5 Reasons Zootopia 2’s Reviews Are So Great (& How They Compare to the First Movie)

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When Zootopia came out in 2016, it was a huge success for Walt Disney Animation Studios. The movie earned over a billion dollars worldwide and received incredibly positive reviews, with 98% approval on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics loved how it combined a traditional buddy-cop story with insightful social messages. This created very high expectations for a sequel. Now, Zootopia 2 has arrived and earned a “Fresh” rating of 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, proving the series remains strong, even if it doesn’t quite reach the almost flawless status of the original.

Warning: Spoilers below for Zootopia 2

I recently watched Zootopia 2, and I have to say, I was really impressed! In our review at ComicBook, we loved how bold and original it was – it didn’t just rehash the first movie‘s ideas. What really stood out was its willingness to explore difficult themes of past wrongs and delve deeper into the fascinating world they’ve built. And it seems like a lot of other critics feel the same way! We took a look at what everyone’s been saying, and it’s clear this sequel really holds its own against the original Zootopia.

5) The World-Building Is Bigger and Better

The original Zootopia showed us a city built for animals of all kinds, and Zootopia 2 really expands on that idea. Reviewers are consistently impressed with how much the animation has improved, and the world feels much bigger and more detailed. The sequel introduces brand new areas, like the swampy Marsh Market and towering Alpine regions, which allow for exciting action scenes and a truly immersive city environment. Variety points out that the movie is full of tiny details and jokes, meaning you’ll likely discover something new even after multiple viewings – it’s a film that rewards close attention.

These new settings aren’t just beautiful to look at; they actually help tell the story and drive the action. The city’s detailed design is a key part of the plot, especially how different creatures get around. RogerEbert.com calls the film “visually dazzling,” pointing to a memorable scene where characters travel through a vast network of water-filled tubes. Most agree that directors Byron Howard and Jared Bush used the time since the last film to build a world that feels incredibly real and engaging.

4) The Comedy Is Sharp and Sophisticated

Okay, folks, let me tell you about Zootopia 2. It’s genuinely funny – and I mean really funny. What impressed me most is that it doesn’t talk down to anyone, even the kids. The humor is sharp, fast-paced, and full of clever jokes, visual gags, and references that actually land. The Hollywood Reporter pointed out the sophisticated humor, and they’re right – there’s so much to appreciate. I especially loved the chase scene that felt like a nod to The Shining, and a ridiculously funny bit with a walrus-operated boat. The filmmakers brilliantly balance slapstick for the younger audience with little Easter eggs and smart jokes that adults will totally get. There’s even a therapy session with Dr. Fuzby, a quokka voiced by Quinta Brunson, who forces the characters to really hash out their problems – it’s a surprisingly insightful and hilarious moment!

There’s plenty of natural humor to be found in the show’s world, not just jokes that feel tacked on. For example, RogerEbert.com points out the funny animal-based wordplay and clever nods to popular culture, like the show-within-a-show, “Only Herders in the Building,” which streams on HuluZoo. The humor also comes from characters like the new mayor, Brian Winddancer – a horse and former actor (voiced by Patrick Warburton) who’s a bit vain and reminiscent of Fabio. These kinds of details help keep the show moving at a quick, funny pace.

3) Nick and Judy’s Dynamic Has Evolved

At its core, the enduring appeal of the series lies in the fantastic connection between Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman). Thankfully, the new movie doesn’t undo the progress their characters made, but instead shows the challenges they face as they grow closer as partners. The film puts them in a new situation where they have to learn to truly communicate, rather than just working together to solve problems. Variety calls their relationship a delightfully chaotic mix, comparing their playful arguments to a newly married couple getting to know each other. This development keeps their scenes interesting and prevents the story from repeating the same emotional beats as the first film.

Reviews frequently mention the captivating push and pull between the two main characters. According to The Independent, the show’s creators understand fans want to see them together and cleverly use their emotional hesitation as a recurring joke. ScreenRant points out that their storyline focuses on them “learning to compromise and communicate to build a stronger connection.” This focus on character development keeps viewers engaged, even with all the mysteries and dangers happening around them.

2) Zootopia 2 Fixes the First Movie’s Allegorical Flaws

Some viewers felt the first Zootopia movie’s message about prejudice and racism wasn’t fully developed. Zootopia 2 seems to address this, offering a more nuanced and historically aware story. Instead of just focusing on individual biases, the sequel tackles larger problems like gentrification, the forced removal of communities, and the suppression of historical truths. According to The Independent, the new film presents the original’s core idea in a much stronger and more considered way. It does this by portraying reptiles as a group that was historically marginalized and pushed aside by powerful families, mirroring real-world events and injustices.

Even critics who weren’t completely impressed with the movie’s visuals highlighted this particular storyline as a strength. A review in The A.V. Club noted that the film thoughtfully references the history of forgotten communities like Seneca Village and the Greenwood District, adding both power and meaningful detail to the story. This depth of theme makes the film more than just a typical buddy-cop comedy, offering a richer experience for adults and parents while still remaining enjoyable for children.

1) Ke Huy Quan Steals the Show as Gary De’Snake

Though the original cast is fantastic, Gary De’Snake is the standout performer in Zootopia 2. Voiced by Academy Award winner Ke Huy Quan, this blue pit viper is the first major reptile character in the series and has quickly won over critics. His arrival introduces a new dynamic to the mammal-centric world of the film. Quan infuses the role with a special energy, delivering a performance that reviewers have called both heartfelt and lovable. The Hollywood Reporter praised his work as “terrific,” highlighting that the character is surprisingly complex and not simply a villain.

As a huge movie fan, I was really struck by Gary’s role in the story. He genuinely became the heart of the film, and it was through him that the themes of acceptance really resonated. He forced the other characters – and honestly, the audience – to confront their own prejudices. ScreenRant perfectly described him as a ‘delightful addition,’ and I’d agree – his journey was surprisingly heartwarming. Disney really nailed the casting; they took a character who should be unlikeable – a snake, after all! – and made him someone you genuinely root for, all thanks to an actor who naturally brings warmth and sincerity to everything he does.

Zootopia 2 is currently available in theaters.

What new animal character in Zootopia are you most looking forward to seeing in the movie? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-11-27 23:41