The animated sequel 'Zootopia 2' has achieved a remarkable milestone at the Chinese box office, establishing itself as the highest-grossing Hollywood film ever released in the country. Released globally on November 28, the film has now officially surpassed the long-standing record held by the Marvel superhero epic 'Avengers: Endgame'. This significant achievement marks a new chapter in Hollywood's performance in the lucrative Chinese market.
Record-Breaking Box Office Performance
With a total collection of USD 630 million in China alone, 'Zootopia 2' has dethroned 'Avengers: Endgame' from its top position. The updated box office figures were recently disclosed following Disney's fiscal first-quarter earnings report, confirming the film's unprecedented success. While the animated sequel had already been recognized as the top-performing US title in China, the studio had not previously revealed the exact box office haul that enabled it to overtake the Marvel blockbuster.
Rapid Success in Chinese Markets
'Zootopia 2' created an immediate impact in Chinese theaters, earning an estimated USD 400 million within days of its release. The film's popularity surged across the region, with theaters organizing special pet-friendly screenings that captured public imagination. Viral videos circulated widely showing pet owners bringing their dogs and cats to cinema halls to enjoy the animated adventure together, creating a unique cultural phenomenon around the film's release.
Global Box Office Achievement
On the worldwide stage, 'Zootopia 2' has amassed nearly USD 1.8 billion at the box office, securing its position among the top 10 highest-grossing films globally. This impressive performance makes it one of the highest-earning films of the year, though it could not outperform the Chinese animated blockbuster 'Ne Zha 2', which grossed USD 2.12 billion by the end of 2025.
Disney's Billion-Dollar Success
The Hollywood flick represents only the third production of 2025 to help Disney achieve a billion-dollar hit at the box office. It joins the prestigious company of 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' and 'Lilo & Stitch' as films that have crossed the USD 1 billion threshold this year, demonstrating Disney's continued dominance in global entertainment.
Awards Season Recognition
As awards season gains momentum, 'Zootopia 2' has been collecting nominations in the Best Animated Film category across various award ceremonies. The film has also secured a coveted Oscar nomination, adding to its growing list of accolades. Interestingly, 'Ne Zha 2', despite its massive worldwide box office success, has been largely overlooked at major Hollywood awards shows, highlighting the different reception patterns between Eastern and Western cinematic achievements.
The success of 'Zootopia 2' in China represents a significant shift in box office dynamics, demonstrating the growing importance of international markets for Hollywood productions. The film's ability to connect with Chinese audiences through innovative marketing strategies like pet-friendly screenings has set a new benchmark for cross-cultural entertainment success.
