The Bad Guys 2's Box Office Steals the Show with Over $120 Million Worldwide

The Bad Guys 2's Box Office performance has been nothing short of a heist, raking in an impressive $120,098,610 globally, according to Box Office Mojo.

This animated sequel from DreamWorks Animation, featuring the reformed animal criminals led by Mr. Wolf, has captured audiences with its slick humor and action-packed story.

With a near-even split between domestic and international earnings, the film is proving its global appeal. Let’s break down the numbers, explore what’s driving this success, and see how it stacks up against expectations in this fun and engaging analysis.

Key Takeaways:

• Worldwide Gross: $120,098,610, showcasing strong global appeal.

• Domestic Earnings: $59,359,610, accounting for 49.4% of the total.

• International Haul: $60,739,000, making up 50.6% of the box office.

• Opening Weekend: $22.2 million domestically, a solid start for an August animated release.

• Budget: Approximately $80 million, with the film already surpassing this mark.

• Critical Reception: 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, boosting word-of-mouth momentum.

What Makes The Bad Guys 2's Box Office Performance Stand Out?

The Bad Guys 2 hit theaters on August 1, 2025, and immediately grabbed attention with a $22.2 million domestic opening across 3,852 theaters, including $2.3 million from Thursday previews.

This debut, while slightly below the original’s $23.9 million opening in 2022, is notable for an August animated release, a month often considered challenging for family films due to back-to-school season.

The film’s early success is attributed to its strong marketing push, positive critical reception, and lack of direct family-friendly competition until late November.

Internationally, the film has performed even stronger, pulling in $60,739,000 from 67 markets. Key territories like China, with a $6.6 million debut, and the UK have driven significant earnings.

Posts on X highlight a 47.3% increase in international grosses during its third weekend, underscoring the film’s staying power abroad. This global performance mirrors the original’s success, which grossed $153.4 million internationally out of its $250 million worldwide total.

How Does It Compare to the Original Bad Guys?

The first Bad Guys film was a sleeper hit, grossing $250 million worldwide against a $70 million budget. The sequel, with a reported $80 million budget, has already crossed this threshold with $120,098,610 in just a few weeks. While it may not reach the original’s final tally, its current trajectory suggests a profitable run.

The sequel’s domestic gross of $59,359,610 is approaching the original’s $97.2 million, and its international earnings are on pace to challenge the first film’s $153.4 million. Strong word-of-mouth, evidenced by an A CinemaScore and 90% approval from audiences under 12, supports its potential for steady holds.

Why Is the Film Resonating with Audiences?

The Bad Guys 2 brings back the lovable crew of Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Mr. Shark, Mr. Piranha, and Ms. Tarantula, voiced by stars like Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, and Awkwafina.

The addition of an all-female criminal squad, the Bad Girls, adds fresh energy to the heist-comedy formula. Critics have praised its sharp humor and vibrant animation, with an 86% Rotten Tomatoes score and 64/100 on Metacritic.

The film’s global appeal lies in its universal themes of redemption and teamwork, paired with a fast-paced, globe-trotting storyline that keeps both kids and adults entertained.

The lack of competing animated films until Zootopia 2’s Thanksgiving release gives The Bad Guys 2 a clear runway. Its marketing, including viral Snapchat AR lenses and TikTok trends, has also connected with younger audiences, boosting its visibility.

What Challenges Does the Film Face?

August is notoriously tough for animated films, often dubbed the “August Animation Curse” due to lower family attendance as schools reopen. Despite this, The Bad Guys 2 has defied expectations with a modest 52.7% drop in its second domestic weekend, grossing $10.4 million.

However, competition from heavyweights like The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which earned $198.4 million domestically, has kept it from the top spot. The film’s $80 million budget means it needs to maintain momentum to maximize profitability, especially with upcoming releases like Zootopia 2 on the horizon.

Box Office Performance Table:

Can The Bad Guys 2 Keep Up the Momentum?

With $120,098,610 in the bank and counting, The Bad Guys 2 is on track for a profitable run, though it may not match the original’s $250 million global haul. Its strong international performance, particularly in China, and favorable audience reception suggest it could climb higher.

The film’s ability to hold steady against August’s challenges and capitalize on its family-friendly appeal positions it well for a robust second-window streaming life on platforms like Peacock.

Some Closing Thoughts:

The Bad Guys 2 proves that this crew of reformed criminals still has plenty of tricks up their sleeves.

As families continue to flock to theaters and international markets heat up, this animated heist is stealing hearts and box office dollars alike.

Keep an eye on this slick sequel as it continues its global caper.