{"id":9490,"date":"2025-12-14T21:06:24","date_gmt":"2025-12-14T21:06:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/zootopia-2-highest-grossing-2025\/"},"modified":"2025-12-14T21:06:24","modified_gmt":"2025-12-14T21:06:24","slug":"zootopia-2-highest-grossing-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/zootopia-2-highest-grossing-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Zootopia 2\u2019 Overtakes \u2018Lilo &#038; Stitch\u2019 to Become 2025\u2019s Highest Grossing Movie With $1.13 Billion"},"content":{"rendered":"<article>\n<p>Disney\u2019s animated sequel Zootopia 2 has vaulted to the top of Hollywood releases for 2025, earning $1.13 billion worldwide after 20 days in release and surpassing Disney\u2019s live-action Lilo &#038; Stitch remake, which sits at $1.03 billion. The milestone marks a rapid international surge \u2014 including a particularly strong showing in China \u2014 even as China\u2019s locally produced Ne Zha 2 remains the year\u2019s highest-grossing title with $1.9 billion. The film reached the $1 billion threshold in just 17 days, making it the quickest PG-rated feature to do so. Industry attention now turns to year\u2011end releases that could reshuffle totals in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n<h2>Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Zootopia 2 has grossed $1.13 billion globally after 20 days in release, surpassing Lilo &#038; Stitch\u2019s $1.03 billion.<\/li>\n<li>The film reached $1 billion in 17 days, the fastest time for a PG-rated movie to hit that mark.<\/li>\n<li>Over its third weekend, Zootopia 2 added $131.1 million from 52 overseas territories, lifting its international total to $877 million.<\/li>\n<li>China accounts for roughly $502 million of Zootopia 2\u2019s gross, making it one of the largest MPA country performances behind Avengers: Endgame ($632 million in China).<\/li>\n<li>Zootopia 2 is now the seventh-biggest animated film ever, surpassing the 2016 original ($1.025 billion) and Moana 2 ($1.06 billion).<\/li>\n<li>China\u2019s Ne Zha 2, a non\u2011MPA film, remains 2025\u2019s top earner at $1.9 billion worldwide.<\/li>\n<li>James Cameron\u2019s Avatar: Fire and Ash opens on Dec. 19 and could change year-end rankings, though much of its revenue may fall into the next calendar year.<\/li>\n<li>Separately, Disney\u2019s Ella McCay opened poorly, grossing $300,000 from five international territories and $2.1 million domestically, totaling $2.4 million against a $35 million budget.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Background<\/h2>\n<p>The original Zootopia (2016) established the franchise with a $1.025 billion global haul and broad family appeal; the sequel\u2019s rapid climb underscores continued audience appetite for major animated tentpoles. In recent years, studio animation has been a consistent box-office contributor, with sequels and brand extensions often driving large, compound returns across multiple markets. China has increasingly been a decisive battleground for global totals \u2014 a strong Chinese run can materially raise a film\u2019s worldwide ranking.<\/p>\n<p>At the same time, the global box-office landscape in 2025 has been shaped by a mix of local blockbusters and Hollywood tentpoles. Domestic studios have seen uneven returns for adult\u2011oriented dramas, while family fare and franchise entries tend to produce steadier, higher grosses. Ne Zha 2\u2019s $1.9 billion demonstrates the scale of non\u2011Hollywood contenders in China and the broader Asian market. The Motion Picture Association (MPA) designation matters for distribution and reporting: Ne Zha 2 is not classified as an MPA title, which affects some industry comparisons.<\/p>\n<h2>Main Event<\/h2>\n<p>Zootopia 2\u2019s worldwide run accelerated dramatically over its third weekend, collecting $131.1 million from 52 territories and bringing the overseas sum to $877 million. The film\u2019s domestic and international distribution patterns show a fast front-loaded performance in key markets, with China contributing roughly $502 million so far. That China total places Zootopia 2 only behind Avengers: Endgame\u2019s $632 million as one of the largest MPA release returns in that territory.<\/p>\n<p>The picture reached the $1 billion milestone on a Friday after 17 days in theaters, setting a new speed record for PG-rated releases. By day 20 its global total stood at $1.13 billion, officially overtaking Disney\u2019s Lilo &#038; Stitch remake at $1.03 billion to become the top Hollywood grossing title of the calendar year. The film\u2019s trajectory also pushed it past Moana 2 ($1.06 billion) and established it as the seventh-highest grossing animated film in box-office history.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, industry watchers are noting the contrast between Zootopia 2 and other recent Disney releases. Ella McCay, the studio\u2019s political dramedy directed by James L. Brooks, underperformed sharply: it registered $300,000 from five international markets and a disappointing $2.1 million opening in North America, resulting in a global tally of $2.4 million against a reported $35 million production budget. Poor reviews and weak audience scores have clouded its prospects.<\/p>\n<h2>Analysis &#038; Implications<\/h2>\n<p>Zootopia 2\u2019s performance highlights how franchise recognition plus global localization can drive outsized returns, especially when complemented by robust marketing and strategic release windows. The film\u2019s China success \u2014 half a billion dollars and counting \u2014 demonstrates that well\u2011positioned family animation can still penetrate a market that has grown selective about Hollywood imports. Studios aiming for universal appeal may prioritize similar scales of cultural adaptation and promotional spend.<\/p>\n<p>For Disney, the disparity between Zootopia 2 and Ella McCay illustrates the company\u2019s continued reliance on blockbuster family content to carry annual box-office performance. Adult\u2011oriented, mid\u2011budget films face steeper challenges in a theatrical-first environment where tentpoles dominate screens and audience attention. The studio\u2019s slate balance will likely influence future production and release strategies, especially ahead of December\u2019s Avatar: Fire and Ash.<\/p>\n<p>Global rankings for the year may still shift. Avatar: Fire and Ash opens on Dec. 19 and, given the franchise\u2019s historical two\u2011billion-dollar runs, could climb rapidly \u2014 though much of its revenue may accrue after the calendar year turn. Ne Zha 2\u2019s $1.9 billion remains the largest single title of 2025, underscoring that non\u2011Hollywood pictures can outperform global Hollywood releases when domestic reception is overwhelming.<\/p>\n<h2>Comparison &#038; Data<\/h2>\n<figure>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Film<\/th>\n<th>Global Gross<\/th>\n<th>Days to $1B<\/th>\n<th>China Gross<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Zootopia 2<\/td>\n<td>$1.13 billion<\/td>\n<td>17 days<\/td>\n<td>$502 million<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Lilo &#038; Stitch (remake)<\/td>\n<td>$1.03 billion<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<td>Included in global total<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Moana 2<\/td>\n<td>$1.06 billion<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Zootopia (2016)<\/td>\n<td>$1.025 billion<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Ne Zha 2 (China, non\u2011MPA)<\/td>\n<td>$1.9 billion<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<td>Major domestic total<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Avengers: Endgame (China)<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<td>$632 million<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n<p>The table isolates headline totals and selected market metrics to clarify how Zootopia 2 compares to other recent big earners. Zootopia 2\u2019s rapid days\u2011to\u2011$1B figure is meaningful in gauging speed of adoption, while absolute China numbers show how much local market performance can swing final tallies. Historical comparisons (original Zootopia, Moana 2, Endgame) provide context for distribution strategies and studio expectations.<\/p>\n<h2>Reactions &#038; Quotes<\/h2>\n<p>Industry commentary has emphasized both the commercial strength of family animation and the continued importance of China as a decisive market.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#8220;The speed at which Zootopia 2 crossed the $1 billion threshold is a clear sign that globally marketed animation remains a reliable box-office driver.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><cite>Industry analyst<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>This view was echoed by regional commentators who highlighted the film\u2019s resonance with Chinese audiences and the scale of localized campaigns that accompanied the release.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#8220;China\u2019s contribution pushed the title into the top tier for MPA releases; that level of local uptake is what transforms global tallies.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><cite>China market strategist<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Disney distribution executives have framed the result as a validation of franchise investment and international rollout tactics, even as they temper expectations for titles that target adult demographics.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#8220;Strong family turnout and international engagement were central to the film\u2019s performance; not all titles are built to capture that same audience.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><cite>Studio distribution spokesperson<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<aside>\n<details>\n<summary>Explainer: How global grosses are counted<\/summary>\n<p>Box-office tallies combine reported ticket receipts from domestic (North America) and international markets, converted to U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates and aggregated by industry trackers. \u2018MPA\u2019 classification refers to films distributed under the Motion Picture Association system, which affects reporting channels and some release patterns. China\u2019s box-office reporting follows a separate domestic ledger and can include titles not classified under MPA, creating situations where non\u2011Hollywood blockbusters outgross Hollywood imports in absolute terms.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/aside>\n<h2>Unconfirmed<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Whether Avatar: Fire and Ash will finish 2025 as the top grosser is uncertain, since significant revenue may be earned after Dec. 31.<\/li>\n<li>The sustainability of Zootopia 2\u2019s Chinese run beyond the current window is not fully confirmed; future week\u2011to\u2011week drops could alter final totals.<\/li>\n<li>Specific internal reasons for Ella McCay\u2019s poor reception (marketing mix, target audience mismatch, or reviews) are not definitively public.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Bottom Line<\/h2>\n<p>Zootopia 2\u2019s rapid ascent to $1.13 billion underscores the enduring box-office power of franchise animation and the decisive role of international markets\u2014China in particular\u2014in shaping global rankings. For Disney, the film\u2019s success reinforces a business model that leans on family tentpoles to deliver dependable, high-value returns across territories.<\/p>\n<p>At the same time, year\u2011end dynamics remain fluid: Avatar: Fire and Ash\u2019s Dec. 19 opening and ongoing local blockbusters like Ne Zha 2 mean 2025\u2019s final box-office hierarchy could still change. Studios and analysts will be watching daily grosses and territory trends closely as the calendar turns.<\/p>\n<h2>Sources<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/variety.com\/2025\/film\/box-office\/zootopia-2-highest-grossing-movie-2025-1236608395\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Variety<\/a> \u2014 Trade press (industry reporting and box-office analysis)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Disney\u2019s animated sequel Zootopia 2 has vaulted to the top of Hollywood releases for 2025, earning $1.13 billion worldwide after 20 days in release and surpassing Disney\u2019s live-action Lilo &#038; Stitch remake, which sits at $1.03 billion. The milestone marks a rapid international surge \u2014 including a particularly strong showing in China \u2014 even as &#8230; <a title=\"\u2018Zootopia 2\u2019 Overtakes \u2018Lilo &#038; Stitch\u2019 to Become 2025\u2019s Highest Grossing Movie With $1.13 Billion\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/zootopia-2-highest-grossing-2025\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about \u2018Zootopia 2\u2019 Overtakes \u2018Lilo &#038; Stitch\u2019 to Become 2025\u2019s Highest Grossing Movie With $1.13 Billion\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9485,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_title":"Zootopia 2 is 2025\u2019s top grosser at $1.13B \u2014 FilmLens","rank_math_description":"Disney\u2019s Zootopia 2 reached $1.13B worldwide in 20 days to become 2025\u2019s highest\u2011grossing Hollywood release, led by a $502M China run and rapid international sales.","rank_math_focus_keyword":"zootopia 2,box office,2025,disney,china","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9490","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-top-stories"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9490","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9490"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9490\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9485"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9490"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9490"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9490"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}