Animation has become a multi-billion-dollar industry, with studios producing everything from blockbuster films to viral animated shorts. As the demand for high-quality animated content continues to soar, many are curious: Which animation company is the richest?

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top animation studios that have earned massive revenues, shaped the entertainment world, and established themselves as the most financially successful companies in the industry. Additionally, we’ll explore how aspiring animators can break into the animation world with the help of Boston Institute of Analytics (BIA) and their comprehensive animation programs.

The Leading Animation Companies by Revenue

Several animation companies have achieved incredible financial success, thanks to their iconic films, beloved franchises, and cutting-edge animation techniques. Here are the most profitable animation studios dominating the industry today:

• The Walt Disney Company
• Annual Revenue: Disney's revenue for 2023 exceeded $82 billion, with animation playing a central role in its earnings. The company’s success extends beyond movies, with its theme parks, merchandise, and media networks contributing to its wealth.
• Blockbuster Films: Disney is behind some of the highest-grossing animated films ever made, such as The Lion King, Frozen, Toy Story, Zootopia, and Finding Nemo. These films have brought in billions of dollars worldwide, cementing Disney’s place as the richest animation company.
• Global Influence: Disney’s impact goes far beyond its animated movies. Its streaming platform, Disney+, continues to grow, offering a vast library of animated content. The company also generates substantial income from its theme parks and merchandising efforts.
• Pixar Animation Studios
• Annual Revenue: While Pixar’s financials are included in Disney’s broader earnings, the studio has generated billions of dollars from its films. Pixar’s films continue to break box-office records, making it one of the most profitable animation studios in the world.
• Iconic Films: Pixar is behind some of the most beloved animated films, including Toy Story, Up, Monsters, Inc., Inside Out, and Coco. These films not only earned impressive box-office numbers but also garnered critical acclaim and awards.
• Innovation: Pixar is a pioneer in animation technology. Its ground-breaking work in CGI has set the bar for the entire industry, and the studio’s commitment to innovation keeps it at the forefront of the animation world.
• DreamWorks Animation
• Annual Revenue: DreamWorks Animation generates substantial revenue through its films, TV shows, and streaming partnerships. In 2023, the studio’s revenue remained strong, despite fluctuations in the market.
• Popular Franchises: DreamWorks is known for successful franchises like Shrek, Madagascar, How to Train Your Dragon, and Kung Fu Panda. These franchises have not only performed well at the box office but have also led to spin-offs, merchandise, and theme park attractions.
• Acquisitions: In 2016, DreamWorks Animation was acquired by Universal Pictures, which is part of Comcast. This acquisition has strengthened DreamWorks’ financial position and expanded its global reach.
• Illumination Entertainment
• Annual Revenue: Illumination’s films have grossed billions at the box office, and the studio has established a reputation for producing animated films with high returns on investment. Its cost-effective production strategy has contributed to its impressive profitability.
• Major Hits: Illumination’s Despicable Me franchise, which includes the Minions spin-offs, is one of the most successful animated franchises in history. Other successful films include The Secret Life of Pets, Sing, and The Grinch.