Animation is no longer "just for kids," and the studios leading this charge are seeing record-breaking engagement.

It is impossible to discuss without mentioning Disney. Through strategic acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 20th Century Fox, Disney has perfected the "blockbuster assembly line." Their productions —from Avengers: Endgame (the highest-grossing film at one time) to Frozen —are engineered for cross-generational appeal. Disney’s current strategy focuses on "hardened IP," ensuring that every remake ( The Little Mermaid ) or sequel ( Inside Out 2 ) dominates the box office.

Here is a look at the current landscape of the industry's power players and the "story" of their recent and upcoming productions. The Power Players: The "Big Five" and More

As the industry continues to evolve, the line between "tech company" and "movie studio" will continue to blur. However, the core mission remains the same: to capture lightning in a bottle and share it with the world.