Zootopia 2 Opens With Record $556M Worldwide, Strong Thanksgiving Start

Zootopia 2 roars into theaters, delivering a blockbuster opening that exceeds most animated debuts. The film kicked off with momentum over the Thanksgiving weekend, boosting box office numbers worldwide.

Record-Breaking Global Start

The sequel debuted to a global total of $556 million for the opening weekend, ranking as the fourth-largest worldwide start ever and the top showing among animated features.

US Performance

In the United States, the film earned $156 million during the extended Thanksgiving frame, the second-best November launch after Moana 2’s $225 million in 2024.

International Momentum

Outside North America, the film added roughly $400 million, with China contributing $272 million to the international tally, significantly lifting the overall gross.

Audience Reception and Outlook

Audience response remains very positive, with a Rotten Tomatoes audience score of 95% and a CinemaScore grade of A. The strong reception suggests a strong likelihood of surpassing the $1 billion mark worldwide.

Other Studio Title

Meanwhile, the musical Cruella Part 2 is also performing well, earning $93 million in the US over the weekend and reaching $393 million globally.

Expert Insight

The industry analyst explains that family franchises perform consistently during holidays, creating a powerful domestic and international push. The film’s broad, cross‑generational appeal reinforces its long-term box office potential.

Short Summary

Zootopia 2 posted a record-opening, led by strong Thanksgiving weekend results in the US and solid demand abroad, including a large contribution from China. The film’s high audience ratings support optimism for a billion-dollar global total. A companion release, Cruella Part 2, also posted healthy numbers, underscoring Disney’s continued strength in family entertainment.

Key insight: Holiday timing and a beloved franchise can turn a blockbuster opening into a sustained, multi-market hit.