Hold onto your seats, because Hollywood just witnessed a seismic shift in the animation world! Disney’s ‘Zootopia 2’ has officially become the highest-grossing animated film ever, raking in a staggering $1.7 billion globally. But here’s where it gets even more fascinating: this furry phenomenon has dethroned Pixar’s ‘Inside Out 2’ and is now second only to the Chinese blockbuster ‘Ne Zha 2’ on the all-time animation charts. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just dominating globally; it’s also set to become Hollywood’s highest-grossing film of 2025, outpacing even Disney’s own ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash.’
Let’s break it down. After eight weekends, ‘Zootopia 2’ continues to defy expectations. Domestically, it’s crossed the $400 million mark and is projected to hit $423 million in the coming weeks, surpassing ‘A Minecraft Movie’ and the ‘Lilo & Stitch’ remake to claim the top spot among 2025 releases. But what’s truly mind-blowing is its international performance, particularly in China, where it’s on the verge of overtaking ‘Avengers: Endgame’ as the highest-grossing American film ever, with a jaw-dropping $619 million. Is this a sign of shifting global tastes, or just the magic of Disney?
Here’s the controversial twist: while ‘Zootopia 2’ is crushing it globally, it’s still expected to fall short of ‘Inside Out 2’s’ domestic earnings by about $200 million. So, does this mean international markets are now the real battleground for animated films? Or is Disney’s dominance in Asia skewing the playing field? The debate is wide open.
The film’s success isn’t limited to China; it’s also a juggernaut in Japan, where it’s among the top 5 highest-grossing films of 2025, alongside heavy hitters like ‘Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle.’ Meanwhile, ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ has struggled to gain traction in Japan, earning just $13 million compared to its predecessor’s $32.9 million. Are audiences growing tired of live-action blockbusters in favor of animated storytelling?
With this monumental run, ‘Zootopia 2’ now ranks among the top 10 highest-grossing films of all time, sitting comfortably at No. 9, just behind ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home.’ Alan Bergman, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, summed it up perfectly: ‘This milestone belongs 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.’
But here’s the burning question: As ‘Zootopia 2’ redefines what’s possible for animated films, will other studios step up their game, or is Disney simply in a league of its own? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think this marks a new era for animation, or is it just another Disney victory lap?
