Is 'The Lion King 2019' Set to Remain the Highest-Grossing Animated Film in the 2020s?

Given the current trends in the film industry, it would seem extremely unlikely that 'The Lion King 2019' will retain its position as the highest-grossing animated film through the rest of the 2020s. The trajectory of top-grossing films, especially those within high-impact franchises like Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, Marvel Cinematic Universe, and others, suggests a clear pattern: sequels to movies that were surprise hits consistently generate more revenue than the original films.

The list of highest-grossing films, as referenced on Wikipedia, doesn't reveal any single first film in a franchise occupying a spot among the top thirty-six. In fact, only three such films in the top thirty-six were the first and only movie in their franchise: 'Avatar', 'Titanic', and 'Frozen'. Since 'Titanic' may not receive a sequel, and 'Avatar' is a film by James Cameron, these exclusions leave 'Frozen' as the lone outlier. Considering its positioning at number 15 on the list, 'Frozen', a stand-alone film with no sequel immediately planned, stands at an 'insanely' high position for a first-in-franchise film.

However, there's a sequel to 'Frozen' on the horizon, set for release this November. The power of sequels to unexpectedly popular films is well-documented. While a sequel might not always meet expectations, it often serves as a strong contender for displacing the current highest-grossing film. Considering the recent success of sequels like 'Frozen II', despite the COVID-19 lockdown curtailing its theatrical run, any upcoming film, whether animated or live-action, stands a chance to challenge 'The Lion King 2019'.

The film industry also shows a trend of newly-produced sequels or remakes filling the top ranks, often within the same decade. This trend is expected to continue, with several animated sequels and increasingly more technically animated 'live-action' films entering the market. If 'Frozen II' doesn't succeed, other contenders like sequels or remakes, such as those from the 'Star Wars' or upcoming 'The Lion King' franchise, will inevitably challenge 'The Lion King 2019'.

Considering these factors, the 2020s will likely see significant changes in the top-grossing animated film rankings, making 'The Lion King 2019' a temporary highpoint rather than a lasting one. While the impact of 2021's 'Frozen II' was hindered by the pandemic, there still remain multiple years in the post-lockdown period for other films to catch up and potentially surpass 'The Lion King 2019'.

Conclusion

Based on the historical trends and current market dynamics, 'The Lion King 2019' is unlikely to remain the highest-grossing animated film for the rest of the 2020s. Sequels and significant releases, both animated and live-action, driven by established franchises, stand a strong chance to challenge and displace it. However, the film's cultural impact and fan base will undoubtedly ensure its place in the annals of cinematic history, even if it doesn't continue to dominate box office revenue charts indefinitely.