The film production industry in the United States is home to a wide array of creative companies, each playing a pivotal role in the storytelling that captivates audiences across the globe. These companies range from animation studios, specializing in crafting memorable characters and narratives, to visual effects houses that bring fantasy environments to life, and traditional production entities delivering an eclectic mixture of content. With advances in technology, many are exploring virtual production, promising to push the boundaries of visual storytelling even further.


Top 19 film production companies in the United States

1. Warner Bros. Entertainment Group of Companies

WarnerBros.com is a global entertainment company that offers a wide range of content including movies, TV shows, games, and merchandise. They provide entertainment options for individuals of all ages and interests.


2. Pixar Animation Studios

  • Website: pixar.com
  • Headquarters: Emeryville, California, United States
  • Founded: 1986
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Latest funding type: Acquired
  • LinkedIn

Pixar is a company that specializes in producing high-quality animated feature films. They offer their expertise in animation production through their software and services like RenderMan. With a focus on creativity and storytelling, Pixar delivers unforgettable experiences for audiences of all ages.


3. Industrial Light & Magic

  • Website: ilm.com
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States
  • Founded: 1975
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • LinkedIn

ILM.com is the official website of Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), a visual effects company specializing in creating stunning visual effects and virtual production tools for the film and entertainment industry.


4. DreamWorks Animation

DreamWorks Animation is a company that specializes in the production and distribution of animated movies, TV shows, and games. They are known for creating beloved characters and stories that entertain audiences of all ages.


5. Walt Disney Animation Studios

  • Website: disneyanimation.com
  • Headquarters: Burbank, California, United States
  • Founded: 1923
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Latest funding type: Acquired
  • LinkedIn

Disney Animation is a filmmaker-driven animation studio based in California. They combine masterful artistry and storytelling with groundbreaking technology to create universal stories set in imaginative worlds. Their feature films, short films, and Disney+ originals have left indelible impressions on generations of fans worldwide.


6. LAIKA Studios

  • Website: laika.com
  • Headquarters: Hillsboro, Oregon, United States
  • Founded: 2004
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • LinkedIn

Laika.com is the official website of Laika, a renowned animation studio specializing in stop-motion and CG animated films. They are known for creating Oscar-nominated features like Missing Link, Kubo and the Two Strings, Boxtrolls, Paranorman, and Coraline. Explore their films, exhibitions, careers, and shop for merchandise.


7. Nickelodeon Animation

Nickelodeon Animation is a studio specializing in creating animated content for kids and families. They offer a range of programs and initiatives to support emerging creators and artists. Their talent pipeline programs provide mentorship and training to develop inclusive storytellers and content creators. With a focus on diversity and representation, Nickelodeon Animation aims to create the most awesome kids' content in the world.


8. Zoic Studios

  • Website: zoicstudios.com
  • Headquarters: Culver City, California, United States
  • Founded: 2003
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • LinkedIn

Zoic Studios is an Entertainment Company specializing in visual experiences for film, television, advertising, video game and interactive projects. With expertise in virtual production, motion capture, real-time rendering, and augmented reality, Zoic prioritizes research and development to advance the story, art, and technology of the moving image.


9. Illumination

Illumination.com is a company that specializes in creating animated films and entertainment content. They are known for their popular movies such as Despicable Me, The Secret Life of Pets, and Sing.


10. Sony Pictures Animation

Sony Pictures Animation is a company that produces animated films and series. It offers a wide range of entertainment content featuring popular characters and captivating storytelling.


11. Tippett Studio

  • Website: tippett.com
  • Headquarters: Berkeley, California, United States
  • Founded: 1984
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn

Tippett Studio is an animation, media production, and visual effects company based in Berkeley, CA. They collaborate with clients to provide elite services in character animation, visual effects, environments, commercials, mobile apps, virtual reality, augmented reality, and special venue projects.


12. Kaufman Astoria Studios, INC.

Kaufman Astoria Studios is a prominent motion picture and television production facility located in the New York City metropolitan area. With a rich legacy and a portfolio of blockbuster films and TV shows, including iconic titles like 'Gone with the Wind,' 'Star Wars,' 'E.T.,' 'Avatar,' and 'Titanic,' the studio has played a pivotal role in shaping the entertainment industry. Offering state-of-the-art stages and offices, Kaufman Astoria Studios continues to be a key hub for production in the region.


13. Ghost VFX

  • Website: ghostvfx.com
  • Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States
  • Founded: 1999
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • LinkedIn

Ghost VFX is a leading visual effects house dedicated to supporting storytellers with unmatched creativity and innovation. With a team of imaginative artists and award-winning talent, Ghost VFX brings creative visions to life on screen. They offer customized post-production experiences and fulfill the demands of studios and independent creators worldwide.


14. Trailer Park Group

Trailer Park Group is an industry leader in entertainment marketing and content production, offering integrated services that captivate and move audiences globally. They specialize in Streaming, Film, Gaming, Music, and Sports, delivering creative, production, and strategy capabilities through their network of integrated specialty studios.


15. IATSE Local 728

  • Website: iatse728.org
  • Headquarters: Burbank, California, United States
  • Founded: 1939
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn

IATSE Local 728 is a professional organization dedicated to motion picture set lighting since 1939. They provide a wide range of services and resources to their members in the film industry.


16. ShadowMachine

ShadowMachine is a company that specializes in projects and studio services for the entertainment industry. They offer a wide range of creative solutions and expertise in video production, digital marketing, and social media management.


17. Advanced Digital Services

Advanced Digital Services (ADS) is a full-service post-production and distribution facility based in Los Angeles. With over 20 years of experience, ADS caters to major motion picture studios, television producers, and independent production companies and distributors. They offer a range of digital media services, including encode/transcode packaging, color correction, editorial, audio, restoration, and Digital Cinema Package (DCP) creation. ADS prides itself on delivering high-quality packages on time and on budget, with a focus on service, quality, and value.


18. Art Department

  • Website: art-dept.com
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States
  • Founded: 1995
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn

Art Dept. is a company that offers a wide range of artistic and creative services. They specialize in providing props, wardrobe, hair and makeup, photography, and film production services for various industries such as fashion, beauty, entertainment, and automotive. With a team of emerging artists and professionals, Art Dept. ensures stunning visual concepts and exceptional quality.


19. Optimus

  • Website: optimus.com
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 1996
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn

Optimus is a company specializing in design and editing services. We offer a range of services including audio, color grading, and visual effects. Our team of experts provides high-quality solutions to meet the needs of our clients.


Want to find more film production companies?


If you want to find more companies that offer cutting-edge film production, animation, and visual effects services you can do so with Inven. This list was built with Inven and there are hundreds of companies like these globally.


With Inven you'll also get to know the company's:


  • Ownership: Which of these are private equity backed? Which are family-owned?
  • Contact data: Who are the owners and CEO's? What are their emails and phone numbers?
  • Financials: How do these companies perform financially? What are their revenues and profit margins?

...and a lot more!