Zootopia 2 Set to Smash Animated Box Office Records
Zootopia 2 is making waves at the global box office, climbing the ranks among animated films and drawing crowds with its sharp humour and vibrant cast. Could it soon claim the top spot?
Only a short time after its late November 2025 release, Zootopia 2 is already making headlines for its impressive box office run. The sequel brings back Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, this time on the trail of the slippery Gary De'Snake, all while trying to clear their own names after being set up. The much-hyped follow-up to the original Zootopia has proven a hit with both adults and kids, racking up milestones in just six weeks since hitting cinemas.
Box Office Milestones and Global Rankings
According to Deadline, Zootopia 2 currently sits as the third-highest-grossing animated film ever, pulling in just shy of $1.6 billion worldwide. The only titles ahead are Disney’s Inside Out 2, with nearly $1.7 billion, and Ne Zha 2 from China’s Chengdu Coco Cartoon, which has reached $2.1 billion. While Zootopia 2 hasn’t nabbed the top spot yet, its current pace suggests it could soon overtake the leader.
The film’s broad appeal is a big part of its success. With sharp visuals, a lively soundtrack, and a classic buddy-cop storyline, it’s an easy watch for punters of all ages. The voice cast is stacked, too—Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman return as Judy and Nick, joined by new faces like Ke Huy Quan as Gary De'Snake, Andy Samberg as Pawbert Lynxley, and Quinta Brunson as Dr. Fuzzby.
What’s Behind the Sequel’s Popularity?
The first Zootopia set the stage, building the world and the dynamic between its leads. The sequel jumps straight into the action, but you don’t need to have seen the original to get stuck in. That makes it accessible for newcomers and returning fans alike.
Here’s how the numbers stack up as of January 2026:
Stats (Jan 2026) | Zootopia | Zootopia 2
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Rotten Tomatoes Rating | 98% Tomatometer 92% Popcornmeter | 91% Tomatometer 96% Popcornmeter
IMDb Rating | 8.0/10 | 7.6/10
Box Office | $1.025 billion | $1.592 billion
While the original edges out the sequel in ratings, Zootopia 2 has outperformed at the box office. The difference in audience scores is pretty minor, showing that locals are just as keen on the new instalment as the first. This trend bodes well for a potential third film, though fans will have to wait and see if it lives up to the hype.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Animated Blockbusters
For those interested in the bigger picture, there’s plenty to unpack about what Zootopia 2’s success means for studios and future releases. Subscribing to a film newsletter can give you the inside scoop on box office trends, casting choices, and what’s next for major franchises.
It’ll take a fair bit for Zootopia 2 to overtake Ne Zha 2, but it’s not out of the question. Animated films for kids have carved out their own space in the industry, especially with the rise of streaming. If the current momentum holds, Zootopia 2 could soon be crowned the biggest Hollywood animated film ever.