Net Worth Ranker
What Is Don Bluth’s Net Worth?
Don Bluth, a prominent figure in American animation, has accumulated a net worth of approximately $2 million as of 2025. This estimation is based on his extensive career as an animator, film director, writer, producer, production designer, animation instructor, and video game designer.
Early Career and Key Animated Films
Born in El Paso, Texas, in September 1937, Don Bluth’s passion for animation began early in life. His career took off when he joined Walt Disney Productions, where he gained valuable experience before venturing out to create his own animation studio. While specific details regarding his initial salary at Disney are not publicly available, it’s known that his early earnings contributed to his foundational wealth.
Bluth’s directorial debut with “The Secret of NIMH” in 1982 marked a significant turning point. Although box office numbers for the initial release were modest, the film’s critical acclaim and subsequent home video sales contributed to his financial stability. Following this success, “An American Tail” in 1986 became a box office hit, grossing over $84 million worldwide against a production budget of around $9 million. Bluth’s involvement as director and producer meant he received a percentage of the film’s profits, significantly boosting his income during that period.
“The Land Before Time” (1988) further solidified Bluth’s reputation, earning over $84 million globally on a budget of approximately $12 million. As with “An American Tail,” his directorial role secured him a portion of the revenue. “All Dogs Go to Heaven” (1989), despite facing competition from Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” still managed to gross around $85 million worldwide. While specific details of Bluth’s compensation for each film are not publicly accessible, it’s reasonable to assume that his earnings from these major productions contributed substantially to his $2 million net worth.
In 1997, “Anastasia” marked another significant achievement, grossing over $139 million worldwide. This film represented a collaboration with 20th Century Fox and proved to be one of Bluth’s most commercially successful ventures. His contract with Fox likely included a combination of salary and a percentage of the film’s profits, adding significantly to his financial portfolio.
Video Game Design and Other Ventures
Beyond animated films, Bluth’s involvement in the laserdisc game “Dragon’s Lair” added another dimension to his career and income. Released in 1983, “Dragon’s Lair” was a groundbreaking title, known for its high-quality animation. While exact sales figures and Bluth’s royalties are not publicly available, the game’s popularity contributed to his earnings during the 1980s.
Films such as “Pete’s Dragon,” “Rock-a-Doodle,” “Thumbelina,” “A Troll in Central Park,” “The Pebble and the Penguin,” “Bartok the Magnificent,” and “Titan A.E.” also played a role in his financial journey. Some of these films experienced varying degrees of commercial success, with revenues impacting Bluth’s income through directorial fees and potential profit-sharing agreements. For instance, “Titan A.E.” (2000), while visually ambitious, was a box office disappointment, grossing only $36.8 million against a production budget of $75 million. This financial setback likely impacted his earnings during that period.
Don Bluth Front Row Theatre
Don Bluth currently runs the Don Bluth Front Row Theatre in Scottsdale, Arizona. This venture, while primarily a creative outlet, generates revenue through ticket sales and potentially through workshops and classes offered at the theater. The specific annual income from the theater is not publicly disclosed, but it contributes to his overall financial stability and provides a steady stream of income.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Don Bluth has received several awards, including an Annie Award, an Online Film & Television Association Award, and a Sitges – Catalonian International Film Festival Award. While these awards don’t directly translate to monetary value, they enhance his reputation and potentially lead to increased opportunities and higher compensation in his future projects. For instance, winning an Annie Award can increase his marketability and command higher fees for directorial roles.
Real Estate and Personal Assets
Information regarding Don Bluth’s real estate holdings and personal assets is not publicly accessible. Details such as the specific location and value of his properties, as well as any luxury vehicles he may own, are not available. However, based on his career earnings and industry standards, it is reasonable to assume that he owns a comfortable residence and other personal assets that contribute to his overall net worth.
