The Bad Guys 2's Box Office Figures Steal the Spotlight with a Solid Global Debut

The Bad Guys 2's box office figures have made a splash, with the animated sequel from Universal and DreamWorks Animation pulling in an impressive $44.5 million worldwide during its opening weekend.

Released on August 1, 2025, the film follows the reformed animal criminals led by Mr. Wolf as they tackle one last heist, delivering action, humor, and family-friendly fun. With a domestic haul of $22 million and an international take of $22.5 million, the sequel is off to a promising start.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of its performance and what it means for the franchise’s future.

Highlights:

• Opening Weekend: The Bad Guys 2 grossed $22 million domestically and $22.5 million internationally, totaling $44.5 million worldwide.

• Budget Recovery: With an $80 million budget, the film has already recouped over half its production costs in its opening weekend.

• Audience Appeal: Earned an A CinemaScore, with 90% positive ratings from children under 12, indicating strong family appeal.

• Critical Reception: Holds an 86% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, praised for its witty humor and vibrant animation.

How Did The Bad Guys 2 Perform Domestically?

The Bad Guys 2 opened to $22 million in North America across 3,852 theaters, securing the number two spot at the box office. This figure slightly trails the original film’s $23.9 million domestic debut in 2022 but marks a 15% improvement over its predecessor’s opening day, driven by $2.3 million in Thursday previews.

The film’s Friday haul of $9.2 million reflects strong initial interest, particularly among families, as it faces limited competition in the animated genre during August.

The domestic performance was bolstered by a diverse audience, with women making up a significant portion of ticket buyers, similar to the first film’s 56% female audience. The ethnic breakdown also mirrors the original’s appeal, drawing a wide range of viewers.

Despite competing against blockbusters like The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the film’s family-friendly vibe and lack of direct animated rivals position it well for sustained earnings.

What’s Driving Its International Success?

Internationally, The Bad Guys 2 earned $22.5 million across 58 territories, accounting for 50.6% of its global total. The film saw a strong $2.9 million debut in the UK, with staggered releases in Latin America and EMEA contributing to its early international cume.

The original film’s international success, where it earned 61% of its $250.4 million worldwide total, sets a high bar, but the sequel’s early numbers suggest it could follow suit.The film’s global appeal lies in its fast-paced storytelling and universal humor, resonating with audiences across cultures.

Posts on social media highlight excitement for the sequel’s action-packed sequences and new characters, like the all-female criminal crew, which add fresh dynamics to the franchise.

With additional markets yet to open, the international box office is expected to grow, potentially pushing the film closer to $190 million globally.

Why Is the Film Resonating with Audiences?

The Bad Guys 2’s box office figures reflect its strong audience connection, evidenced by an A CinemaScore and 90% positive feedback from younger viewers. Critics have lauded its 86% Rotten Tomatoes score, praising its vibrant animation and playful mischief.

The sequel builds on the original’s heist-movie aesthetic, inspired by films like Ocean’s Eleven, while maintaining a kid-friendly tone that appeals to parents and children alike.

The voice cast, including Sam Rockwell as Mr. Wolf, Marc Maron, Awkwafina, and newcomers like Lilly Singh, adds star power that draws crowds. The introduction of the Bad Girls, a new criminal crew, has sparked buzz for bringing a fresh twist to the story.

Social media reactions emphasize the film’s ability to balance humor, heart, and high-stakes action, making it a hit with families seeking summer entertainment.

Can The Bad Guys 2 Outperform Its Predecessor?

The original Bad Guys was a sleeper hit, grossing $250.4 million worldwide on an $80 million budget, with $152.9 million from international markets.

While The Bad Guys 2’s opening weekend of $44.5 million is below some projections of $60-70 million globally, its performance is notable given the competitive summer landscape, including The Fantastic Four and The Naked Gun.

Analysts suggest the film could still overperform due to its lack of direct animated competition through September.

The sequel’s $80 million budget, slightly higher than the first, means it needs to reach approximately $200 million to break even after marketing costs.

With $44.5 million already earned, the film is on track to cover its costs quickly, especially if it maintains momentum in family-driven markets. The original’s long tail, driven by word-of-mouth, suggests the sequel could see similar legs, potentially surpassing $190 million worldwide.

What’s Next for the Franchise?

The Bad Guys 2’s box office figures signal a bright future for the franchise. Its solid opening, combined with strong critical and audience reception, positions it as a contender for further sequels or spin-offs, especially given DreamWorks’ history of capitalizing on successful animated properties.

The film’s ability to attract diverse audiences and perform well in international markets mirrors the original’s success, hinting at potential for a broader franchise universe.

As the only major animated release in August, The Bad Guys 2 is poised to capture the family audience through the end of summer.

Its playful narrative and dynamic visuals make it a standout in a crowded box office, ensuring it remains a topic of discussion among moviegoers. With more territories yet to release, the film’s global tally is expected to climb, solidifying its place as a worthy successor to the 2022 hit.

Some Closing Thoughts:

The Bad Guys 2 has proven its mettle with a strong opening weekend, blending humor, heart, and heist-fueled excitement.

As word-of-mouth spreads and international markets expand, the film is set to build on its early success, potentially rivaling the original’s impressive run.

Families and animation fans alike have a new favorite to cheer for, ensuring Mr. Wolf and his crew remain box office champs.

Stay tuned to this space for all of the latest updates on this gem of a film!