“Zootopia 2” Scores Box Office Record on Thanksgiving With Huge Domestic, Global Totals
It looks like Hollywood can breathe a collective sigh of relief. After a somewhat gloomy year at the movies, Disney’s “Zootopia 2” has arrived like a superhero, smashing records at the box office and reminding us all of the magic of going to the cinema. The much-anticipated sequel didn’t just do well; it delivered a record-setting performance that has injected a powerful dose of optimism into the industry.
Record-Setting Family Friendly Win
Families flocked to theaters over the Thanksgiving holiday, eager to reconnect with the charming duo of bunny cop Judy Hopps (voiced by the wonderful Ginnifer Goodwin) and the sly fox Nick Wilde (the ever-charismatic Jason Bateman). Their return to the bustling, funny, and surprisingly complex world of Zootopia resulted in a staggering $556 million global box office in its opening week alone. It’s a number that feels like a warm hug for an industry that has been looking for a win.
This incredible figure makes “Zootopia 2” the biggest international opening for an animated film ever. It’s a title that proves the love for these characters hasn’t faded one bit in the nearly ten years since we first met them.
A Thanksgiving Feast at the Box Office
The holiday weekend was a feast for movie lovers, and theaters reaped the rewards. In North America, “Zootopia 2” brought in a healthy $96 million over the weekend and a whopping $156 million over the five-day Thanksgiving frame. It wasn’t the only movie drawing crowds, either. Universal’s “Wicked: For Good”, the second part of the dazzling musical adaptation, also held strong, earning another $62.8 million domestically.
Together, these two family-friendly blockbusters turned the Thanksgiving holiday into a shimmering bright spot for the 2025 box office. Theaters brought in a combined $290 million over the five-day period, a result that has analysts feeling hopeful.
“This is a great result and a big momentum builder for the box office as we head into the final four weeks of the year,” said Paul Dergarabedian, a senior media analyst for Comscore. It’s a welcome sign that even with a challenging year, a strong finish could be on the horizon, especially with big titles like “Avatar: Fire and Ash” still to come.
Why Did “Zootopia 2” Resonate So Deeply?
So, what’s the secret to “Zootopia 2’s” phenomenal success? It’s a mix of perfect timing, nostalgia, and a story that connects with audiences everywhere. The original film was a surprise hit that charmed its way into our hearts with its clever humor and heartfelt message about friendship and overcoming prejudice.
This sequel builds on that love. As Dergarabedian noted, it’s a “beloved franchise delivering what audiences were looking for around the world.” It seems everyone was ready for another adventure with Judy and Nick.
But the most astonishing part of this story comes from China. The film earned an unbelievable $272 million there, accounting for nearly half of its global box office total. This is the biggest opening for an American animated film in China, ever. In a market that has become increasingly unpredictable for Hollywood, this is a massive achievement. The first “Zootopia”, known as “Crazy Animal City” in China, was also a huge hit, and Shanghai Disneyland even has a “Zootopia”-themed land, showing just how much this world has captured the imagination of audiences there.
What This Means for the Future of Movies
The triumph of “Zootopia 2” isn’t just a win for Disney; it’s a win for the entire movie-going experience. It proves that when you offer a heartfelt, high-quality story that the whole family can enjoy, people will show up. In an age of endless streaming options, the shared experience of laughing, gasping, and cheering together in a dark theater still holds a special power.
As we head into the holiday season, this box office success story feels like the perfect kickoff. It’s a reminder that great films have the power to bring people together and create moments of joy. And if “Zootopia 2” is any indication, there’s a lot more movie magic to look forward to.
