Zootopia 2 has set a new animated box office record for Hollywood films, pulling in $1.703 billion globally since its November 2025 release. The Disney sequel edged out Inside Out 2’s $1.69 billion total, claiming the title of the highest-grossing animated movie from a U.S. studio.
It now sits as the ninth biggest film ever worldwide, rubbing shoulders with live-action giants like Avatar and Avengers: Endgame.
The numbers break down to $390 million from North America and a hefty $1.313 billion from overseas markets. China led the charge with $619 million, making it the top imported film there, even beating Avengers: Endgame’s record in that country.
The original Zootopia from 2016 made over $1 billion, so together the franchise has topped $2.73 billion. But globally, China’s Ne Zha 2 still holds the all-time animated crown at $2.2 billion.
Disney poured about $150 million into making this one. It reunited directors Byron Howard and Jared Bush, with Yvett Merino producing. Ginnifer Goodwin voices Judy Hopps, the upbeat bunny cop, while Jason Bateman returns as sly fox Nick Wilde.
They team up to track Gary the snake, played by Ke Huy Quan, who’s stirring trouble in the animal city. Shakira’s back too, with a new song for her Gazelle character.
The film opened over Thanksgiving weekend to $559.5 million in five days, the biggest global start for any animated movie. It hit $1 billion faster than any other animated or PG-rated flick.
Alan Bergman, Disney Entertainment’s co-chair, called it an “extraordinary achievement” thanks to fans around the world. He praised the team’s work in expanding Zootopia’s world.
Critics and audiences have mostly liked it. On Rotten Tomatoes, it scores 91% from reviewers and 96% from viewers. Many call it a fun, feel-good sequel with sharp humour and stunning visuals.
One review said it’s “pure delight” for families, building on the first film’s themes of prejudice and teamwork. Kids love the chases and animal antics, while adults catch the clever nods to cop movies.
But not everyone’s thrilled. Some parents noted more adult jokes and innuendos than the original, worrying it’s not as kid-friendly. A Christian site pointed out suggestive content and darker tones that might go over young heads but still feel off. One viewer said the ending hammers the moral too hard, like a lecture.
On social media, reactions buzz with surprise at how fast it broke records. One X post said, “Zootopia 2 has now surpassed Inside Out 2… even I’m amazed how quickly it broke the record.”
Fans in China celebrated its haul, with posts calling it a new benchmark for imports. Others joked about Disney dominating 2025, with this and Avatar: Fire and Ash both crossing $1 billion.
This success helps Disney bounce back after some rough patches. Animated hits like this show families still flock to theatres for quality stories. It beat expectations, especially in Asia, where the animal world resonates. Compared to Inside Out 2, Zootopia 2 made less at home but exploded abroad.
What’s next? Disney might greenlight more sequels, given the franchise’s pull. The story leaves room for expansion, with new districts and characters teased. For now, it’s still playing in theatres, adding to that total. If trends hold, it could climb higher on the all-time list.
In a year of big releases, Zootopia 2 stands out for its legs at the box office. It opened strong and kept drawing crowds through holidays. Parents shared clips of kids laughing, while others praised the voice work. Quan brings energy as the villain, a slippery snake evading capture.
The film’s message about unity in diversity feels timely. Judy and Nick tackle bias again, this time with reptiles in the mix. It’s light but thoughtful, without preaching too much. The music’s catchy, though there’s no breakout hit like “Try Everything” from the first.
Box office watchers say China’s love for it stems from the original’s popularity there. The sequel built on that, with marketing tailored to local tastes. Globally, it’s a win for animation in a live-action-heavy era.
If you’re thinking of seeing it, grab tickets soon. With awards season coming, it might snag nods for best animated feature. Disney’s track record there is solid. For families, it’s a safe bet for laughs and heart.
This record cements Zootopia 2 as a modern classic. Disney knows how to blend fun with smarts, and it paid off big. Keep an eye on final tallies; it’s not done yet.
