The latest box office numbers in the US reveal that the best animation movies, like the just-released Rio, can outsell films featuring big Hollywood stars like Tyler Perry and Reese Witherspoon.

Tyler Perry's Madea didn't sell as many tickets as expected, and Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson failed to impress American audiences in Water For Elephants. Rio, on the other hand, is the No. 1 movie for the second week in a row. This animated adventure features Jesse Eisenberg as the voice of a macaw. Another bunny-themed cartoon film called "Hop" was sitting at the No. 1 spot for the first two weeks in April, and has seen another bump in business no doubt due to all the Easter interest in bunnies. It's the third movie so far this year to earn more than $100 million, with "Rango" being one of the other two.

Two-thirds of revenue for animation movies comes from overseas audiences, and makers of animation movies are trying every trick in the book to ensure that their efforts are applauded by moviegoers across Europe and Asia. The animation movies include characters and settings that appeal to a wider audience, and some animation movies also integrate cultural elements and vocal talent from different countries (for instance, Kung Fu Panda).
"If we have storylines that at script stage feel too U.S.-centric, especially with big action or science-fiction movies, we try to come up with solutions that will make the movie feel more global," says Tomas Jegeus, co-president of 20th Century Fox International Theatrical, highlighting the importance of international movies goers to the success of animation movies.

Funny animated movies for kids are all the rage these days, as studios have realized that these films are are big money makers since both parents and kids can attend and be entertained. Some of the best of this genre include films like "Up", which is a highly original film from Pixar.

It is both a funny cartoon movie for kids and a heartfelt story that will appeal to all ages. "Surf's Up" is another fun movie for kids about penguins who love to surf. In the movie, you go behind-the-scenes at the penguin surfing championships. "Ice Age" is a classic tale about animals who are surviving the Ice Age on Earth. This funny cartoon movie has been so popular with both kids and parents that it has spawned a number of hilarious sequels.