‘Zootopia 2’ overtakes ‘Lilo & Stitch’ to lead 2025 box office with $1.13 billion worldwide

A Box Office Milestone for Animated Cinema

December 15, 2025 — Zootopia 2 has officially claimed the title of 2025’s highest-grossing Hollywood movie, surpassing Lilo & Stitch with a staggering $1.13 billion in global box office revenue. The animated sequel’s milestone cements its place as one of the most successful releases of the year, underscoring the enduring power of family-friendly storytelling paired with broad, cross-generational appeal.

The achievement marks a major win for Disney and highlights the continued dominance of animated franchises at a time when theatrical performance remains under intense scrutiny across the industry.

How ‘Zootopia 2’ Took the Lead

After a strong opening, Zootopia 2 maintained remarkable momentum over several weeks, steadily climbing the global box office charts. Its performance was driven by consistent international turnout, repeat viewings from families, and positive word-of-mouth that extended its theatrical lifespan.

While Lilo & Stitch initially held the top spot for much of the year, Zootopia 2’s sustained earnings ultimately pushed it ahead. Industry analysts point to the sequel’s broad demographic reach — appealing to children, teens, and adults alike — as a key factor in its long-term success.

The film’s ability to perform strongly across multiple regions reinforced its global appeal, helping it cross the billion-dollar threshold.

Why Audiences Showed Up

The original Zootopia was praised for blending humor, heart, and social commentary, and the sequel appears to have built on that foundation. Audiences responded to familiar characters, expanded world-building, and a storyline that balanced entertainment with emotional depth.

Families were drawn to the film’s accessibility, while older viewers appreciated its layered themes and polished animation. That balance allowed Zootopia 2 to thrive in a competitive release calendar filled with franchise films and high-profile sequels.

Merchandising, repeat family outings, and premium-format screenings also contributed to the film’s box office staying power.

The Battle With ‘Lilo & Stitch’

Lilo & Stitch had been a surprise powerhouse earlier in the year, fueled by nostalgia and strong brand recognition. For months, it appeared poised to end 2025 as Hollywood’s top earner. However, Zootopia 2’s steady climb eventually shifted the rankings.

The close competition between the two films reflects a larger trend: audiences continue to show up in force for animated stories that offer emotional connection alongside spectacle. Rather than a short-lived box office race, the back-and-forth highlighted the strength of animation as a theatrical anchor.

Ultimately, Zootopia 2’s broader international reach gave it the edge.

What the Success Signals for Hollywood

Crossing $1.13 billion in 2025 is no small feat, especially amid ongoing conversations about theatrical fatigue and changing viewing habits. Zootopia 2’s success sends a clear signal that event films — particularly animated ones — can still draw massive audiences when the storytelling resonates.

The result also reinforces the value of carefully developed sequels. Rather than relying solely on brand recognition, Zootopia 2 benefited from creative continuity, strong marketing, and a release strategy that allowed the film to build momentum organically.

For studios, the takeaway is clear: quality, patience, and global appeal still matter.

A Win for Animation’s Global Reach

Animation continues to be one of Hollywood’s most reliable genres worldwide, transcending language and cultural barriers. Zootopia 2’s performance demonstrates how animated films can unify audiences across markets, often outperforming live-action competitors internationally.

The film’s success also strengthens confidence in future animated releases, particularly sequels that expand existing worlds while introducing new themes and characters.

As theatrical animation evolves, billion-dollar benchmarks like this one reinforce its central role in the industry’s financial future.

What’s Next for the Franchise

With Zootopia 2 now firmly established as a global hit, attention has already turned to what the future holds for the franchise. While no official announcements have been made, the box office performance virtually guarantees continued investment in the Zootopia universe.

Spin-offs, additional sequels, or expanded storytelling across platforms remain strong possibilities as studios look to maximize the longevity of successful properties.

A Defining Moment for 2025

As the year draws to a close, Zootopia 2’s box office triumph stands out as one of 2025’s defining entertainment stories. Overtaking Lilo & Stitch and crossing the $1.13 billion mark is not just a financial milestone — it’s a reflection of audience trust in a franchise that delivered on expectations.

In a year marked by fierce competition and shifting industry dynamics, Zootopia 2 has emerged as the clear box office champion, proving that animated storytelling still holds unmatched global power.