In a historic moment for the film industry, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootropolis 2 has officially become the highest-grossing animated Motion Picture Association (MPA) film of all time. As of January 19, 2026, the sequel has surpassed Pixar’s Inside Out 2 to claim the top spot, further cementing its place as a global cultural phenomenon.
Breaking Records and Defying Expectations
The film’s meteoric rise hasn't just conquered the animation category; it has also climbed into the ranks of the top 10 biggest films in history, currently sitting as the #9 highest-grossing movie ever released worldwide.
With a staggering global box office total of $1.703 billion to date, the film’s success is fueled by a massive international footprint. While it earned a solid $390 million domestically, it saw unprecedented success abroad, raking in $1.313 billion. A significant portion of this success came from China, where it has earned $619 million, making it the #1 global MPA release of all time in that territory.
A Masterclass in Success
"This milestone belongs first and foremost to the fans around the world," said Alan Bergman, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment. He credited filmmakers Jared Bush, Byron Howard, and Yvett Merino for creating a story that resonated so deeply with audiences.
The film's journey to the top has been a series of broken records:
It is the fastest animated film—and the fastest PG-rated film—to reach the $1 billion mark.
It opened on November 26, 2025, with a record-shattering $559.5 million five-day debut.
It boasts a 96% "Verified Hot" audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and an "A" CinemaScore.
Disney’s Dominance
The achievement highlights Disney's undisputed grip on the animation market. The Walt Disney Studios now holds the top three animated spots in history: Zootropolis 2 (#1), Inside Out 2 (#2), and Frozen 2 (#3). When combined with the original 2016 film, the Zootropolis franchise has now generated over $2.73 billion in total revenue.
As Zootropolis 2 continues its theatrical run, the gap between it and its predecessors is expected to widen, setting a massive benchmark for the future of the medium.
