by Disney’s animated sequel Zootopia 2 has officially rewritten box office history. The film has surpassed $1.48 billion (approximately ¥232 billion) in worldwide box office revenue, overtaking Frozen 2, which previously held the record at $1.453 billion. With this achievement, Zootopia 2 has become the highest-grossing Disney animated movie of all time.
This milestone firmly establishes the Zootopia franchise as one of Disney’s most powerful global brands, combining mass appeal, strong word-of-mouth, and exceptional performance across international markets.
Global Box Office Performance: A New Disney Benchmark
According to Box Office Mojo (calculated at an exchange rate of 156.8 yen per US dollar), Zootopia 2 has also surpassed The Super Mario Bros. Movie ($1.36 billion), making it the second-highest-grossing foreign animated film in history.
Only one animated film currently ranks above it globally:
- The Devil’s Rampage – approximately $2.15 billion worldwide
Meanwhile, within Disney’s own portfolio, Pixar’s Inside Out 2 still holds a higher overall total at $1.698 billion, placing Zootopia 2 second among Disney-related animated releases.
Record-Breaking Performance in Japan
Zootopia 2 was released in Japan on December 5, and its performance has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Key Japanese Box Office Records
- ¥10 billion crossed in just 30 days (as of January 3)
- Fastest foreign animated film to reach ¥10 billion in Japan
- 7,593,060 viewers nationwide
- Total revenue: ¥10,375,380,000
This achievement allowed Zootopia 2 to surpass previous record-holders such as Frozen and The Super Mario Bros. Movie, highlighting the franchise’s strong resonance with Japanese audiences.
China Leads Overseas Earnings
One of the most remarkable aspects of Zootopia 2’s success is its overwhelming performance in China, which accounted for nearly half of the film’s overseas revenue.
Top Overseas Markets
- China: ~$563.1 million
- France
- Japan
- South Korea
The film’s popularity in China reflects the enduring appeal of anthropomorphic storytelling and socially relevant themes, which were also central to the success of the first Zootopia film.
Critical and Audience Reception Remains Strong
In addition to commercial success, Zootopia 2 has received high praise from both critics and audiences.
- Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 90%
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 96% (as of January 4)
These scores suggest that the sequel not only met expectations but also succeeded in expanding the story in a way that felt satisfying to fans of the original.
Awards Recognition and Industry Impact
The film’s achievements have also been recognized during awards season. Zootopia 2 has earned nominations in two major categories at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards:
- Best Animated Feature Film
- Cinematic Box Office Achievement
These nominations position the film as a strong contender heading into the Academy Awards conversation and further reinforce its cultural and commercial impact.
Why “Zootopia 2” Resonated Worldwide
For beginner audiences, the success of Zootopia 2 can be attributed to several key factors:
- A universally relatable story that blends humor with social themes
- Beloved returning characters like Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde
- High-quality animation and detailed world-building
- Strong appeal across all age groups
- Excellent international localization and marketing
By balancing entertainment with meaningful messages, Disney managed to create a sequel that felt both familiar and fresh.
Final Thoughts: A Landmark Moment for Animated Cinema
With record-breaking earnings, rapid box office milestones in Japan, dominance in the Chinese market, and strong critical acclaim, “Zootopia 2” has secured its place in animation history.
The film’s success not only surpasses Frozen 2 but also signals a new era for Disney animation—one where sequels can outperform even the most iconic predecessors. As awards season continues and global audiences keep flocking to theaters, Zootopia 2 stands as a clear example of how storytelling, timing, and worldwide appeal can come together to create a true blockbuster.
Disney has a new animated champion and the numbers prove it.
