The Bad Guys 2 Box Office Tracking: A Heist-Fueled Hit Steals the Show

The Bad Guys 2 box office tracking is off to a roaring start, with the animated sequel from Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation pulling in impressive numbers just days after its August 1, 2025, release.

With $43.4 million domestically, $40.5 million internationally, and a worldwide total of $83.9 million as reported, the film is proving its worth as a family-friendly caper.

Following the success of the 2022 original, which grossed over $250 million globally, this sequel is on a promising path. Let’s break down its performance, explore what’s driving its success, and predict where its theatrical run might land.

Highlights:

• Domestic Haul: $43.4 million (51.7% of total gross)

• International Earnings: $40.5 million (48.3% of total gross)

• Worldwide Total: $83.9 million in just over a week

• Opening Weekend: $22.2 million domestically, securing the #2 spot

• Audience Reception: 95% audience score and 86% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes

How Strong Was the Opening Weekend?

The Bad Guys 2 kicked off with a solid $22.2 million domestic opening across 3,852 North American theaters, landing at #2 behind Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

This figure slightly trails the original’s $23.9 million debut in 2022 but shows strong momentum with $2.3 million from Thursday previews alone, doubling the first film’s preview earnings.

Posts on social media platforms noted a $9.2 million opening day, signaling robust family turnout despite competition from other summer blockbusters.The film’s international debut added $16.3 million from 58 markets, with early releases in the U.K., Israel, and Argentina performing well.

While this is slower than the original’s $153.4 million international total, the staggered rollout suggests room for growth as more markets open.

What’s Driving the Film’s Success?

The Bad Guys 2 benefits from strong word-of-mouth, earning an A CinemaScore, matching the original’s score and aligning with leggy animated hits like Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.

Critics and audiences alike have praised its sharp humor, slick animation, and heartfelt message about redemption, with a 95% audience score and 86% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. The star-studded voice cast, including Sam Rockwell as Wolf and Marc Maron as Snake, alongside new additions, keeps the heist-driven story fresh and engaging.

The lack of major animated competition in the coming weeks gives the film a clear runway to attract families. Its $80 million budget, while higher than the original’s $70 million, is modest for an animated feature, positioning it well for profitability.

How Does It Compare to the Original?

The first Bad Guys film was a sleeper hit, opening with $23.9 million domestically and climbing to $97.4 million in North America and $250 million worldwide.

The sequel’s slightly lower opening suggests a similar trajectory, but its stronger preview numbers and positive reception indicate potential for solid legs.

The original benefited from minimal competition and a post-COVID theatrical recovery, while the sequel faces a busier summer slate but holds its own against heavyweights like The Fantastic Four.

Internationally, the first film’s $153.4 million came from a gradual rollout. With $40.5 million already banked, The Bad Guys 2 could approach or surpass this figure if it maintains momentum in key markets like Europe and Asia.

What Could the Final Box Office Numbers Look Like?

Predicting the final tally depends on several factors, including weekend-to-weekend holds and international expansion. The first film’s domestic run ended at $97.4 million, and with current trends, the sequel could hit $80-100 million domestically if it sustains strong holds, as suggested by its A CinemaScore and lack of direct competitors.

Internationally, reaching $120-150 million is plausible, given the early $40.5 million and potential for growth in remaining markets.

Combining these estimates, a worldwide gross of $200-250 million is within reach, potentially matching or slightly trailing the original’s $250 million.

Social media posts project a domestic opening weekend of $24-27 million, indicating optimism for sustained performance. However, a more conservative estimate, factoring in summer competition, suggests a global total closer to $180-220 million by the end of its theatrical run.

Why Should Families Catch This Sequel?

The Bad Guys 2 delivers a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud adventure that builds on the original’s charm.

Its vibrant animation, clever heists, and relatable themes of trust and teamwork make it a must-see for kids and adults alike.

With no major animated releases on the horizon, the film offers a perfect family outing.

The strong critical and audience reception further cements its status as a worthy successor to the 2022 hit.The Bad Guys 2 is stealing hearts and box office dollars with a promising start.

Some Closing Thoughts:

As it continues its theatrical run, the film’s blend of humor, heart, and high-energy heists positions it as a standout in the 2025 animated landscape.

Whether it matches the original’s massive success or carves its own path, this sequel is proving that good guys can still pull off a great heist.

Stay tuned to this space for more updates on this flick's performance at the ticket counters.