Zootopia 2 Races Toward Animated Box Office History

Released at the tail end of November 2025, Zootopia 2 has wasted no time making its mark. The return of Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, this time on the trail of the slippery Gary De'Snake, has clearly struck a chord. The pair, now framed and on the run, dash through the city’s vibrant districts, offering a spectacle that’s as much a treat for adults as it is for children. In just six weeks, the sequel has already notched up a string of impressive achievements.

Box office figures tell their own story. With global takings just shy of $1.6 billion, Zootopia 2 currently sits as the third most lucrative animated feature ever. Only Inside Out 2, with nearly $1.7 billion, and the Chinese blockbuster Ne Zha 2, at $2.1 billion, stand ahead. Yet, the pace at which Zootopia 2 is climbing suggests it may not be long before it overtakes them both.

What’s Fuelled Zootopia 2’s Meteoric Rise?

There’s a bit of everything in this sequel. The visuals are a proper feast, with sharp cinematography and a palette that pops. The soundtrack, meanwhile, keeps things buoyant without ever feeling forced. The plot, a buddy-cop caper with a twist, is easygoing and peppered with laughs. Familiar voices return—Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman slip back into their roles as Judy and Nick—while newcomers like Ke Huy Quan (as the villainous Gary De'Snake), Andy Samberg, and Quinta Brunson add fresh energy to the cast.

The original film laid the groundwork, establishing the city and its oddball residents, as well as the dynamic between its leads. The sequel wastes no time, plunging straight into the action. While a nod to the first film helps, it’s not essential viewing, making this follow-up accessible to newcomers and returning fans alike.

Comparing the Two: Ratings and Revenue

Let’s look at the numbers. The first Zootopia holds a Rotten Tomatoes score of 98% from critics and 92% from audiences, with an IMDb rating of 8.0/10. Its sequel, meanwhile, posts a 91% Tomatometer and a 96% audience score, with a slightly lower IMDb mark at 7.6/10. Financially, though, the sequel has outpaced its predecessor, pulling in $1.592 billion compared to the original’s $1.025 billion.

So, while the first film edges ahead in critical reception, the sequel’s box office performance is hard to ignore. The gap in ratings is narrow enough that it’s clear viewers have embraced both instalments. If this trend holds, the inevitable third chapter may well follow suit, though fans will have to bide their time to see if it measures up.

Looking Ahead: The Franchise’s Future

Animated features aimed at younger audiences have always played by their own rules, especially in the age of streaming. Zootopia 2’s current momentum suggests it could soon claim the title of the highest-grossing Hollywood animated film. Whether it manages to unseat Ne Zha 2 remains to be seen, but the odds are looking better by the week.

For those keen to keep up with the latest trends, a regular newsletter offers deeper dives into box office analysis, casting news, and what’s next for the franchise. As things stand, Zootopia 2 is setting a pace that few could have predicted, and the industry is watching closely to see just how far it can go.