Disney's animated sequel, 'Zootopia 2', has officially roared past a monumental milestone, cementing its place in cinematic history. The film has now grossed a staggering $1.46 billion at the worldwide box office, making it the most successful animated film ever released by The Walt Disney Company.
A New Champion for Disney Animation
This impressive total means 'Zootopia 2' has dethroned the previous record-holder, 'Frozen II', which held the title with a global haul of $1.45 billion. The sequel's journey to the top was remarkably swift, as it shattered the $1 billion mark in just 17 days. This achievement makes it the fastest PG-rated film in history to reach that financial pinnacle.
The driving force behind this record-breaking run was not the domestic North American market, but audiences from around the world. While the film collected a solid $333 million domestically, it was the international box office that provided the lion's share of revenue. Overseas markets contributed a massive $1.13 billion, proving that global appeal is now critical for blockbuster success.
China Leads the Global Charge
No market embraced the return to the animal metropolis more than China. The film's performance there has been nothing short of phenomenal, with ticket sales soaring past the $500 million mark. In fact, 'Zootopia 2' became the highest-grossing non-Chinese animated film in the country within a mere five days of its release. This stands as one of the most significant performances by a Hollywood film in China in recent years.
Analysts note that without this extraordinary international support, particularly from China, the sequel would not have surpassed the record set by 'Frozen II'. This highlights a major shift in the film industry, where overseas revenue is increasingly vital for major studio tentpoles.
Where It Stands on the All-Time Chart
Despite setting a new benchmark for Disney, 'Zootopia 2' currently sits in fourth place on the all-time global animated box office chart. The top spot is still held by China's 'Ne Zha 2' with approximately $2.2 billion, followed by 'Inside Out 2' and the photorealistic 'The Lion King'. Given the film's current theatrical run, industry experts believe it is unlikely to climb any higher in these overall rankings.
The back-to-back successes of 'Zootopia 2' and 'Inside Out 2' strongly reinforce Disney's strategic focus on producing sequels to beloved franchises. This strategy shows no signs of slowing, with future confirmed projects including 'Toy Story 5' and 'Frozen 3' already in active development.
