3. Finding Nemo (2003) - $921.7m
Finding Nemo is one of the most beloved animated features of all time; it garnered universal acclaim upon release, became the second highest-grossing movie of the year and scooped up the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, which was a given as soon as it opened really. So well-liked in fact, that I'll even forgive the marketing team for the dreadful 'Sea it in Theaters' pun used for both the original and 3D release. Ugh. The fish tank in the dentist's office dates back to memories of director Andrew Stanton's childhood, whereas the relationship between Marlin and Nemo is based on his own experiences as a father. The script was being written as early as 1997 and as such was fully-formed by the time the animation process began, which is very unusual for Pixar who have been known to jettison ideas, scripts and even directors during production. The result is a sweeping family adventure with personal stakes almost every parent can relate to. Using the huge advancements in computer technology to create a stunning ocean landscape (seascape?), the Pixar team melded the technical artistry to a simple story of a father looking for his wayward son. Add in a sea* of memorable characters, a superb script, several thrilling set-pieces and a powerful emotional current* and the result is a classic not just of animation, but of cinema in general. Let's hope the sequel lives up to the massive expectations. *I sincerely apologize for those awful puns.