Image from Big Hero 6 by Disney Source: Disney

Nowadays, robot and superhero movies are proliferating rapidly, and moviegoers are flocking to see them in droves. So in an age where computer generated image laden movies have become Hollywood's most reliable earners, is the most essential component of a good movie still the plot? Although high-technology is a large component of box office appeal, even technicians argue the secret sauce for a big budget movie still lies in a compelling story. Just ask Hank Driskill, a technical supervisor at Disney whose primary job is spearheading research, development and the imagery that goes into generating animated movies. Although his responsibilities are steeped in technology, Driskill—who oversaw the creation of the urban landscape featured in Disney's box office hit "Big Hero 6"—told CNBC in an interview the essence of a movie lies in its narrative. Read More Robots, spaceships break $100MM at US box office



'It all starts with the story'

Image from Big Hero 6 by Disney Source: Disney

"We can make pretty pictures, but let's make a good movie," said Driskill, a Disney veteran who also worked on modern classics like "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Lion King." Even in the age of CGI, characters and storytelling take precedence over technology, Driskill said. Read MoreDisney must bless Hasbro, DreamWorks deal: Analyst "To me, the big thing is it all starts with story, he said. "It's not about how we cash in on this, it's [whether] there's a good movie to be made." In less than a month, "Big Hero 6" has pulled in more than $114 million in domestic receipts, more than half the way toward recouping its $165 million production budget, according to data from Box Office Mojo. It's a testament to the earning power of animated movies, and how people still expect to have their hearts and minds spoken to—even in a comic book movie. The film was also a milestone for the powerhouse that birthed Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck into the public's consciousness. "Big Hero 6" represents the first joint venture with Marvel, the iconic comic publisher it acquired back in 2009.