The beloved animated world of Zootopia has made a triumphant return to the big screen. Disney's highly anticipated sequel, Zootopia 2, directed by Jared Bush and Bryon Howard, hit theatres globally and has been met with an overwhelming wave of praise from audiences and critics alike, with many declaring it one of the studio's strongest follow-up films.
Audience and Critical Acclaim
Soon after its release, social media platforms were flooded with positive reactions from fans. One enthusiastic viewer on X (formerly Twitter) declared, "Zootopia 2 is, confidently, Disney's BEST sequel to date. The charm from the original is still there — more action-packed and heartwarming." The user also praised the lead characters, Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps, calling them "one of the best duos in the Disney library."
Another review highlighted the film's perfect score, while a different fan urged cinema-goers to show their support for the art of animation. A significant sentiment among viewers was that the sequel managed to surpass the original. One user expressed their awe, stating, "A sequel from Disney that actually exceeds its OG — I'm in awe. They cooked." Others appreciated the film's clever and funny buddy-cop thriller elements, noting it was the kind of quality that made Disney a pop culture leader.
Global Box Office Domination
Backed by this stellar fan response, Zootopia 2 has proven to be a massive commercial success. The film has already stormed past the $100 million mark globally within just days of its release, providing a major year-end victory for Hollywood.
The worldwide total stood at an impressive over $81.1 million in its first two days. This was split between $39.5 million from North America and $41.6 million from 17 international markets.
China delivered a record-shattering performance, with a $34 million opening on day one. This is the biggest first-day collection for any animated film ever in the country and the strongest opening day for a Hollywood film since May 2021. With previews adding around $20 million more, Disney has a certified blockbuster on its hands.
The film is also performing exceptionally well in other key markets. In South Korea, it has earned a cumulative $2.84 million, while in France, it scored the second-biggest opening day of 2025. Unsurprisingly, Zootopia 2 debuted at the number one spot across several major markets, boosting confidence in the global theatrical potential for animated features.
Zootopia 2 in India and Final Verdict
The film opened in India on November 28, two days after its global launch. It arrived in cinemas alongside other releases like 'Tere Ishk Mein' starring Dhanush and Kriti Sanon. With strong word-of-mouth and the weekend ahead, Indian trade analysts are closely watching to see if the sequel can outperform its acclaimed predecessor.
The audience reception is undeniably stellar. The film earned an 'A' grade from CinemaScore and holds an impressive 95% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. With universal praise, a feel-good storyline, and a dose of franchise nostalgia, Zootopia 2 is firmly on track to become one of Disney's most successful animated sequels in recent years.
