Best Performing Mutual Funds of the Last 10 Years (2025 Edition)

Investing in mutual funds remains one of the most popular ways to build wealth, diversify a portfolio, and access professional money management. But which funds have actually delivered the best returns over the long term? 

In this 2025 edition, we break down the best performing mutual funds of the past 10 years, using actual returns, fund consistency, and management quality to bring you a curated list of standout performers.

Why Focus on 10-Year Performance?

A 10-year window offers the clearest view of how a mutual fund performs across market cycles. It includes bull runs, corrections, and bear markets. Funds that perform consistently over a decade demonstrate:

• Strong management and investment strategy
• Resilience during downturns
• Alignment with long-term investor goals

What Makes a Fund One of the "Best"?

To make this list, a fund must meet several criteria:

• Strong 10-Year Annualized Returns
• Low Expense Ratios relative to peers
• Stable Management Team with a consistent philosophy
• Assets Under Management (AUM) that reflect investor confidence
• No major strategy drift or significant style changes

Top Performing Mutual Funds of the Past Decade (2015–2025)

Let’s explore mutual funds that have shown exceptional performance over the last 10 years.

1. Fidelity Contrafund (FCNTX)

• 10-Year Annualized Return: ~13.2%
• Category: Large Growth
• Expense Ratio: 0.86%
• Manager: Will Danoff (since 1990)

Overview:Fidelity Contrafund has consistently beaten the S&P 500 over the past decade. With an emphasis on growth stocks, particularly in technology and communication services, the fund has benefited from long-term holdings in companies like Amazon, Meta, and Berkshire Hathaway.

Why It Performed Well:

• Early bets on tech giants
• Long-tenured management with a deep research team
• Flexibility to invest in both growth and value-oriented companies

2. T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth (TRBCX)

• 10-Year Annualized Return: ~14.1%
• Category: Large Growth
• Expense Ratio: 0.69%
• Manager: Paul Greene

Overview:This fund targets dominant blue-chip companies with strong earnings growth. Heavy exposure to companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia helped drive long-term gains.

Why It Performed Well:

• Strong tech exposure
• Focus on high-quality growth companies
• Active management approach

3. American Funds Growth Fund of America (AGTHX)

• 10-Year Annualized Return: ~12.5%
• Category: Large Growth
• Expense Ratio: 0.61%
• Manager Team: Capital Group team-based approach

Overview:This fund uses a unique multi-manager structure to spread risk and ensure a blend of strategies. Its exposure to growth sectors, balanced with moderate value plays, produced stable performance.

Why It Performed Well:

• Team-based model reduces manager risk
• Broad diversification
• Consistent sector rotation

4. Vanguard Health Care Fund (VGHCX)

• 10-Year Annualized Return: ~11.8%
• Category: Sector - Health
• Expense Ratio: 0.32%
• Manager: Jean Hynes

Overview:This fund specializes in health care companies, including pharmaceuticals, biotech, and medical devices. With rising demand for healthcare services, the fund has outpaced many broad-based funds.

Why It Performed Well:

• Focus on defensive, high-margin businesses
• Smart allocations in biotech and large-cap pharma
• Low-cost structure

5. PRIMECAP Odyssey Growth (POGRX)

• 10-Year Annualized Return: ~13.0%
• Category: Large Growth
• Expense Ratio: 0.65%
• Manager: PRIMECAP Management Company

Overview:PRIMECAP’s growth-focused strategy has earned a cult following. Though it can be hard to buy due to limited availability, its long-term returns are among the best in its class.

Why It Performed Well:

• Patient, contrarian investing
• Low turnover
• High active share

6. Mairs & Power Growth Fund (MPGFX)

• 10-Year Annualized Return: ~11.5%
• Category: Mid-Cap Blend
• Expense Ratio: 0.63%

Overview:This lesser-known gem focuses on Midwest U.S. companies and follows a long-term buy-and-hold philosophy. Its conservative but effective style has delivered above-average returns.

Why It Performed Well:

• Regional focus uncovers overlooked opportunities
• Low portfolio turnover
• Focus on steady growth companies

International Mutual Fund Standouts

7. Dodge & Cox International Stock Fund (DODFX)

• 10-Year Annualized Return: ~9.8%
• Category: Foreign Large Value
• Expense Ratio: 0.63%

Overview:This international fund has a value focus, with significant positions in financials, energy, and healthcare companies in Europe and emerging markets.

Why It Performed Well:

• Contrarian value investing
• Broad international exposure
• Low costs relative to peers

8. Oakmark International Fund (OAKIX)

• 10-Year Annualized Return: ~9.5%
• Category: Foreign Large Blend
• Expense Ratio: 1.01%

Overview:Known for its value orientation and deep research, Oakmark International has performed strongly by buying beaten-down but high-quality global names.

Why It Performed Well:

• Deep value strategy
• Contrarian buys in international markets
• Long-term approach

The Role of Consistency

All of the funds listed have one thing in common: consistency. They didn’t just spike in a bull market. They:

• Managed downside well during corrections
• Stayed true to their strategies
• Maintained low expense ratios
• Avoided over-trading and performance-chasing

What to Watch Out For

Even top-performing funds aren’t guaranteed to repeat their past performance. Before investing, always consider:

• Manager changes
• Style drift
• Current portfolio composition
• Fund inflows/outflows

These factors can impact future performance.

Should You Chase Past Performance?

While the past can guide us, it’s not a crystal ball. Look at these funds as examples of disciplined investing, not guaranteed wins.

Instead of chasing winners:

• Build a diversified portfolio
• Match your risk tolerance and goals
• Focus on funds with consistent track records, not just recent spikes

Final Thoughts

The best performing mutual funds of the last 10 years tell a story of strategy, discipline, and patience. Whether you’re investing for retirement, income, or growth, studying the history of these funds can give you a roadmap for choosing the right options in 2025 and beyond.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions.