Disney-Pixar’s latest animated feature film Finding Dory has smashed box office records, collecting an estimated US$140.6 million (AU$190.1 million) on its opening day.

The Ellen DeGeneres-starring sequel to 2003’s Finding Nemo is now expected to rank as having the highest opening ever for an animated film, Deadline reports .

Earnings so far easily top those of previous record-holder, Shrek the Third , which opened to US$121.6 million (AU$164.5 million) back in 2007.

It comes following Pixar’s previous hit, Inside Out , last year. The film netted US$90.4 (AU$122.3 million) at opening.