Zootopia 2 movie review by Movie Review Mom

MOVIE TITLE:  Zootopia 2 (2025)

This adorable sequel hit theaters in November 2025. It’s now available for digital purchase and rental starting January 27, 2026 and is expected to come to Disney+ soon after (usually a few months after the theatrical debut)

RATING:  PG

LENGTH:  1 hour 47 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE:  A

SPONSOR of Today’s movie review:
If it’s been a minute since you’ve seen the first movie that came out in 2016, you can rent it on Amazon at https://amzn.to/3YXQKAz

So, so cute.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Zootopia 2 brings audiences back to the clever, colorful animal metropolis we fell in love with in the first film. Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde return to solve a new mystery that once again challenges assumptions, stereotypes, and the meaning of justice. With humor, heart, and timely social commentary, the sequel manages to entertain kids while giving adults plenty to think about.

This entertaining sequel was directed by both Jared Bush and Byron Howard. Writing credits also go to Jared Bush.

Already, the film has been nominated for 63 awards!  As of today (January 26, 2026, it has won 6!

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

While this is a family-friendly animated film, some scenes include mild peril, tense moments, animals in danger, and themes involving fear, power, and social division. Younger children may have questions about fairness, discrimination, and right vs. wrong, which can actually lead to meaningful family discussions.

THEMES:

• Overcoming prejudice
• The danger of assumptions
• Accountability and integrity
• Growth and self-reflection
• Teamwork and trust
• Standing up for what’s right

•  Trust
• Vulnerability
• Appreciating and celebrating the differences of one another

THINGS I LIKED:

• The cast is a literal “Who’s Who” in Hollywood. The fantastic voice talents include Jason Bateman, Ginner Goodwin, Fortune Feimster, David Strathairn, Danny Trejo, Ke Huy Quan, Bonnie Hunt, Idris Elba, Don Lake, Nate Torrence, Jenny Slate, Alan Tudyk, Josh Dallas, Dwayne Johnson, Brenda Song, Ed Sheeran, Andy Samberg, Mario Lopez, Cecily Strong, June Squibb, Mark Rhino Smith, and even Tommy Chong! I absolutely love Patrick Warburton’s voice and persona in animated movies.

• Smart, layered storytelling that respects the audience
• We get to hear more fun music by Shakira!
  • Strong character development for both Judy and Nick
  • Visual creativity and world-building
  • Humor that works for kids and adults. I actually laughed out loud many times.
  • A message that encourages empathy and courage
• We get to enjoy the return of some of our favorite characters, as well as meet some new ones.
• The visuals are absolutely hilarious and so clever.
• Tons of Easter eggs that call back to the original movie, but also to a ton of other movies. I love Easter eggs.
• Such great color and lighting.
• Sequels are tricky because the novelty of the characters and environment has worn off. That being said, we get to see new creatures and sets.
• Keep watching during the final rolling credits to enjoy the obligatory animated dance scene finale. Cliched, but always fun.
• But wait, there’s more! Keep watching until the very, very end for another cute scene.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

• Some of the social commentary may feel a bit heavy-handed for very young viewers.
• A few plot moments feel slightly rushed
• Not quite as surprising as the original film

• Some viewers have complained that the script and plot are a mess. That might be a little bit true, but I still loved it.

FUNNY LINES:

Nick Wilde continues to deliver some of the film’s best humor with his trademark sarcasm and wit, especially in scenes where he leans into (and pokes fun at) his past as a con artist.

• “Everyone knows ‘fine’ is a cry for help.” – Stu Hopps
• “Oh, we were always going in. ‘Same page’ means your page.” – Nicke Wilde
• “You know, I used to dream of infiltrating a place like this.” –  Judy Hopps
• “All the answers you’ll ever need are at the end of this dark hallway.” – Nibbles Maplestick
• “The safe word is ‘coconut’!” – Nick Wilde
• “I think the real mystery is how you two solved anything at all!” – Nibbles Maplestick
• “What happened to you that you can’t just have a normal conversation?” –  Bunny     “I will save that for my therapy animal” –   Nick Wilde

INTERESTING LINES:

Several lines about fear, truth, and responsibility feel especially relevant in today’s world and may resonate more deeply with older teens and adults.

“You can be different than your family.” – Judy Hopps

“Permission to hug?” – Gary De’Snake

“The world was never meant to be on one animal’s shoulders.” – Gary DeSnake

“I don’t care that we’re different. What I care about is you.” – Nick Wilde

“There are a lot of different animals out there. And we can look at all the little differences and start to worry. But what makes me, me. And you, you actually make us stronger.” – Nick Wilde

“The world will never be a better place if no one is willing to do the right thing.” – Judy Hopps

MOVIES LIKE THIS YOU ALSO MIGHT LIKE:

• Inside Out:  https://moviereviewmom.com/inside-out-2-movie-review/
• Sing:  
• The Bad Guys:  https://moviereviewmom.com/the-bad-guys-movie-review/
• Raya and the Last Dragon:  https://moviereviewmom.com/raya-and-the-last-dragon-movie-review/

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@MovieReviewMom @TrinaBoice

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