The 2025 box office has been full of surprises, but none as significant as the meteoric rise of Disney's Zootopia 2. Released on November 28, the highly anticipated sequel has already clawed its way to the 4th spot in the worldwide box office, earning an impressive $938,415,739 in just a few weeks. This early success indicates a potential challenge for the top spot as the year comes to a close. The film's box office performance is already the fourth-highest of 2025.
In a surprising turn of events, the much-hyped musical fantasy Wicked: For Good has landed in 13th place with $442,217,900. Despite a magical start, the film's performance has been a shock to many.
The Elephant in the Room: Avatar: Fire and Ash
As the year draws to a close, all eyes are on the impending release of James Cameron's Avatar: Fire and Ash on December 19th.
The film will introduce the "Ash People," a new, more aggressive Na'vi tribe, and will continue to explore the breathtaking world of Pandora with its pioneering visual effects. The story will pick up after the events of The Way of Water, with Jake and Neytiri's family grappling with the aftermath of the war against the RDA and the loss of their son. With a runtime of 3 hours and 15 minutes, the film promises another epic, immersive experience that has become synonymous with the Avatar name.
Given the franchise's track record and the immense anticipation, it is highly likely that Avatar: Fire and Ash will not only crack the top 10 but could very well challenge Ne Zha 2 for the number one spot of 2025. Its release is the most significant cinematic event of the year, and the entire industry is waiting to see the final numbers.
A Closer Look at the Top 10
Here's a rundown of the top 10 films at the 2025 worldwide box office:
- Ne Zha 2 – $1.902 billion (out January 29)
- Lilo & Stitch – $1.038 billion (out May 23)
- A Minecraft Movie – $957 million (out April 4)
- Zootopia 2 – $938 million (out November 28)
- Jurassic World Rebirth – $868 million (out July 2)
- Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle – $664 million (out September 12)
- How to Train Your Dragon – $636 million (out June 13)
- F1: The Movie – $631 million (out June 27)
- Superman – $616 million (out July 11)
- Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning – $598 million (out May 23)
In-Depth Film Analysis
1. Ne Zha 2
The Chinese animated epic Ne Zha 2 has shattered box office records, becoming the highest-grossing film of 2025 with an astounding $1.902 billion worldwide. The film has been a critical darling, boasting a near-perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes and setting a new record for audience scores. Following the massive success of the first film, this sequel continues the mythological tale with stunning visuals and a runtime of 2 hours and 24 minutes. The English-dubbed version was released in the US in August, further boosting its global earnings.
2. Lilo & Stitch
Disney's live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch has surfed its way to over a billion dollars at the box office, proving the enduring appeal of the chaotic and heartwarming alien. Made on a budget of $100 million, the film's financial success is undeniable. However, critics have been divided, with the film holding a mediocre 72% on Rotten Tomatoes. While some reviews praised its charm and nostalgic value, others found it to be a soulless remake of the animated classic.
3. A Minecraft Movie
Despite a "rotten" score of 46% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, A Minecraft Movie has built a box office empire of $957 million on a $150 million budget. The film's success is a testament to the massive and dedicated fanbase of the video game. Audiences have responded far more positively than critics, with social media buzzing with discussions and memes related to the film's blocky aesthetic and inside jokes.
4. Zootopia 2
Released just weeks ago on November 28, Zootopia 2 has already become a box office behemoth, grossing $938 million. Produced on a relatively modest budget of $150 million, the sequel has been a massive critical and commercial success for Disney, with a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film's ending has been a major topic of conversation online, with fans and critics alike praising its bold narrative choices and emotional depth.
5. Jurassic World: Rebirth
The dinosaurs are back and so are the box office receipts. Jurassic World: Rebirth has chomped its way to $868 million worldwide. However, the franchise's critical reception continues to be a mixed bag. The film holds a "rotten" 51% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, though audiences have been more forgiving with a 72% score. Social media has been filled with debates about the film's plot and its place within the larger Jurassic Park canon.
6. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Movie - Infinity Castle
The latest entry in the Demon Slayer saga, Infinity Castle, has been a massive success, earning $664 million on an estimated budget of just $20 million. The film shattered opening day records in Japan and has been praised by fans for its breathtaking animation and faithful adaptation of the manga. The movie's success further solidifies Demon Slayer as a global anime phenomenon.
7. How to Train Your Dragon
The live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon has flown to a respectable $636 million at the box office. The film has been generally well-received, with many praising its faithful adaptation of the beloved animated movie.
8. F1: The Movie
This high-speed drama has raced to an impressive $631 million at the global box office. The film has been a hit with both motorsport enthusiasts and general audiences, thanks to its thrilling race sequences and compelling storyline.
9. Superman
The latest cinematic adventure for the Man of Steel has landed with a solid $616 million at the worldwide box office. The film's performance has been a topic of much discussion on social media, with fans debating its interpretation of the iconic superhero.
10. Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning
Rounding out the top 10 is the latest installment of the Mission: Impossible franchise, which has brought in $598 million globally. The film has been praised for its death-defying stunts and action sequences, continuing the franchise's tradition of delivering thrilling cinematic experiences.