In Hollywood, nothing speaks louder than a billion-dollar box office haul. For family films, crossing that threshold is a rare feat that cements a movie's legacy. These eight kid-friendly blockbusters didn't just make money—they won hearts, broke records, and proved that stories for all ages can dominate the global market. Here's our ranking of the best family movies that hit the $1 billion mark.
8. 'Zootopia' (2016)
Disney's Zootopia took anthropomorphism to a whole new level by creating a bustling city where animals of all shapes and sizes coexist. Instead of retelling a classic tale, it built a vibrant metropolis full of clever humor—like sloths working at the DMV—and a catchy Shakira anthem, “Try Everything.” The animation was stunning, and the film's social commentary on prejudice resonated with audiences. It was so successful that a sequel followed in 2023, also a box office hit. For more near-perfect family films, check out our list of 10 Family Films That Came This Close to Perfection, Ranked.
7. 'Aladdin' (2019)
Guy Ritchie brought his signature grit and energy to Disney's live-action Aladdin, creating a remake that actually improved on the original. Instead of a shot-for-shot copy, Ritchie added depth: Jasmine (Naomi Scott) got a voice, Genie (Will Smith) found love, and the action sequences felt fresh. Despite mixed reactions to Disney's live-action trend, Aladdin stands out as a fun, billion-dollar success that's worth revisiting.
6. 'Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace' (1999)
Love it or hate it, The Phantom Menace reignited the Star Wars franchise after a 16-year hiatus. It gave us the thrilling pod race, Queen Amidala's iconic costumes, and Darth Maul's double-bladed lightsaber duel. The film also introduced the first fully CGI character (Jar Jar Binks, for better or worse) and expanded the saga's lore. Now enjoying a streaming renaissance, it's a divisive but essential billion-dollar entry.
5. 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest' (2006)
Who knew a theme park ride could spawn a billion-dollar franchise? The second Pirates film doubled down on supernatural lore with Davy Jones (Bill Nighy) and his aquatic crew. Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, and Keira Knightley returned, and the Oscar-winning visual effects made the Kraken and Jones unforgettable. It's a rare sequel that matches the original's energy and earned its billion-dollar status.
4. 'Incredibles 2' (2018)
Fourteen years after the original, Pixar's superhero family returned with Incredibles 2. The film flipped the script by putting Elastigirl in the spotlight while Mr. Incredible handled home chaos. With stunning animation, a smart plot, and heartwarming family dynamics, it became one of the highest-grossing animated films ever. For more flawless animated features, see our list of Animated Movies That Are Flawless from Opening Frame to Final Credits.
3. 'Frozen' (2013)
Disney's Frozen became a cultural phenomenon with its empowering story of sisterly love and the Oscar-winning song “Let It Go.” The animation was breathtaking, and characters like Elsa and Olaf captured hearts worldwide. It grossed over $1.2 billion and spawned a franchise that includes a sequel, shorts, and a Broadway musical.
2. 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2' (2011)
The epic conclusion to the Harry Potter saga brought the battle of Hogwarts to life with emotional weight and spectacular effects. Fans flocked to see the final showdown between Harry and Voldemort, making it the highest-grossing Potter film and a billion-dollar blockbuster. For more on where to stream the series, check out Harry Potter Movies Find New Home on Paramount, MTV, and Nick.
1. 'Avengers: Endgame' (2019)
While technically a superhero film, Avengers: Endgame is a family-friendly epic that earned nearly $2.8 billion. It wrapped up over a decade of storytelling with emotional payoffs, humor, and jaw-dropping action. Its universal appeal and record-breaking run make it the ultimate billion-dollar family movie.
These films prove that when a story resonates with audiences of all ages, the box office rewards are astronomical. Whether animated or live-action, they've earned their place in cinematic history.
