Animation has been around in one form or another since the advent of cinema, yet more often than not, audiences only know Western animated films made by Disney/Pixar, DreamWorks, Illumination and Sony Pictures Animation. There’s a whole wide world of animation to discover outside of the established western canon, especially in the vibrant cinematic culture of Southeast Asia. If you’re looking to discover new items to add to your watch list, then check out SEA Wave’s High Five list of highest-grossing local animated films in Southeast Asia.
Jumbo (Indonesia)
Still from Visinema Studios
Jumbo tells the story of Don, a kind-hearted boy often bullied and called “Jumbo” for his appearance. Don inherits a storybook from his parents, but it is soon stolen when he joins a talent show. There, he meets Meri, a little ghost searching for her parents’ spirits, and together, they embark on a heartfelt journey of courage, friendship, and self-discovery.
Released on March 31, 2025 in cinemas, Ryan Adriandhy’s directorial debut was a success, becoming Indonesia’s highest-grossing animated film of all time, where it attracted over 10 million viewers in just two months and earned more than Rp400 billion worldwide. Visinema Studios, the film production company behind Jumbo, shared that the film took over five years to create, with a dedicated team of more than 400 Indonesian artists, animators, and storytellers working together to pull off this amazing project. This local film serves as both a celebration of the artists’ and filmmakers’ hard work, and the progress that Indonesian animation has reached throughout the years.
Jumbo is available for streaming on Prime Video and Bilibili, with a pending international release slated for Mainland China, North America, Western Europe, Australia, Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan.
Ejen Ali: The Movie 2 (Malaysia)
Still from WAU Animation
The continuation of the Ejen Ali series, Ejen Ali: The Movie 2 follows the story of the titular Ali, a secret agent who is assigned to Project SATRIA, the newest AI-powered armored suit developed by the spy agency, Meta Advance Tactical Agency (MATA). As he struggles to master the new technology, both old and new enemies appear to thwart him, including the return of Neonimus and Cero. Now, Ali must prove himself worthy of the mission while uncovering hidden truths about his friend and rival Alicia.
Ejen Ali: The Movie 2 premiered last May 22, 2025, becoming Malaysia’s highest-grossing animated film of all time and earning RM55 million nationwide. Aside from the film, the Ejen Ali series has 3 seasons available for streaming on Netflix and Disney+. The latest season was co-produced with Disney+ Hotstar Southeast Asia, making it the first Malaysian animated series to collaborate with the company.
Out of the Nest (Thailand)
Still from T&B Media Global
Out of the Nest is a film about Arthur the Goat, a teenage delivery boy, whose dreams of becoming a world-class barber are put on hold due to an unexpected mission: to bring back the seven royal fledglings of the Emperor and Empress, defeat the dark power of the evil wizard, and save the Kingdom of Castilia. In his journey with the seven fledglings, Arthur learns how to grow up and discovers the strength he has within him.
After 10 years in development, Out of the Nest premiered at the 2024 Annecy International Film Festival and was released worldwide last September 5, 2024. It is the highest-grossing animated film of all time in Thailand for both foreign and domestic releases, earning THB 32 million internationally. The film was produced by T&B Media Global in collaboration with CCTV Animation Group, Riff Studio, Shellhut Entertainment of Thailand, and Base Media of China.
Cricket the Warrior: The Adventure to the Muddy Hamlet (Vietnam)
Still from CJ CGV
This Vietnamese animated film follows two cricket brothers on a mission to uncover the secrets and dangers of the mysterious garbage dump or the “muddy hamlet”, a realm ruled by King Frog Ech Com, his toad, and frog-folks. The cricket brothers meet and make new insect friends on the way as they solve mysteries, fight enemies, and overcome the hidden obstacles surrounding the mysterious dump to protect their insect community.
The film was inspired by the famous Vietnamese children’s story, Dế Mèn Phiêu Lưu Ký or Diary of a Cricket by the late Vietnamese author To Hoai. Nguyen Phuong Vu, son of the late writer, shared that they were happy and proud to see the story brought to life, and the great influence it may bring to the young audience.
Cricket the Warrior: The Adventure to the Muddy Hamlet was released on May 30, 2025, and earned VND 6.5 billion in the box office, making it the highest-grossing Vietnamese animated film. Director Mai Phuong and producer Vu Duy Nam shared that creating a locally animated film had been a long-time dream of theirs, and it took two years to complete with the help of their all-Vietnamese team.
Ne Zha 2 (Cambodia, Singapore, Philippines)
Still from Chengdu Coco Cartoon
Although not from the origin country, the highest-grossing animated film in Cambodia, Singapore and The Philippines is Ne Zha 2, produced by Chinese studios Chengdu Coco Cartoon, Beijing Enlight Media, Chengdu Zizai Jingjie Culture Media, and Beijing Coloroom Technology.Following the events of the first film, the sequel continues after the demigod Ne Zha and his friend Ao Bing’s souls have been preserved after the great catastrophe. With their physical bodies destroyed, Ne Zha and Ao Bing must complete three trials to reclaim their strength and true forms.
Ne Zha 2 has earned over CNY 15 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing animated film in China, Cambodia, Singapore, The Philippines, and other countries around the world. The film took 5 years to create, showing China’s progress in the animation film industry, and resulting in several awards in China, such as the Animated Film of the Year and the International Broadcast Film of the Year in Shanghai International Film Festival 2025, Best Animated Feature Film in China International Cartoon and Animation Festival, and Best Screenplay for Animated Film in Golden Screenwriters’ Night.
Animated films continue to break new ground around the world. Let’s open our minds to these local films that made waves in the region, and acknowledge the efforts of animators and filmmakers who have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of this art.
Have you watched any of these animated films from Southeast Asia? Let us know in the comments!