Disney's Zootopia 2 has officially become one of 2025's biggest success stories, earning a stunning $916 million globally after just two weekends in theaters. With $221 million from domestic audiences and $695 million internationally, the animated sequel is now positioned to cross the coveted billion-dollar threshold within days. For American families seeking quality entertainment this holiday season, Zootopia 2 proves that thoughtful storytelling combined with spectacular animation can still dominate the cultural conversation—and the box office.
Breaking Records Left and Right
The numbers behind Zootopia 2 tell an extraordinary story of audience enthusiasm. After opening with a record-breaking $156 million domestic debut over the five-day Thanksgiving weekend, the film has maintained impressive momentum, bringing in $43 million in its second weekend, demonstrating remarkable staying power in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Deadline reports that the sequel has become "the 3rd biggest Hollywood movie of 2025 so far" and ranks first internationally among all releases this year.
China has emerged as a powerhouse market for the film, with Zootopia 2 earning $430.4 million and becoming the second-highest-grossing studio film ever in the country, trailing only Avengers: Endgame. The film achieved the largest animated opening ever in China at $272 million and marked the biggest debut for a Hollywood film there since May 2021. This success helped Disney surpass $5 billion at the global box office for 2025, making it the first and only studio to reach this milestone two consecutive years.
What Critics and Audiences Are Saying
The critical reception and audience response have been overwhelmingly positive. IndieWire's Kate Erbland praised the film for possessing "the emotional depth that has been absent from many recent Disney animations, delivering a weighty message and a genuine bond between Nick and Judy". IMDb user reviews consistently highlight the sequel's humor, heart, and visual excellence, with one reviewer noting that "Zootopia 2 proves that animated sequels can be just as good, or even better, than the original".
The film reunites beloved characters Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) for their most perilous case yet, featuring a new villain, Gary De'Snake, voiced by Oscar-winner Ke Huy Quan. Directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard have expanded the world of Zootopia with new locations, species, and situations that feel fresh and original. Audiences particularly appreciate the relationship development between Nick and Judy, with reviewers calling it "the best part" of the film.
Why American Audiences Are Connecting
For U.S. families, Zootopia 2 delivers precisely what's been missing from recent animated offerings: genuine emotional stakes combined with witty, layered humor that works for all ages. The film's 108-minute runtime keeps the pacing sharp without overwhelming younger viewers. At the same time, the expanded cast—including Quinta Brunson as therapist Dr. Fuzzby and Fortune Feimster as conspiracy theorist Nibbles Maplestick—brings contemporary comedic sensibilities to the animal metropolis.
The animation quality represents a significant leap forward from the 2016 original, with IMDb reviewers noting that "you can clearly see why the nine-year wait" was necessary. Every frame showcases stunning detail, from the intricate cityscape designs to the expressive character animation that conveys personality through the smallest movements. One reviewer emphasized that "nothing feels less than perfect—from the visuals, cinematography, character and set design, and world-building, to the performances, sound, and score".
The Hollywood Reporter noted that the original Zootopia opened with just $75 million before ultimately surpassing $1 billion globally. With Zootopia 2 already approaching that milestone in under two weeks, Disney has proven that authentic storytelling rooted in meaningful themes—friendship, trust, and overcoming prejudice—resonates across generations and borders. As the holiday season continues and word of mouth builds, Zootopia 2 stands as a testament to animation's enduring power to entertain, inspire, and unite audiences worldwide.
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