Disney’s Zootopia 2 has made a massive splash at the global box office, hitting an impressive $1.7 billion worldwide. This record-breaking success has not only secured it a spot in the top 10 all-time box office chart but also made it Disney’s highest-grossing animated film, surpassing even Inside Out 2‘s earlier record. However, despite its success, several upcoming animated films are poised to challenge Zootopia 2‘s dominance, potentially dethroning it in the near future.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie: A Serious Contender
One of the biggest threats to Zootopia 2‘s record is the highly anticipated The Super Mario Galaxy Movie from Universal and Illumination. A sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023), this film is expected to outperform its predecessor’s $1.36 billion, which would mean a 25% increase in earnings to surpass Zootopia 2. With Nintendo’s beloved characters like Mario and Princess Peach returning, this sequel could easily make a significant impact on the box office, making it one of the most anticipated releases of the year.
Toy Story 5: Can It Break the Record?
While The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is a strong contender, Disney itself has a chance to claim the title with Toy Story 5. This $3.2 billion franchise has seen massive success with its previous films, including Toy Story 4, which grossed $1.073 billion. However, for Toy Story 5 to outdo Zootopia 2, it will need to earn 60% more than its highest-grossing predecessor, a tall order, but certainly not impossible given the franchise’s enormous fan base and nostalgic appeal.
Frozen 3: Disney’s Best Shot at Beating Itself
Though Toy Story 5 may seem like a long shot, Frozen 3 could very well be Disney’s best bet for toppling Zootopia 2. The first two Frozen films set and then broke records, with Frozen 2 earning $1.4 billion. A modest 17% increase from this would be enough to surpass Zootopia 2’s $1.7 billion. With the return of Anna and Elsa, interest is expected to skyrocket, giving Frozen 3 a very real chance to claim the crown when it hits theaters in 2027.
Minions 3: The Underdog Contender
If neither The Super Mario Galaxy Movie nor Toy Story 5 can top Zootopia 2, Illumination’s Minions 3 could be the unexpected challenger. The Despicable Me spinoff films have been highly successful, and with the third Minions installment, the studio is aiming for bigger numbers. To surpass Zootopia 2, the movie would need to increase its box office performance by 50% compared to the previous record set by the franchise. This is a tall order, but the viral popularity of the Minions characters could provide the boost it needs.
Shrek 5: A Nostalgic Gamble
Lastly, Shrek 5 might seem like an unlikely candidate to beat Zootopia 2, but nostalgia is a powerful force at the box office. With the original Shrek franchise taking a 16-year break, anticipation for the return of Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey is already high. If DreamWorks can tap into the millennial and Gen Alpha audiences, Shrek 5 could create a massive box office moment, but it would need to nearly double the franchise’s previous best, which is $932 million from Shrek 2. If anyone can pull off this feat, it’s DreamWorks.
Conclusion: A Competitive Animated Movie Market
While Zootopia 2 has set a high bar with its $1.7 billion global haul, the animated film market is far from settled. With The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Toy Story 5, Frozen 3, and Minions 3 all vying for the top spot, it’s clear that Disney’s crown may not stay on for long. The battle for the highest-grossing animated movie continues, and audiences are in for an exciting few years ahead.
