Disney Animation is officially back in the top spot. Zootropolis 2 has just achieved a massive feat, officially surpassing Pixar’s Inside Out 2 to become the highest-grossing animated Motion Picture Association (MPA) film of all time.
The sequel’s relentless theatrical run has pushed its global total to a staggering $1.703 billion, securing its place as the #9 biggest film in cinematic history worldwide.
“This milestone belongs first and foremost to the fans around the world whose enthusiasm made it possible,” Alan Bergman, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, said in a statement. “We’re incredibly proud of our filmmakers Jared Bush, Byron Howard, and Yvett Merino and the entire team at Walt Disney Animation Studios for creating a film that connects so deeply with audiences everywhere.”
A Global Phenomenon
The numbers behind the film’s success are nothing short of historic. While the domestic box office has been strong at $390 million, it is the international market that has truly roared, contributing a massive $1.313 billion to the total.
A significant portion of that international success comes from China, where Zootropolis 2 has minted $619 million, making it the #1 global MPA release of all time in that territory.
Breaking Records at Lightning Speed
Since its record-shattering opening on Nov. 26, 2025—which saw a five-day global debut of $559.5 million—the film has been on a tear. It now holds the record for the fastest animated MPA film and the fastest PG-rated film to ever reach the $1 billion milestone.
The critical and audience reception has matched the financial success, with the film maintaining a “Verified Hot” 96% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes and a coveted “A” CinemaScore.
Disney’s Animated Empire
With the success of Zootropolis 2, Walt Disney Studios now lays claim to the top three animated releases in history:
- Zootropolis 2 (#1)
- Inside Out 2 (#2)
- Frozen 2 (#3)
The two Zootropolis films combined have now generated over $2.73 billion, cementing the franchise as one of the most powerful IPs in the Disney portfolio.
Regional Success: Southern Africa
The “Zootropolis fever” hasn’t spared Southern Africa, either. Locally, the film has been crowned the highest-grossing animated title released in the 2025 calendar year. It currently sits as the #2 film overall for the year in the region, trailing only behind 20th Century Studios’ Avatar: Fire and Ash.
As Zootropolis 2 continues its theatrical run worldwide, industry analysts are watching closely to see just how high Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde can climb on the all-time charts. For now, the message is clear: never bet against the bunny.
