The Unprecedented Success of Zootopia 2
In a remarkable achievement for animated films, Jared Bush and Byron Howard’s Zootopia 2 has emerged as the highest-grossing domestic release of 2025. After an impressive 13-week run in theaters, the film has amassed over 4.2 million in North America, contributing to a staggering global total of approximately .85 billion. This milestone has allowed it to surpass A Minecraft Movie, which also showcased extensive animation, effectively reshaping the year’s box office landscape.
While the success of Ne Zha 2 last year and the accolades garnered by Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters might have overshadowed other releases, the theatrical journey of Zootopia 2 has been nothing short of extraordinary. The film debuted with a remarkable 9.5 million in its first five days globally and reached the billion mark in just 17 days, setting a record for the fastest animated PG release to achieve this milestone. Furthermore, it has claimed the title of the top-grossing Disney animated film and the highest-grossing animated film in Hollywood history, as well as becoming the highest-grossing MPA release of all time in China—an increasingly rare feat as Hollywood’s influence in the region continues to wane.
What stands out even more than the explosive opening is the film’s sustained popularity. Zootopia 2 has maintained a position in the domestic top ten for 13 consecutive weeks, indicating a strong connection with audiences and encouraging repeat viewings, rather than merely benefiting from an initial surge of fan enthusiasm. Notably, even without considering its performance in China, the sequel has already outpaced the entire worldwide earnings of the original Zootopia, highlighting the franchise’s significant growth since its debut in 2016.
On the critical front, the film has resonated well with audiences, achieving an impressive 96% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and receiving numerous nominations from various animation-focused awards bodies. In many other years, Zootopia 2 would be a frontrunner during awards season. It recently secured the animated feature BAFTA, reinforcing its status. The key takeaway is clear: when theatrical animation is treated as a significant event and bolstered by positive word of mouth, it can continue to thrive and dominate the global box office landscape.
