The envelope arrived on Alan Bergman’s desk, thick with anticipation. Inside, the studio’s latest box office numbers painted a stunning portrait—one that suggested Disney’s animated gamble had paid off handsomely. It was official: Zootopia 2 had not just broken records; it had rewritten them.
Disney’s called it: Zootopia 2 has officially become the Motion Picture Association’s highest-grossing animated film of all time.
As of this weekend, the Disney flick has made $1.7 billion (€1.58 billion) worldwide since its release last Thanksgiving. A lot of that—specifically, $1.313 billion (€1.22 billion)—comes from the international market. Strong word of mouth has kept it going for months, and it’d already reached $1 billion (€930 million) in two weeks. With this new milestone, Zootopia 2 is the biggest animated movie in both China and international markets, and in all of 2025. It’s also the second highest-grossing animated flick behind Ne Zha II and the ninth-highest overall after Spider-Man: No Way Home.
In a statement, Disney co-chairman Alan Bergman credited the milestone “first and foremost to the fans around the world whose enthusiasm made it possible. We’re incredibly proud of our filmmakers Jared Bush, Byron Howard, and Yvett Merino and the entire team at Walt Disney Animation Studios for creating a film that connects so deeply with audiences everywhere. [This] is an extraordinary achievement, and we’re grateful to everyone who helped bring it to life.”
Zootopia 2 is still currently in theaters, so it’s gonna keep making money. And don’t be surprised when that third one gets officially revealed in a few years.
A Box Office Blockbuster Built on Buzz
Remember the anticipation? The trailers dropped, social media exploded, and suddenly everyone was talking about Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde again. It’s that kind of fever-pitch excitement that translates into ticket sales and fuels a movie’s climb to the top.
The film’s success feels like watching a perfectly executed heist—the filmmakers, like cunning foxes, knew exactly how to capture our imaginations. Good stories spread organically; in this case, Disney’s marketing amplified an already powerful message.
Why is Zootopia 2 so popular?
Zootopia 2 didn’t just deliver stunning visuals; it tapped into something deeper. The characters resonated with audiences, the themes of prejudice and understanding felt relevant, and the story offered both thrills and heart. When you can spark joy and conversation, you’ve found a winning formula.
Beyond the Numbers: What This Means for Animation
Walk through any animation studio today, and you’ll likely hear hushed discussions about Zootopia 2. Not just the revenue it’s generated, but what it signals for the future of animated storytelling.
This win isn’t just for Disney; it’s a rising tide lifting all ships. A success story this massive proves there’s still massive audience appetite for well-crafted animated films. Think of it as a powerful argument in pitch meetings and development rooms across Hollywood.
What are the highest-grossing animated movies of all time?
While Zootopia 2 currently holds the crown, the animated film landscape remains fiercely competitive. Titles like Frozen 2, The Lion King, and of course, the aforementioned Ne Zha II, continue to be major players in the all-time rankings. Each new release raises the bar and resets expectations.
What’s Next for the World of Zootopia?
Consider the possibilities. With such a rich and engaging world already established, the potential for spin-offs, sequels, and streaming series feels almost limitless. Disney has built more than a movie; it’s created an entire ecosystem.
The question now becomes, where does the studio take it? Will they continue to explore complex social themes, or will they lean into more light-hearted adventures? Only time (and perhaps some leaked concept art) will tell.
Will there be a Zootopia 3?
Given the immense success of Zootopia 2, the odds of a third installment seem incredibly high. The real question isn’t *if* it will happen, but *when*, and what new corners of Zootopia will the filmmakers explore? Will they introduce new characters, expand on existing storylines, or venture into entirely new genres within the animated world?
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The success of “Zootopia 2” is a testament to the power of great storytelling, but is it a fluke, or the start of a new golden age for animated features?