Disney's animated sequel Zootopia 2 has officially claimed the title of Hollywood's highest-grossing animated film of all time. The movie has earned an estimated $1.7 billion at the global box office, surpassing the previous record held by Pixar's Inside Out 2. This remarkable achievement places Zootopia 2 firmly within the top ten highest-grossing films worldwide, standing alongside major blockbusters like Avengers: Endgame and Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Studio Confirms Milestone
Studio figures released this week confirmed the milestone. Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman praised the unprecedented success in a statement. He said this milestone belongs first and foremost to the fans around the world whose enthusiasm made it possible. Bergman added that the achievement serves as a tribute to the film's creative team and its global audience.
Record-Breaking Journey
Zootopia 2 originally premiered in November 2025 and has set multiple box office records along its journey. The film produced the biggest worldwide opening for an animated movie, taking hundreds of millions during its first five days in theatres. It also became the fastest animated Hollywood film to cross the $1 billion mark.
Unlike many Hollywood sequels that struggle in international markets, Zootopia 2 enjoyed particularly strong performance in China. The film grossed a substantial portion of its total revenue there. This success in China significantly contributed to its record-setting status, making the sequel one of the most successful Western animated films ever released in the Chinese market.
Film Details and Plot
Directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, Zootopia 2 continues the story of Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. Ginnifer Goodwin voices the bunny Judy Hopps, while Jason Bateman voices the fox Nick Wilde. This dynamic duo first appeared in the original Zootopia back in 2016.
The plot follows them as they navigate a new mystery involving a reptilian character named Gary De'Snake, voiced by Ke Huy Quan. The film skillfully blends comedy, action, and social themes, which contributes to its broad appeal across different audiences.
Factors Behind the Success
Industry observers note several factors that fueled Zootopia 2's extraordinary success. Strong marketing efforts played a crucial role. The film also benefited from a built-in fanbase established by the original movie. Particularly powerful international turnout propelled the box office numbers to new heights.
In the United States and Canada, domestic receipts accounted for a significant slice of revenue. However, the international total far outpaced the domestic take, clearly illustrating the film's massive global reach and popularity.
Global Animated Film Landscape
Despite overtaking Inside Out 2 in Hollywood box office history, Zootopia 2 still trails behind China's Ne Zha 2 in all-time global animated earnings. The non-Hollywood animated film Ne Zha 2 grossed around $2.2 billion. Nonetheless, within Hollywood and the Motion Picture Association framework, Zootopia 2 now holds the record for highest grossing animated release.
This achievement also places Zootopia 2 among the top ten highest-grossing films of all time worldwide. This represents an extraordinary feat for an animated sequel. The list includes several live-action and franchise tentpoles, highlighting the rare commercial strength of animated fare on a global scale.
Critical and Audience Reception
Critics and audiences alike have praised the film for its humour, character development, and themes that resonate across age groups. Early reviews often highlighted its successful balance between entertainment and thoughtful storytelling. This positive reception contributed to strong word-of-mouth promotion internationally.
With its record-breaking run, Zootopia 2 has not only redefined animated box office expectations but also emphasised the growing importance of international markets in shaping Hollywood success. The film's performance demonstrates how global audiences increasingly influence cinematic achievements and industry standards.
