Despite being released in 1994, Disney’s originalThe Lion Kingmovie still holds one specific plaudit when it comes to box office rankings, and the industry’s huge changes in the last 30 years mean even the studio that made the movie probably won’t be able to break its own record. Although there are a fewharsh realities to account for when rewatchingThe Lion King, it’s still widely regarded as one of thebest Disney movies of all time.The Lion Kingmade a huge splashwhen it was released, and it continues to be enjoyed today.
With a confirmedrelease date forMufasa: The Lion King, the prequel to the rebooted version of the franchise is set to expand the saga like never before. Although the 1994 movie did have sequels, none of them came anywhere near the success of the first movie. In fact, the original’s triumph remains one of the studio’s biggest achievements to this day, thanks to an interesting record held by the animated film.
The Original Lion King Is The Highest-Grossing 2D Animated Movie
The 1994 animated classic is still holding its own
Even three decades later, 1994’sThe Lion Kingis still the movie with the highest box office revenue that was animated traditionally (viaThe Numbers). Looking at a ranking of the most profitable animated movies of all time,The Lion Kingis unbeaten when it comes to 2D animation. There have been countless movies animated this way sinceThe Lion King’s release, making it all the more impressive that it still hasn’t been surpassed.
2019’sThe Lion Kingdoesn’t take the 2D record away from its predecessorbecause it relies on CGI. However, with Box Office Mojo reporting the 2019 version as taking over $1.6B, the remake is in second place overall on the list.
Interestingly, 2019’s remake also makes the list - despite being marketed as live-action. There’s a simple reason for this: it isn’t actually live-action. The remake has been made to very closely imitate a realistic aesthetic, but it has required heavy use of animation to do so. Therefore, while it’s far above the original in the animated movie box office rankings,2019’sThe Lion Kingdoesn’t take the 2D record away from its predecessorbecause it relies on CGI. However, withBox Office Mojoreporting the 2019 version as taking over $1.6B, the remake is in second place overall on the list.
The Majority Of The Highest-Grossing Animated Movies Are CGI
The Lion King has done well to hold its place in the list
Although animated movies are still as popular as they ever were - if not even more so - the medium used to create these worlds has changed a lot since 1994. Although some ofThe LionKing’s contemporaries, like 1992’sAladdinand 1995’sPocahontas,do rank in the top 100 highest-grossing animated movies, none of them make it into the top 50. In fact,The Lion Kingitself falls just outside the top 10, despite raking in over $988M.
Going forward, it’s tough to see CGI movies slowing down, so it’s likely that all the 2D movies will eventually be bumped even further down the rankings.
The most modern 2D animated movie on the list is 2007’sThe Simpsons Movie. Despite the long wait for a feature-length production of the legendary Matt Groening show, and how well it was received, it still can’t compete with the list’s CGI entries. It falls just outside the top 50 movies, with the entries above and below it a mix of projects that preceded and followed it. Going forward, it’s tough to see CGI movies slowing down, so it’s likely that all the 2D movies will eventually be bumped even further down the rankings.
Will Another 2D Animated Movie Ever Beat The Lion King’s Record?
2D animated movies don’t tend to get the same amount of attention anymore
While 2D animated movies are still being made today, it’s very rare for them to get a theatrical release anymore. One of the few exceptions to this rule is anime movies - especiallyanything from Studio Ghibli. General tastes have shifted toward CGI movies that are either from established franchises, or else at least from a proven studio like Pixar, Dreamworks, Illumination, or even Disney. 2D animated movies are now far more likely to land directly on streaming platforms instead of enjoying a traditional run in cinemas, which meansthey stand almost no chance of takingThe Lion King’s title.
The Lion King’s “Circle Of Life” Explained By Hans Zimmer, Including Ending Note & Disney’s Original Plan
The Lion King soundtrack featured a number of iconic songs, including its opener, “Circle of Life,” composed by legendary film scorer Hans Zimmer.
What’s far more likely is that the animated movie rankings will one day be completely devoid of any 2D entries. Given the art form’s legacy and its impact on filmmaking through the decades, this is a pretty grim thing to consider, but it’s certainly possible given the current direction of things. Then again, this could mean thatThe Lion Kinglasting this long and still being so high on the list is a sign that it will continue to hang on the title of highest-grossing 2D animated movie indefinitely - especially with no real challengers.
The Lion King
Cast
The Lion King is an animated film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. Released in 1994, it tells the story of Simba, a young lion cub who faces the responsibilities of adulthood and reclaiming his birthright as king of the Pride Lands. Featuring an iconic voice cast that includes Matthew Broderick, James Earl Jones, and Jeremy Irons, the film explores themes of family, duty, and the circle of life.
