“Zootopia 2” has officially roared past “Lilo & Stitch” to claim the crown as 2025’s highest-grossing movie worldwide, hitting an incredible $1.13 billion in just six weeks. Disney’s anthropomorphic sequel has turned family theaters into box office goldmines, proving that Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde still have the magic to pack houses globally.
$1.13 Billion Breakdown: Domestic vs International
With $452 million from North America and a massive $678 million from international markets, “Zootopia 2” surpassed “Lilo & Stitch’s” $1.12 billion total. China alone contributed $285 million, while family audiences in Europe, Latin America, and Japan pushed the sequel into billion-dollar territory faster than any other animated release this year.
The film crossed $1 billion in record time for a PG-rated movie, overtaking the live-action “Lilo & Stitch” remake that had held the 2025 crown. Daily earnings remain strong even in its seventh week, with holiday family viewing keeping theaters packed.
What Made Zootopia 2 Unstoppable
Returning voices Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman reprised Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde as full-fledged detectives tackling a reptile conspiracy in expanded Zootopia districts. New characters voiced by Ke Huy Quan, Quinta Brunson, and Fortune Feimster added fresh energy, while directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard delivered sharper animation and deeper themes of prejudice and partnership.
Perfectly timed for Thanksgiving and holding strong through Christmas, the sequel tapped into multigenerational appeal. Parents who loved the 2016 original brought their kids, while the expanded world-building and Gary De’Snake mystery hooked older viewers too.
Beating Lilo & Stitch and the 2025 Competition
“Lilo & Stitch” led 2025 with $1.12 billion, followed by superhero tentpoles and live-action remakes. “Zootopia 2” leapfrogged them all through word-of-mouth, repeat viewings, and international family demand. It’s now Disney’s fourth highest-grossing animated sequel ever, trailing only Frozen II, Finding Dory, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
The milestone cements animation’s box office dominance, with five of 2025’s top ten films being animated. “Zootopia 2” proves original IP sequels can outpace nostalgia remakes when they expand rather than repeat.
Zootopia 3? Records and What’s Next
Director Jared Bush hinted “there’s more Zootopia to tell,” with spin-offs and potential Zootopia 3 already in early development. The billion-dollar haul guarantees expanded merchandising, theme park integration, and streaming dominance on Disney+.
“Zootopia 2” joins an elite club as only the 15th animated film to cross $1 billion worldwide and Disney’s biggest original sequel since Inside Out 2. Holiday legs suggest it could hit $1.3 billion by New Year’s.
A Win for Family Animation
In a year dominated by franchises and remakes, “Zootopia 2” proves audiences still crave smart, heartfelt animation with universal themes. Its success validates Disney’s sequel strategy while reminding Hollywood that families voting with their wallets can topple any blockbuster.
For Judy and Nick fans, $1.13 billion isn’t just numbers—it’s proof their bunny-fox friendship resonates worldwide. As Zootopia expands, this milestone feels like the start of something even bigger for Disney’s most clever animal metropolis.
