by Disney Animation Studios’ latest blockbuster “Zootopia 2” has officially rewritten box office history. On January 13, it was announced that the film had claimed the No. 1 spot at the Japanese weekend box office for six consecutive weeks, breaking the long-standing record previously held by “Frozen,” which topped the charts for five straight weeks. This achievement makes Zootopia 2 the longest-running No. 1 Western animated film in box office history.
Outstanding Domestic Performance: ¥12 Billion and 9 Million Viewers
Released in Japan on December 5, Zootopia 2 has shown extraordinary staying power. As of January 12, the film has:
- Grossed ¥12.35 billion in domestic box office revenue
- Attracted over 9.07 million viewers nationwide
These figures confirm that the film is not just a strong opener, but a true long-running hit supported by repeat viewings, family audiences, and strong word of mouth across generations.
Global Success: Surpassing “The Avengers” in All-Time Rankings
The success of Zootopia 2 extends far beyond Japan. According to data from Box Office Mojo, the film’s worldwide box office revenue has reached approximately $1.66 billion (around ¥261.6 billion, calculated at an exchange rate of ¥158 per dollar).
With this milestone, Zootopia 2 has:
- Surpassed “The Avengers” in global box office rankings
- Climbed to 12th place on the all-time worldwide box office chart
- Cemented its status as one of the most successful animated films in cinema history
This places the film alongside legendary titles such as Frozen, The Lion King, and Toy Story as a global cultural phenomenon
Why “Zootopia 2” Is Resonating Worldwide
Several key factors have contributed to the unprecedented success of Zootopia 2:
1. Strong Foundation from the Original Film
The first Zootopia (2016) was widely praised for its smart storytelling, social themes, and memorable characters. Its reputation as a thoughtful yet entertaining family film built massive anticipation for the sequel.
2. Timely and Relatable Themes
Like its predecessor, Zootopia 2 tackles real-world issues—such as diversity, cooperation, and societal change—through an accessible animated format. These themes resonate strongly with both adults and younger audiences.
3. Expanded World and Character Development
The sequel deepens the world of Zootopia, introducing new districts, characters, and conflicts, while further developing fan-favorite leads Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. This balance of familiarity and freshness has been key to maintaining audience interest.
4. Disney’s Box Office Comeback
Following several years of uncertainty due to the pandemic and the rise of streaming platforms, Zootopia 2 represents a major theatrical revival for Disney Animation, echoing the company’s pre-pandemic dominance.
Surpassing “Frozen”: A Symbolic Milestone
Breaking Frozen’s record is particularly significant. Frozen and Frozen 2 were once considered unbeatable benchmarks for Western animated films in Japan. By exceeding five consecutive weeks at No. 1, Zootopia 2 signals a new era for Disney animation, proving that original worlds—not just musical fantasies—can achieve historic success.
A Record-Breaking Film for the History Books
With its sixth consecutive week at the top, record-shattering domestic earnings, and massive global box office total, Zootopia 2 has firmly established itself as:
- The most enduring Western animated box office hit
- A symbol of Disney’s theatrical resurgence
- One of the highest-grossing animated films of all time
As the film continues its theatrical run, industry analysts expect its numbers to rise even further, potentially pushing it higher in the global rankings.
Conclusion: “Zootopia 2” Sets a New Standard for Animated Films
“Zootopia 2” is more than just a successful sequel—it is a historic achievement that demonstrates the enduring power of high-quality animation, meaningful storytelling, and global appeal. By surpassing Frozen and breaking long-standing records, the film has set a new benchmark for Western animated movies in Japan and worldwide.
As audiences continue to flock to theaters, Zootopia 2 is poised to remain a defining title in modern animation history
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