Zootopia 2 Breaks Records with $525M Global Opening
Source: ‘Zootopia 2’ Hops To Record-Breaking Start In China; Biggest Opening Day Ever For A U.S. Animated Movie (2025-11-26)
Disney’s ‘Zootopia 2’ soars to over $525 million worldwide, smashing box office records and surpassing ‘Avengers: Endgame’ for China’s biggest single-day Hollywood gross. The film’s impressive debut includes a staggering $104 million in China alone on Saturday, marking the second-largest opening for an animated film globally and the top U.S. debut in China since 2021. This blockbuster performance highlights the resilience of animated features in international markets amid ongoing industry shifts. In addition to its record-breaking China debut, ‘Zootopia 2’ has achieved remarkable milestones across multiple regions. The film’s global total through Friday reached $233 million, with international box office contributing $135.3 million. Its success is driven by strong audience reception in Asia, particularly in China, where local cinemas are experiencing a resurgence after a challenging period due to pandemic-related disruptions. The film’s opening in China not only outperformed expectations but also revitalized Hollywood’s presence in the Chinese market, which has been cautious but increasingly receptive to major releases. Furthermore, ‘Zootopia 2’ benefited from a strategic release timing during the Thanksgiving holiday, resulting in nearly $20 million in the U.S. during its opening weekend, and a projected five-day total of over $140 million. The film’s performance underscores the growing importance of international markets for Hollywood blockbusters, especially in China, which remains the world’s second-largest film market after the U.S. Recent industry data indicates that animated films continue to dominate global box office charts, with ‘Zootopia 2’ now ranking among the top 25 highest-grossing animated movies of all time. The film’s success also reflects a broader trend of increased investment in high-quality animation, with studios like Disney leveraging advanced CGI technology and popular franchise characters to attract diverse audiences worldwide. In addition to its commercial triumph, ‘Zootopia 2’ has garnered positive critical reviews, praising its engaging storytelling, vibrant animation, and timely social themes. Industry analysts note that the film’s ability to resonate across cultures is a key factor in its record-breaking performance. The film’s international success is expected to influence future Hollywood strategies, emphasizing the importance of tailored marketing campaigns and local partnerships to maximize global reach. Looking ahead, Disney plans to capitalize on this momentum by expanding ‘Zootopia 2’ into additional markets, including Japan, South Korea, and Latin America, where animated films have historically performed well. The studio is also exploring merchandise and streaming opportunities to sustain the film’s popularity beyond theatrical release. As the global box office continues to recover and evolve, ‘Zootopia 2’ exemplifies how strategic timing, cultural resonance, and high-quality animation can lead to unprecedented commercial success in a competitive industry landscape. This record-breaking debut not only cements ‘Zootopia 2’ as a major cinematic event of 2025 but also signals a promising future for animated films in the international arena, especially in key markets like China. As Hollywood adapts to new audience preferences and market dynamics, the film’s success offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of global entertainment.