If you were the parent of a young child any time between 2016 and now, chances are you’ve seen Zootopia. I saw the movie with my son when it came out in 2016, and it’s one of the first kid movies I enjoyed just as much as he did. (Truth be told, I’d already been sold by the hilarious trailer about Flash the sloth working at the DMV.)
I wasn’t the only parent charmed by this animated buddy cop movie, as evidenced by the $1 billion box-office earnings, the Best Animated Oscar nod, and rave reviews from critics. The gumshoe plot paired two unlikely sleuths—a bunny named Judy Hopps and a fox named Nick Wilde—and it was funny, smart, and packed with messages of tolerance without being overbearing. Now fast-forward nearly a decade later, and Zootopia fans are finally getting the sequel they’ve been waiting for.
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about Zootopia 2. You can also check out my picks for more animated films that IMHO are just as entertaining for parents as they are for kids.
Looking for the hottest entertainment?
Subscribe to CableTV.com’s email newsletter for the latest TV event viewing guides, entertaining takes, and money-saving promotions.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy & Terms and Conditions.
Zootopia 2’s plot: Judy and Nick chase a snake
Zootopia 2 picks up where the first movie left off. Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde are rookie detectives on the Zootopia police force, and their assignment is to track down a snake on the mayor’s most-wanted list. A bit of back story: Snakes haven’t been seen in Zootopia in ages—in fact, the entire class of reptiles has been curiously absent. Hmmm….
Their sleuthing takes them undercover in a far-flung region of the kingdom called Marsh Market, where they come face to face with reptiles. As they dig deeper, Judy and Nick realize reptiles aren’t as sinister as they were once led to believe.
Zootopia 2’s cast includes Goodwin, Bateman, Quan, and more
Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman return as the voices of Judy and Nick. Also returning are Idris Elba as Chief Bogo, Nate Torrence as Officer Clawhauser, and Bonnie Hunt as Mrs. Hopps. New to the cast is Ke Huy Quan, who plays prime suspect Gary De’Snake. Quinta Brunson also joins the cast as a therapist who helps Judy and Nick work through some friendship issues.
Shakira returns on Zootopia 2’s soundtrack with “Zoo”
And if you’re wondering if Shakira is returning with a follow-up to “Try Everything,” the answer is yes. She wrote her new tune, “Zoo,” with Ed Sheeran—who also makes an appearance in the movie as a sheep named Ed Shearin.
What is Zootopia 2’s release date?
Zootopia 2 comes out on Wednesday, November 26—or Thanksgiving weekend.
Movies like Zootopia
Zootopia stands out in a sea of kid movies that, let’s just say, won’t be making it into my family’s movie night lineup any time soon. But it’s not the only solid kid movie out there. If you’re looking for an animated flick that’ll have you laughing, delighting, and crying as much as your kid, here are 10 picks I recommend (I’d even watch some of these without kids, they’re that good).
The Iron Giant (1999)
In Brad Bird’s animated science fiction film, a boy’s life is transformed when he befriends a giant robot that crash-landed on Earth. Unbeknownst to the boy, the robot is a weapon designed for mass destruction.
I first watched this movie before I even had kids. I loved it then, I love it now, and I’ve watched it with my kids several times (and they loved it, too!). It’s a simple, heartfelt story of friendship between a boy and a robot with colossal proportions. The robot is trained to kill, but as you might guess, it learns to overcome some of its programming in the name of friendship.
Where to stream The Iron Giant
The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)
Mike Rianda (Gravity Falls) directed this film, where the world population is taken captive during a robot apocalypse launched by a giant tech company—and it’s up to the Mitchell family to save the day.
The parent-child dynamics are modern and relatable, which you don’t always find in family movies. I also like the movie’s take on the complexities of tech innovation, from the perils of tech dependence to the joys of Internet memes and everything in between. Plus, the Mitchells are just a fun gang to hang out with for a couple of hours.
Where to stream The Mitchells vs. the Machines
KPop Demon Hunters (2025)
In this massive 2025 hit, a trio of K-pop singers must defend the world from demons through the power of chart-topping hits and fan love.
This movie requires no introduction, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve a spot on this list. My daughter watched this movie on repeat all summer long, and I was right there with her. You can bet we saw this when Netflix released it in theaters for a one-time weekend. The songs are catchy, the bonds of friendship are authentic, and the depictions of fandom are spot-on and hilarious.
Where to stream KPop Demon Hunters
The Lego Batman Movie (2017)
In one of the most popular Lego films, the Joker plots to destroy Gotham, and Batman is forced to team up with others — despite being a self-proclaimed lone wolf.
I’ll forever associate Will Arnett’s gravelly voice with Lego Batman, because he pulls it off so well. The vanity, the brooding, the man-child antics. There are so many good lines in this movie, my family was quoting this movie for months after seeing it.
Where to stream The Lego Batman Movie
Hercules (1997)
After being raised by mortals, Hercules learns he is actually a god. But he must perform a heroic act if he wants to regain his place among the gods of Mount Olympus.
This Disney feature slipped through the cracks for me when it came out in 1997, right between The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Mulan. But my daughter started watching it this year because her friend was obsessed with it—and her friend’s mom loved it when she was younger. I can see why. The gospel-inspired music is a fun departure from your standard Disney warbling. There’s also something refreshing about watching a movie from Disney’s pre-2000s catalog, before 3D animation gave everything a slicker look.
Where to stream Hercules
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach band together to keep Bowser from taking over Mushroom Kingdom and forcing Peach to marry him.
Was it thin on plot? Sure. Is it a masterpiece? Hardly. But that didn’t stop me from thoroughly enjoying this nostalgia trip with my kids. All those green tubes and mushroom power-ups worked exactly the way they were supposed to—stoking excitement over a favorite childhood game brought to life on the big screen. And I’ll get behind anything with Jack Black, who is perfectly cast as the voice of lovelorn Bowser.
Where to stream The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Wolfwalkers (2020)
A young hunter helps her father eradicate wolves from the woods, only to find the wolves are not as dangerous as her village believes.
Wolfwalkers doesn’t have the realistic look that audiences are accustomed to in blockbuster animated movies, but kids recognize a good story when they see one—and this is a fantastic, magical little tale about a plucky heroine who learns there’s more to the local wolf pack than scared villagers realize. The hand-drawn style gives the story a mystical vibe that stays with you.
Where to stream Wolfwalkers
Inside Out (2015)
When 11-year-old Riley moves to a brand new city and a brand new school, she’s in for a roller coaster of emotions—and we get to see the emotions play out as Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust characters in her head.
Picking a favorite Pixar movie is like being asked which kid you love most—I love all the films equally! (Well, at least up to 2020.) But if I had to pick one, Inside Out would be near the top, because it hits so many perfect emotional notes. Kid movies aren’t always the greatest at tackling genuine human emotion, but Inside Out nails it. Riley’s journey is relatable for kids and adults alike, and it’s fun asking your kids which emotion they identify with the most.
Where to stream Inside Out
Flow (2024)
Set in a mysterious post-apocalyptic world threatened by rising waters and flash floods, a cat fights for survival with an unlikely crew of a dog, lemur, capybara, and a secretarybird.
For a film with no dialogue, Flow is packed with thrills. Some scenes might be too intense for younger kiddos, but the suspense is also what makes it such an unexpected thrill ride for viewers of most ages. This earned the Oscar for Best Animated Feature in 2025.
Where to stream Flow
Spirited Away (2001)
In this 2001 classic from Hayao Miyazaki, a young girl ventures into a terrifying world to rescue her parents, who’ve been transformed into hogs by a witch.
Almost any of Miyazaki’s movies could have landed on this list, but this film in particular is a shoo-in because the story is just so surreal. It’s unlike anything you’ll see in a movie, let alone a kid’s movie…. a gigantic, blubbery baby transformed into a mouse…. Bloated spirits, black as tar, gliding through a bath house. You’ll probably want to save this one till your kids are on the older side.
Where to stream Spirited Away
Zootopia 2 FAQ
Will there be a Zootopia 3?
Disney has not announced plans for a Zootopia 3. It took the studio eight years to announce a sequel for Zootopia, so we won’t be holding our breath.
Who is the villain in Zootopia 2?
Judy and Nick are on the hunt for a snake named Gary, but this by no means guarantees that Gary is the true villain. The villain in the first Zootopia movie turned out to be someone unexpected, so there’s a good chance the villain will be another surprise character in Zootopia 2.
Will Flash be in Zootopia 2?
Flash the sloth will most certainly be appearing in Zootopia 2. In a trailer for the movie, Judy and Nick enlist Flash to drive them across town in a hurry.
