The Unstoppable Rise of Zootopia 2 at the Global Box Office
Disney’s Zootopia 2 has taken the global box office by storm, setting records and redefining expectations for animated films in 2025. As of Sunday, the film has achieved an estimated $556.4 million globally, with the international box office contributing a staggering $400 million to that total. This marks the biggest global launch for any movie in 2025, signaling a major win for Disney and a strong indicator of the film’s universal appeal.
The performance has been particularly impressive in China, where Zootopia 2 has not only dominated the market but also shattered previous records. On Saturday alone, the film grossed $104 million (RMB 737 million) in China, a figure that represents a 160% increase from Friday’s earnings. In local currency terms, this surpasses the single-day record previously held by Avengers: Endgame, making it the highest-grossing single-day Hollywood film in China. This is a significant turnaround for the Chinese market, which had struggled in recent months with declining attendance and waning interest in Western films.
A Global Phenomenon
Beyond China, Zootopia 2 has continued its success across multiple international markets. The film opened in six additional key markets on Friday, including Spain and the UK, bringing the total number of material markets to 51. While Wicked: For Good held the top spot in the UK, Zootopia 2 still managed to secure the third-highest Walt Disney Animation Studios opening day of all time, behind Frozen 2 and Moana 2. In Spain, the film debuted at No. 1, marking the third-best opening for WDAS in 2025.
The film’s early performance highlights its broad appeal, with strong showings in France, Germany, and Italy. In France, the opening day was the second-largest of 2025, while in Germany, it set a new record for the biggest studio animated opening of the year. Italy also saw a significant debut, with Zootopia 2 securing the highest studio animation opening of 2025.
Key Markets and Performance Breakdown
Through Friday, the Top 5 markets for Zootopia 2 were:
- China ($94.2M)
- Korea ($4.6M)
- France ($4.5M)
- Mexico ($3.7M)
- Germany ($2.8M)
These figures underscore the film’s ability to resonate with audiences across different regions, even as it continues to expand its reach. By Thursday, the film had already earned $133.2 million globally, with North America contributing $59.2 million and the international box office adding $74 million over two days.
In Asia Pacific, Zootopia 2 opened at No. 1 in all markets on Thursday, with Australia seeing a 97% increase in box office performance compared to the original Zootopia. In Europe, the film was No. 1 in every market, further cementing its status as a global blockbuster.
Looking Ahead
As the weekend progresses, more markets will open, including Spain and the UK on Friday, followed by Finland, Turkey, India, and Vietnam. Japan, which has yet to release the film, is expected to do so in December. With projections suggesting a global box office range of $135 million to $145 million, Zootopia 2 is poised to continue its dominance.
The film’s success in China, in particular, has been a game-changer for Disney. With Maoyan now estimating a lifetime run of RMB 3.2 billion ($450 million) in the market, Zootopia 2 is on track to become the biggest studio movie of 2025 in China. This performance is especially encouraging for Hollywood, which has faced challenges in the Chinese market in recent years.
Conclusion
Zootopia 2 has proven to be more than just a sequel—it’s a cultural phenomenon that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. From its record-breaking opening in China to its consistent performance across international markets, the film has solidified its place as one of the most successful animated releases of the year. As the box office numbers continue to rise, it’s clear that Zootopia 2 is not just a hit—it’s a milestone in cinematic history.
