Zootopia 2 has officially rewritten the box office history books, emerging as the highest-grossing animated film ever released by, after surpassing the long-standing record held by.
The animated sequel has amassed an extraordinary $1.46 billion in global box office revenue, marking a major milestone not only for Disney but also for the global film industry, which is still navigating a slow recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. Disney confirmed the achievement on Wednesday, describing the film’s performance as one of the studio’s most significant successes in recent years.
Released amid cautious optimism about cinema attendance worldwide, Zootopia 2 has now become the fifth Walt Disney Animation Studios film to cross the $1 billion mark globally, reinforcing the enduring power of animated storytelling when paired with strong characters, compelling narratives, and global audience appeal.
China drives record-breaking success
A major factor behind Zootopia 2’s historic box office run has been its phenomenal performance in China, where the film grossed over $560 million, making it one of the highest-grossing foreign animated films in the country’s history.
Industry analysts say the sequel’s success in China stands out even more because of the highly competitive and tightly regulated nature of the Chinese film market. During its opening weekend, Zootopia 2 reportedly accounted for about 95% of all movie ticket sales nationwide, an almost unprecedented dominance that underscores the franchise’s popularity among Chinese audiences.
The original Zootopia enjoyed massive success in China upon its release in 2016, and the sequel appears to have built on that strong cultural connection. Themes of social harmony, inclusion, and perseverance — combined with humour and fast-paced storytelling — resonated strongly with viewers across age groups.
A powerful global opening
Beyond China, Zootopia 2 also delivered a commanding performance across North America, Europe, and other international markets. The film recorded an estimated $556 million globally during its opening weekend, which included the highly lucrative US Thanksgiving holiday period.
That opening figure placed the sequel among the strongest animated debuts of all time, helping Hollywood launch its crucial year-end moviegoing season on a high note. Cinema operators, who often rely heavily on family-friendly releases during the holidays, welcomed the film’s arrival as a much-needed boost.
In the United States and Canada, the sequel attracted families, young adults, and longtime fans of the franchise, many of whom praised the film’s humor, emotional depth, and upgraded animation quality.
Familiar faces, fresh adventure
Zootopia 2 reunites audiences with Judy Hopps, the determined rabbit police officer, and her witty fox partner Nick Wilde, as they embark on a new adventure set within the ever-expanding animal metropolis of Zootopia.
The sequel builds on the world introduced in the original film, exploring new districts, introducing fresh characters, and deepening the personal journeys of its beloved leads. Critics and fans alike have applauded the film for striking a balance between nostalgia and innovation, allowing it to appeal to both returning viewers and first-time audiences.
Disney executives credit the film’s success to a combination of strong creative leadership, global marketing efforts, and the universal appeal of its themes. The studio also invested heavily in localised promotions, particularly in Asia, to ensure the film connected authentically with regional audiences.
Beating Frozen 2’s long-standing record
Before Zootopia 2, Frozen 2 held the title of Disney Animation’s highest-grossing animated release, with a global haul of approximately $1.45 billion following its 2019 release. That record stood for years, especially through the pandemic period, when theatrical releases were severely disrupted.
By overtaking Frozen 2, Zootopia 2 has cemented its place as a defining animated film of this era. Industry watchers note that the achievement is particularly impressive given that global box office revenues remain below their 2019 peak, making the sequel’s performance even more remarkable.
A boost for cinemas and Disney alike
With cinemas worldwide still seeking consistency in attendance, the success of Zootopia 2 has offered renewed confidence to exhibitors and studios alike. The film’s strong showing during the second-busiest moviegoing season of the year has helped stabilise revenues and reaffirm the importance of blockbuster animated releases in driving foot traffic to theatres.
For Disney, the milestone reinforces the studio’s long-term investment in animated franchises and original storytelling. It also strengthens confidence in theatrical releases at a time when streaming platforms continue to reshape viewing habits.
As Zootopia 2 continues its theatrical run in several markets, analysts believe the film could still add to its already impressive total, further widening the gap between it and previous record holders.
A landmark moment for animation
Ultimately, Zootopia 2’s ascent to the top of Disney’s animated box office rankings marks a landmark moment for modern animation. It demonstrates that well-crafted sequels, when handled with care and creativity, can surpass even the most successful originals.
For audiences around the world, the film’s success reflects a continued appetite for stories that entertain, inspire, and unite across cultures — a reminder that animated films remain a powerful force in global cinema.
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