New Movies 2025 Deliver Historic Thanksgiving Box Office With Zootopia 2 and Wicked Sequels

Disney and Universal just shattered Thanksgiving box office records. The animated sequel Zootopia 2 and the musical epic Wicked: For Good dominated the holiday weekend. Both films attracted massive family audiences and proved the enduring power of theatrical releases.

This historic performance signals a major rebound for cinemas. According to industry tracking from Variety, the combined power of these two blockbusters created one of the strongest holiday frames in years. It shows audiences are eager for high-quality sequels to beloved stories.

Zootopia 2 Earns $140 Million in Stunning Debut

Zootopia 2 launched with tremendous force. The film earned a stunning $39.5 million on its opening day. That set the stage for a projected $140 million domestic total across the five-day Thanksgiving period.

The sequel brings back officers Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. They tackle a new mystery that threatens the city’s delicate peace. Critics praised its humor and heart, granting it a 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

International markets contributed significantly to its success. Early reports from China show record-breaking numbers for a U.S. animated feature. This global appeal cements Disney’s strategy of nurturing its strongest franchises.

Wicked: For Good Holds Strong With $90 Million Weekend

Wicked: For Good showed incredible staying power. In its second week, the film added an estimated $90 million. This follows its massive $147 million debut over the previous four-day weekend.

The conclusion to the two-part adaptation stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. It delivers the emotional finale to the popular Broadway musical’s story. Audiences have embraced it, giving the film a 96% audience score.

Despite some mixed critical reviews, the fan response has been overwhelmingly positive. The film’s lengthy runtime allows for expansive musical numbers and character development. Its performance proves the musical genre is a potent box office force.

Broader Impact on Hollywood’s Future Strategy

This success will heavily influence studio decisions. Executives are seeing clear evidence that sequels work when done right. Respect for the original material combined with fresh storytelling is the winning formula.

The Thanksgiving timing was perfect for family outings. Parents and children sought shared entertainment experiences. These two films provided exactly that, with broad appeal across generations.

The financial results are a strong argument for the big-screen experience. Streaming cannot replicate the communal event of a major musical or animated spectacle. Hollywood will likely greenlight more similar projects in the coming years.

The new movies 2025 lineup has set a remarkably high bar for holiday entertainment and franchise success. This weekend proves that audiences will flock to theaters for stories they love.

A quick knowledge drop for you

What is the box office total for Zootopia 2?

Zootopia 2 earned an estimated $140 million over the five-day Thanksgiving weekend. Its strong opening day of $39.5 million led to this impressive result. International numbers are still being calculated.

How is Wicked: For Good performing?

Wicked: For Good is holding very strong in its second week. It added about $90 million over the long holiday weekend. Its global total has now soared past $250 million.

What other movies opened for Thanksgiving 2025?

The weekend featured quieter releases like the drama The Thing with Feathers. The comedy Tinsel Town also entered limited release. Neither challenged the two major blockbusters for the top spots.

Why are these sequels so successful?

Both films benefit from immense goodwill built by their predecessors. They offer familiar characters in new, well-crafted stories. The holiday timing provided perfect conditions for family attendance.

What do critics say about these movies?

Critics gave Zootopia 2 a 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Wicked: For Good has a 69% critics score but a 96% audience score. This shows a clear disconnect between reviewers and fans for the musical.

Will there be more sequels from these franchises?

Hollywood often follows success with more sequels. Discussions for Zootopia 3 are likely already happening. The Wicked universe could also expand given this financial triumph.