-ray sales have kept fans engaged.
Conclusion
Anime films have not only grown in cultural significance but have also made massive waves in the box office, competing with some of Hollywood’s biggest hits. From Studio Ghibli’s timeless classics to modern hits like Demon Slayer and Your Name, these films have set new standards for the genre.
Streaming services, DVDs/Blu-rays, and limited-edition merchandise are all driving factors behind the continued success of these anime films, and they also create a lucrative landscape for advertisers.

Akane, known as akanecco._ on Instagram, is a passionate and experienced Anime creator specializing in anime content. With 317 engaging posts and a dedicated following of 12.7K, Akane has become a trusted authority in the anime community. Through detailed reviews, character explorations, and insightful analyses, Akane shares an extensive knowledge of anime, captivating and educating fans with every video. Follow Akane on Instagram to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of anime and join a community of like-minded enthusiasts here- Facebook and Pinterest.