REVIEW: ‘Zootropolis 2’ Is Disney’s Best Animated Sequel Yet, And Feels Like A Warm, Heartfelt Hug
- Christopher Mills
- 1 hour ago
- 6 min read
This review contains minor spoilers for Zootropolis 2.
When you think of a Disney sequel, your mind usually rolls over to Pixar movies such as Toy Story 2, Inside Out 2, Incredibles 2 and so on. You can't be blamed for that because Walt Disney Animation Studios only has six (now including Zootropolis 2 aka Zootopia 2) in addition to The Rescuers Down Under, Fantasia 2000, Ralph Breaks the Internet, Frozen 2, and Moana 2, which just released last year. For the most part, these sequels aren't as memorable to me and don't live up to their first movies. They've failed to reach the heights that Pixar usually reaches with their sequels, but that has now all changed with the release of Zootropolis 2, which isn't only as good as its first movie but, for me, slightly has the edge over it.
Zootropolis 2 takes place directly after Zootropolis (2016). Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) are the talk of the town after busting Zootropolis' biggest case yet. They soon find out that their partnership isn't as sturdy as they thought it was and are sent to repair it before ruining any more cases. While trying to fix their partnership, it doesn't take long for them to come across their next case, which involves a pit viper, the Lynxleys and a journal which could change how the animals of Zootropolis live forever.
The core of Zootropolis 2 is the relationship between Judy and Nick. For the first time, they're being tested to see if they're really capable of being partners or if they were really just a one-hit wonder. As we know from the first movie, they're two animals that shouldn't be able to get along with each other. A fox and a rabbit, but despite those odds, they do work well together, although they are admittedly different. Judy has come across a new case to solve, which involves proving that Gary De'Snake (Ke Huy Quan) isn't as threatening as the rest of Zootropolis believe and helping him clear reptiles' names with the use of the journal, which the Lynxleys are doing everything in their power to retrieve, and that means even committing heinous crimes to get the book back in their hands and the truth away from the people of Zootropolis.
Meanwhile, Nick doesn't want to get himself involved with a family as powerful as the Lynxleys and would rather change identities and go into hiding. The two clash throughout the movie, leading us to get some of the most powerful and emotionally driven scenes throughout the whole franchise. They'll have you tearing up not once, not twice but several times as you watch the film. Their chemistry has evolved since the first movie, and the journey that we go on with them as they try to solve this new case is one that's full of so much heart and warmth that you only ever truly wish them the best. Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman have become iconic as the two characters, and really help sell their relationship and sound convincing as two characters who clearly have a lot of love for each other but can't admit it.
Zootropolis 2 marks Ke Huy Quan's third voice acting role after Kung Fu Panda 4 and The Electric State, and without a doubt in the world, his vocal performance as Gary De'Snake is his best yet. There's so much emotion that comes through his voice that's translated well into the character and onto the screen. Gary's involvement in the movie shifts what we first truly believed about Zootropolis and also allows the movie to cleverly interject its social and political commentary, just like the first movie did.
What is already a rich story that has Nick and Judy trying to build trust with each other is elevated with its themes of immigration and displacement as we learn the truth about reptiles in Zootropolis and how they've been kicked out of their homes due to lies being spread and the fear that has been falsely created surrounding them. Even when the reptiles seem to find themself a home that doesn't involve the rest of Zootropolis, they're still not safe or protected, and it's a theme that feels timely with the world today. Its social and political commentary is a core part of the movie; it's never too on the nose, but its themes stick with you after the credits and are educational enough for kids to grasp a lesson out of it while still having a fun time with the film.
The animation of Zootropolis 2 is stunning, and its world is vibrant, providing it with a lot of character. Each animal from the foreground to the background has their own unique designs that help make the world feel lived in and alive. It's also with the help of Zootropolis 2's insane guest cast that makes watching the movie more fun for kids and adults, with voices like Ed Sheeran, Shakira, Michael J. Fox, and so many more providing an experience that's just unforgettable. Zootropolis 2 is treated as a playground, and that's exactly what it is: a place to just wind down and have a lot of fun.
Zootropolis 2 wouldn't be what it is without its animal gags and puns, which there are a ton of, but the biggest surprise was the Easter eggs to other movies that were included. A scene that paid homage to Ratatouille let out a huge roar of laughter among the audience, with many other Disney Easter eggs sprinkled throughout. While Wish might've been the movie to celebrate 100 years of Disney, Zootropolis 2 feels like an entire celebration of what Disney is, as it pays hilarious homage to their own movies while still keeping on track with their detective story and also making sure to credit all the people at Walt Disney Animation Studios who were able to create this beautiful love letter for the Disney fans.
Don't worry if you're a parent or guardian who believe they have to sit through another animated kids' movie. You'll leave having a newfound love for Zootropolis 2 and its characters and world, but there are also puns and Easter eggs for you that will easily blow over a child's head. There's a specific reference to an 80s horror movie that recreates an entire scene, which is easily one of the best and most hilarious sequences I've seen in a Disney movie that will leave you laughing in pain.
Zootropolis 2 is the first Walt Disney Animation Studios sequel to not only be just as good as its first film, but arguably better. It's an animated masterpiece that will provide you with the best cinema experience of the year, leaving you filled with euphoria and having you talk about the film nonstop days after the credits roll because I know that I've not stopped talking about this movie once. It's the best Disney film since Encanto and without a doubt their best sequel yet.
The only aspect of Zootropolis 2 that could've been improved was its villain plot twist reveal, which unfortunately doesn't amount to the reveal from the first film but is still handled incredibly well. From the animation to the music (Shakira's "Zoo" is going to have kids and adults singing nonstop) to the clever writing and performances that elevate the writing, I can confidently say Zootropolis 2 is a worthy sequel that the entire family will have a memorable experience with.
About Zootropolis 2
Release Date:Â November 28, 2025
Executive Producer: Yvett Merino
Writer: Jared Bush
Director: Jared Bush and Byron Howard
Production: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Distribution:Â Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Cast:Â Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Ke Huy Quan, Idris Elba, Fortune Feimster, Andy Samberg, David Strathairn, Shakira, Patrick Warburton, Quinta Brunson
Synopsis: After cracking the biggest case in Zootopia’s history, rookie cops Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde find their partnership isn’t as solid as they thought when Chief Bogo orders them to join the Partners in Crisis counselling program. But it doesn’t take long for their partnership to be put to the ultimate test when they find themselves on the twisting trail of a mystery tied to the arrival of a venomous snake in the animal metropolis.
