Disney has done it again. The return to the bustling mammal metropolis has proven to be a goldmine for the studio. Zootopia 2 has officially crossed the massive $1 billion mark globally. It is now the highest-grossing film of 2025. This animated sequel has surpassed every rival to claim the top spot.
The film sees the return of officers Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. Their latest adventure has resonated with audiences everywhere. The box office numbers are staggering. Disney has secured a major victory just before the year ends. Critics and fans are cheering for this record-breaking run.
Judy and Nick Dominate US Theaters
The domestic box office tells a story of incredible staying power. Zootopia 2 is not slowing down even in its third weekend. The film pulled in another $26 million from North American theaters alone. This brings its domestic total to a solid $259 million.
Most sequels see a sharp drop after opening week. That is not happening here. Families are returning for repeat viewings. The chemistry between the lead characters is keeping seats filled. Audiences seem to love the new mystery involving reptiles.
We are seeing a clear preference for family friendly content this holiday season. The movie faced competition but held its ground. It is outperforming genre hits by a wide margin.
Domestic Box Office Snapshot:
- Weekend Gross: $26 million
Zootopia 2 Judy Hopps Nick Wilde box office record
- Total Domestic: $259 million
- Trend: Steady weekly growth
- Audience: High repeat viewership
The horror sequel Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 could not keep up. It earned $19.5 million in its second weekend. That film now sits at $95.4 million domestically. It is a solid hit but lacks the legs of the Disney juggernaut.
China Leads Massive Overseas Victory
The real story of this success lies overseas. The international numbers for Zootopia 2 are nothing short of astronomical. The film added $131 million from foreign markets this past weekend.
This push raised its international total to $877.7 million. A massive chunk of this revenue comes from one specific location. China has contributed over $500 million to the pot. This is a historic achievement for a Hollywood export.
“The Chinese market has fully embraced the world of Zootopia once again. It is a cultural phenomenon there.”
Disney has struggled in China in recent years. This film breaks that dry spell completely. The visual splendor and relatable themes have struck a chord. The first movie was huge there. The sequel is even bigger.
This foreign performance did the heavy lifting. It pushed the worldwide gross to $1.13 billion. That number beats the previous 2025 champion. Lilo & Stitch, the live-action remake, previously held the crown with $1.03 billion.
Rivals Struggle to Keep Up
The holiday box office is a battlefield. While Zootopia 2 soars, other films are fighting for scraps. The results have been mixed for the competition.
Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 saw a steep drop. It fell 70 percent in ticket sales. This is typical for horror movies. Fans rush out early. The general public does not follow.
Wicked for Good, likely the second part of the musical saga, is holding on. It earned $8.55 million this week. Its domestic total is an impressive $312.1 million. Worldwide, it has reached $468 million. It is a hit, but it is not a billion-dollar giant like the fox and bunny adventure.
Other new releases had a tough time. James L. Brooks returned with Ella McCay. It opened to a disappointing $2.1 million. This is a low start for such a high profile director.
Weekly Performance Table:
| Rank | Movie Title | Weekend Gross | Total Domestic |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zootopia 2 | $26M | $259M |
| 2 | Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 | $19.5M | $95.4M |
| 3 | Wicked for Good | $8.55M | $312.1M |
| 4 | Dhurandhar | $7.9M | N/A |
| 5 | Now You See Me 3 | $2.38M | N/A |
Note: Table reflects current weekend estimates.
Re-releases also took up screen space. Classics like How the Grinch Stole Christmas appeared in the top ten. Nostalgia is driving ticket sales across the board.
Why This Sequel Works
There are specific reasons for this success. The first is the cast. Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman bring immense charm to the roles. Their voice work defines these characters.
New additions have helped too. Ke Huy Quan joined the cast as a snake named Gary. The introduction of reptiles has expanded the world. It gives the story a fresh angle. Fans were eager to see how the creators handled this new element.
The release timing was perfect. It hit theaters around Thanksgiving. It rode that wave into December. Families look for safe bets during the holidays. This film offers laughs and heart.
It also tackles social themes lightly. The first film was praised for its smart writing. The sequel continues that tradition. It treats the audience with intelligence.
Animation quality plays a huge role. Technology has advanced since 2016. The fur rendering and city designs are stunning. People want to see this on the big screen. It is a visual spectacle that streaming cannot match.
Industry experts predict a long run. The $1.5 billion mark is now in sight. If the film holds up through Christmas, it will get there. Disney has proven that its core franchises are still powerful.
This success sends a message to the industry. People will show up for quality animated sequels. The demand is there. Zootopia 2 has saved the 2025 box office. It ends the year on a massive high note.
