Key Takeaways
- Zootopia 2 earns $556 million in global opening weekend
- Largest animated film debut in history
- Fourth-highest global launch of all time
- Strong critical reception with 95% Rotten Tomatoes score
Disney’s Zootopia 2 has shattered box office records with a historic $556 million global debut, marking the biggest animated opening ever and the fourth-largest global launch in film history. The sequel’s massive performance during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend exceeded industry expectations across both domestic and international markets.
Record-Breaking Global Launch
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Zootopia 2 achieved the largest worldwide start ever for an animated film. The film earned $156 million over five days in North America and an extraordinary $400 million from international markets, placing it among the most successful global launches ever recorded.
China’s Massive Contribution
China played a pivotal role in the film’s historic performance, contributing $272 million – the biggest animated opening in the country’s history. This represents the second-largest launch of any film in China, trailing only Avengers: Endgame, and marks the biggest Hollywood opening there since May 2021.
The film also delivered the highest-grossing Saturday ever recorded in China with $104 million in single-day earnings.
Historic Rankings
Variety reports that Zootopia 2’s $556 million debut places it just behind three of cinema’s highest-grossing films: Avengers: Endgame, Avengers: Infinity War, and Spider-Man: No Way Home. The sequel now holds multiple records including the biggest international animated opening and the strongest worldwide start for any 2025 release.
Domestic Holiday Performance
In the United States, Zootopia 2 delivered the second-largest Thanksgiving debut of all time with its $156 million five-day total. Only last year’s Moana 2 performed better during the holiday frame. The film’s three-day weekend total reached $96.8 million.
Critical and Audience Reception
The sequel has opened to widespread critical acclaim, currently holding an A CinemaScore from audiences and an impressive 95 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This strong reception suggests the film will maintain solid momentum in the coming weeks through positive word-of-mouth.
