The Bad Guys 2's Box Office Roars with Over $117 Million Worldwide

The Bad Guys 2's box office performance has been a thrilling ride, captivating audiences globally with its animated heist comedy charm.

According to Box Office Mojo, the sequel has grossed an impressive $117,981,580 worldwide, with $57,242,580 from domestic markets (48.5%) and $60,739,000 from international territories (51.5%).

Released on August 1, 2025, this DreamWorks Animation hit, directed by Pierre Perifel, has outshone its predecessor in its opening weeks, signaling strong audience appeal and franchise potential. Let’s dive into the numbers and explore what’s driving this success.

Highlights of The Bad Guys 2's Box Office Performance:

• Worldwide Gross: $117,981,580, surpassing $100 million in under three weeks.

• Domestic Earnings: $57,242,580, accounting for 48.5% of the total.

• International Earnings: $60,739,000, making up 51.5% of the global haul.

• Opening Weekend: $22.2 million domestically, securing the No. 2 spot in the U.S.

• Budget: Approximately $80 million, with the film already nearing profitability.

• Audience Reception: 86% on Rotten Tomatoes and an A CinemaScore, reflecting strong word-of-mouth.

How Did The Bad Guys 2 Perform Domestically?

The film’s domestic performance has been robust, with $57,242,580 collected in the U.S. and Canada. Its opening weekend alone brought in $22.2 million across 3,852 theaters, landing it in second place behind The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

The sequel outperformed the original 2022 film’s $23.9 million opening, despite a slightly smaller theater count. Strong word-of-mouth, evidenced by a 90% approval from audiences under 12 and an A CinemaScore, has fueled steady weekday earnings, including $4 million on a Tuesday discount day.

The diverse audience turnout, with 40% Caucasian, 25% Latino and Hispanic, 20% African American, and 9% Asian, highlights its broad appeal.

What’s Driving International Success?Internationally, The Bad Guys 2 has raked in $60,739,000 across 58 territories, slightly edging out its domestic haul.

The film’s early international release in markets like the UK contributed $2.9 million before its U.S. debut, setting a strong foundation. By its first week, it had amassed $22.5 million overseas, surpassing Pixar’s Luca ($51 million lifetime gross).

The original film’s international success ($153.4 million) set a high bar, and the sequel’s performance suggests it could follow suit, driven by its family-friendly appeal and lack of competing animated films in August and September 2025.

How Does It Compare to the Original?

The first Bad Guys film, released in 2022, grossed $250 million worldwide on a $70 million budget, becoming a sleeper hit. The sequel, with an $80 million budget, has already crossed $117 million in under three weeks, indicating potential to match or exceed its predecessor.

While the original earned 61% of its total from international markets, the sequel’s near-even split (51.5% international) shows a balanced global draw. Its ability to outperform projections, despite competing with blockbusters like The Fantastic Four: First Steps, underscores its staying power.

Why Is The Bad Guys 2 Resonating with Audiences?

The film’s success isn’t just about numbers; it’s about connection. The star-studded voice cast, including Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Awkwafina, and newcomers like Natasha Lyonne, delivers humor and heart.

Critics have praised its animation and screenplay, with an 86% Rotten Tomatoes score and 64/100 on Metacritic.

The story of reformed animal criminals tackling a high-stakes heist led by a new female crew resonates with both kids and adults.

Its lack of direct competition in the family animation space through fall 2025 positions it for sustained success.

What’s Next for the Franchise?

With The Bad Guys 2 nearing its $80 million budget recovery, profitability seems within reach. The original film’s $250 million global gross set a high benchmark, and the sequel’s early traction suggests it could climb higher.

Posts on X highlight strong word-of-mouth, with daily earnings like $3.1 million on its second Friday showing resilience. The film’s post-credits twist hints at a potential third installment, and DreamWorks’ confirmation of the sequel in 2024 reflects confidence in the franchise’s future.

Some Closing Thoughts:

The Bad Guys 2 has proven its mettle at the box office, blending humor, action, and family-friendly fun to captivate global audiences.

With $117,981,580 in worldwide earnings and counting, it’s a testament to DreamWorks’ ability to deliver animated hits.

As the film continues its theatrical run, its strong critical reception and audience enthusiasm suggest it could become one of 2025’s top animated successes.

Keep an eye on this heist crew; they’re just getting started.