Hold on to your hats, animation fans! Disney's Zootropolis 2 has just smashed a HUGE record, proving that audiences still crave heartwarming stories and incredible visuals. The film has officially become Hollywood's highest-grossing animated movie ever, raking in a staggering $1.7 billion worldwide!
That's right, Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde have done it again! Zootropolis 2, known as Zootopia 2 in some international markets, has zoomed past the previous champion, Inside Out 2 (which earned a very respectable $1.69 billion after its 2024 release). It seems like audiences worldwide couldn't resist returning to the vibrant, animal-inhabited metropolis. But here's where it gets interesting...
While Zootropolis 2's achievement is undeniably impressive – making it the ninth most successful film in global box office history, nestled among titans like Avatar, Titanic, Avengers: Endgame, and Star Wars: The Force Awakens – it's important to add a crucial caveat. While Zootropolis 2 reigns supreme in Hollywood animation, the overall champion, holding the true animated crown, remains China's Ne Zha 2. This fantasy adventure film, released last year, grossed a mind-blowing $2.2 billion! This difference highlights the growing power of the Chinese film market and its distinct tastes. Do you think Hollywood studios should be focusing more on what the Chinese audience wants?
Released in November with an estimated production budget of $150 million, Zootropolis 2 continues the adventures of the dynamic duo: rabbit police officer Judy Hopps, voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin, and con artist fox Nick Wilde, voiced by Jason Bateman. This time, they're facing a mysterious new case involving a reptilian resident named Gary De'Snake, voiced by Ke Huy Quan. The film builds upon the world established in the original 2016 Zootropolis, deepening the characters and exploring new corners of the fascinating city. And this is the part most people miss: the success of both Zootropolis films speaks volumes about the power of world-building and character development in animation.
Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman expressed his gratitude, stating, "This milestone belongs first and foremost to the fans around the world whose enthusiasm made it possible. We're incredibly proud of our filmmakers... Zootopia 2 is an extraordinary achievement, and we're grateful to everyone who helped bring it to life." It's a sentiment echoed by many involved in the film, recognizing the crucial role of the audience in its success.
Zootropolis 2 had already made waves with the biggest opening weekend for an animated film, perfectly timed to coincide with Thanksgiving in the US. It then accelerated to become the fastest animated Hollywood film to reach the $1 billion mark globally. Its consistent performance proves its broad appeal and family-friendly charm.
Below is a list of the highest-grossing films of all time, offering some context on just how well Zootropolis 2 has performed:
- Avatar (2009) - $2.92bn
- Avengers: Endgame (2019) - $2.79bn
- Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) - $2.25bn
- Titanic (1997) - $2.26bn
- Ne Zha 2 (2025) - $2.21bn
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) - $2.07bn
- Avengers: Infinity War (2018) $2.05bn
- Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) - $1.92bn
- Zootopia 2 (2025) - $1.70bn
- Inside Out 2 (2024) - $1.69bn
So, what do you think? Does Zootropolis 2's success signal a resurgence in animated films at the box office? And considering the dominance of Ne Zha 2, should Hollywood be taking more cues from international cinema? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
