Zootopia 2 Movie Review (2025)
A very cute sequel, Zootopia 2, where detectives Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde now must solve a case around a mysterious snake, is full of energy with inclusive messaging.
My daughter loves the original Zootopia movie. We watched it as a family when it was in theaters in 2016, and even at 17 years old, she rewatches it now. And she has good taste, it’s a lot of fun! When we heard that the sequel was going to be released, that easily became a set date.
Zootopia 2 reunites Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde as detectives and partners in Zootopia. They constantly butt heads and are encouraged by the chief to learn to work together or he will separate them on the force. Soon, the founders of the town, the lynxes, host a 100 year anniversary of Zootopia, and Judy spots a piece of shedded snake skin. In a world full of mammals, this is extremely strange, and Judy and Nick decide to get to the bottom of the case.
This is a really fun film that takes off right from the first moments. Some of the visuals are incredible, from the wet bunny hair to the shorn sheep with a six pack. When a container full of wool gets thrown, you feel as if the pieces are really coming at you – and I did not watch this in 3D. It’s just great animation.
While the kids will be mesmerized by everything on the screen, any adult is going to be semi-distracted trying to decipher at least a dozen famous voices. Between Jason Bateman, Ginnifer Goodwin, Shakira, Idris Elba, Alan Tudyk, Jenny Slate, Ke Huy Quan, Fortune Feimster, Andy Samberg, David Strathairn, and Quinta Brunson among others, you will constantly find yourself going, “Wait! I know that voice…” Luckily, many of the characters resemble the actors who play them!
The messaging from the first Zootopia continues into the messaging of Zootopia 2. There are some fantastic lessons around accepting animals for who they are despite their differences, overcoming your prejudices, and – my favorite quote – “The world will never be a better place if no one is brave enough to do the right thing.” All lessons that are important for a child to learn and a nice reminder for adults. And it’s all done in such a way that it comes from a gentle and loving place, since you watch and relate to these characters. Snakes may not be as scary as they seem, you’ve just never met one.
You do not have to have seen the first movie to understand this one, but if you have seen it, you’ll get a few more of the nuances. Either way, it’s an excellent time for moviegoers of all ages!
Runtime: 107 minutes
Motion Picture Rating: PG
Languages Spoken In The Film: English
Should You Watch It? Yes
Did I Cry? Nope
My Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
Available: Currently in theaters
