LOS ANGELES — Disney’s return to the mammal metropolis has paid off in spectacular fashion. Zootopia 2 stampeded into theaters over the holiday weekend, amassing a staggering $556 million at the global box office, a figure that obliterates previous records for an animated film debut.
The long-awaited sequel to the 2016 hit has not only claimed the title of the biggest global opening for an animated movie in history but also ranks as the fourth-highest global debut of all time for any film, trailing only the cinematic juggernauts Avengers: Endgame, Avengers: Infinity War, and Spider-Man: No Way Home.
A Thanksgiving Feast for Theaters
Domestically, the film grossed $156 million over the five-day Thanksgiving frame, securing the second-biggest Thanksgiving opening ever. Audiences flocked to see Officer Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) reunite, driving the film to an “A” CinemaScore and a 91% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Analysts note that the film benefited from a “Barbenheimer”-style effect, playing alongside Universal’s strong holdover Wicked: For Good, creating a massive weekend for exhibitioners that drove millions to cinemas across North America.
The China Phenomenon
While domestic numbers were robust, the film’s performance in China has been nothing short of a phenomenon. Zootopia 2 pulled in a colossal $272 million from Chinese theaters alone—accounting for nearly half of its global total.
This performance marks the biggest opening ever for an American-made animated film in China and the second-best debut for any non-local film in the country’s history, bested only by Avengers: Endgame. The franchise’s popularity in the region has been bolstered by the recent opening of a Zootopia-themed land at Shanghai Disneyland, turning the IP into a cultural touchstone.
International Dominance
The film’s appeal was truly worldwide. Outside of China and the U.S., Zootopia 2 posted strong numbers in key markets:
- France: $14.6 million
- South Korea: $13.7 million
- Mexico: $10.4 million
- Germany: $8.8 million
The $400 million total international haul stands as the largest overseas debut ever for Walt Disney Animation Studios.
A Crown Jewel for 2025
The massive success of Zootopia 2 serves as a crowning achievement for the 2025 box office, easily securing the title of the year’s biggest global debut.
With a clear runway before the release of Avatar: Fire and Ash later in December, industry trackers predict Zootopia 2 is on a fast track to cross the $1 billion mark, reaffirming the enduring power of family-friendly animation on the big screen.
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