The year 2024 has been a remarkable year for animated films, showcasing diverse storytelling, groundbreaking animation techniques, and an array of creative visions that have captivated audiences around the globe. With both returning franchises and original stories, animated films this year have made a significant impact at the box office, proving that the genre is as popular as ever.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best animated films of 2024 that have not only been box office hits but have also left a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike.
1. “Enchantia: The Secret Forest”
One of the biggest animated hits of 2024, Enchantia: The Secret Forest took audiences on a magical journey through a world of enchanted creatures, mysterious forests, and powerful magic. Directed by renowned animation director Emily Hartman, the film became a global sensation, grossing over $800 million worldwide.
The story follows a young girl, Lila, who discovers a hidden forest filled with mystical beings. As she embarks on a quest to save the forest from an ancient curse, she learns valuable lessons about courage, friendship, and the balance between nature and humanity.
Enchantia stood out for its visually stunning animation, with vibrant colors and detailed environments that brought the enchanted forest to life. The film also garnered praise for its strong character development and an emotionally resonant story, making it a favorite among both children and adults.
2. “The Guardians of Galaxia”
Continuing the success of the intergalactic adventures, The Guardians of Galaxia was another box office giant in 2024. As the third installment in the beloved Galaxia franchise, this film took audiences on a new space-faring adventure filled with action, humor, and heart.
Directed by veteran animator Jake Reynolds, the film follows the team of misfit heroes as they embark on a mission to protect the galaxy from a powerful new villain. With its blend of thrilling action sequences and comedic moments, The Guardians of Galaxia managed to captivate audiences of all ages.
The film’s success at the box office, grossing over $950 million globally, is a testament to the enduring popularity of the franchise. The combination of stunning visual effects, dynamic characters, and an engaging storyline ensured that The Guardians of Galaxia remained one of the standout animated films of the year.
3. “Underwater Kingdom”
Underwater Kingdom was a breakout hit in 2024, combining breathtaking animation with a captivating underwater world. Directed by first-time director Mia Rivers, the film explored the mysterious depths of the ocean, introducing audiences to a vibrant ecosystem of creatures and civilizations.
The film’s protagonist, Kai, is a young prince who embarks on a perilous journey to save his kingdom from a looming threat. Along the way, he discovers hidden secrets about his heritage and forms unlikely alliances with underwater creatures.
Underwater Kingdom was praised for its stunning underwater animation, which beautifully captured the fluidity and majesty of the ocean. The film also tackled important environmental themes, resonating with audiences and sparking conversations about ocean conservation. With a box office gross of $720 million, Underwater Kingdom proved that original animated stories still have the power to draw in large audiences.
4. “The Adventures of Pepper & Paws”
One of the most heartwarming animated films of the year, The Adventures of Pepper & Paws, became a sleeper hit in 2024. Directed by acclaimed animator Sarah Lee, the film followed the adventures of a mischievous dog, Pepper, and his best friend, Paws, a curious cat, as they explored their neighborhood and uncovered hidden mysteries.
The film’s light-hearted tone, combined with its charming characters, made it a hit with families. Children were particularly drawn to the adorable animation and the fun-filled adventures of Pepper and Paws, while adults appreciated the film’s underlying messages about friendship, loyalty, and community.
With a worldwide gross of $500 million, The Adventures of Pepper & Paws was not only a box office success but also became a beloved film for families, reinforcing the timeless appeal of animal-based animated stories.
5. “Dragon Quest: The Awakening”
Dragon Quest: The Awakening brought the popular video game franchise to the big screen, and it did so with tremendous success. Directed by legendary Japanese animator Hiroshi Takeda, the film adapted the beloved characters and epic storylines of the Dragon Quest games into a visually spectacular animated film.
The story follows a young hero on a quest to awaken ancient dragons and save his kingdom from an impending darkness. With its epic battles, detailed world-building, and beautifully animated dragon sequences, Dragon Quest: The Awakening captured the essence of the game while appealing to a broader audience.
The film was a massive hit in Japan and also performed well internationally, grossing over $850 million globally. Its success further cemented the growing trend of video game adaptations in animation, showing that these stories can thrive on the big screen.
6. “Cosmo & Luna: The Lunar Adventure”
A surprise hit of 2024, Cosmo & Luna: The Lunar Adventure charmed audiences with its whimsical storytelling and imaginative world. Directed by emerging talent Daniel Vega, the film told the story of two young friends, Cosmo and Luna, who embark on an adventure to the moon after discovering a hidden spacecraft in their backyard.
The film’s imaginative plot, combined with its beautiful animation, captured the wonder of space exploration through the eyes of children. Audiences were drawn to the film’s sense of wonder and innocence, making it a favorite among families.
With a box office gross of $650 million, Cosmo & Luna demonstrated that original animated stories centered around friendship and adventure could still achieve significant success in a crowded market.
Conclusion
The animated films of 2024 have continued to push the boundaries of storytelling and animation, offering a wide variety of experiences for audiences of all ages. From magical forests to intergalactic adventures, these films have proven to be box office giants, captivating the hearts and minds of viewers around the world.
As animation technology continues to advance and storytelling evolves, the success of these films suggests that the future of animation is brighter than ever. Whether through original stories or beloved franchises, animated films will undoubtedly continue to be a dominant force at the box office, delivering unforgettable experiences for years to come.
