10 Family Movies To Watch if You Love ‘Zootopia 2’
For those who watched Zootopia 2 and are craving more movies that blend clever world-building, heart, humor, and meaningful themes, there is plenty more where it came from. The sequel expands the vibrant, diverse metropolis of Zootopia and deepens Judy (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick’s (Jason Bateman) journey, leaving many viewers eager for more stories that offer a similar mix of adventure and emotional resonance. Fortunately, there are many other movies that are compelling family-friendly adventures.
Whether fans are drawn to heartwarming buddy-cop dynamics, vibrant animated worlds, or stories that explore community and identity, there are movies that continue the emotional and thematic journey you started in Zootopia’s bustling city streets. Some feature imaginative animal-led societies, others spotlight unlikely partnerships or compelling mysteries, and several dives into social themes in a way that’s accessible to all ages. The best movies like Zootopia are fun, profound, and can be revisited over and over again.
1
‘Zootopia’ (2016)
Before Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde teamed up to track down a snake, they were introduced in Zootopia, the movie that introduced this universe. The movie introduces Judy as an optimistic police recruit who wants to make a difference in the diverse, animal-populated city of Zootopia. She teams up with Nick in an effort to prove herself as she investigates a series of mysterious disappearances. Together, they uncover a conspiracy that weaponizes fear and pits predators against prey.
While Zootopia 2 can certainly be watched alone, it makes sense to revisit Zootopia and see where this story began. Watching Zootopia gives viewers a greater appreciation for how Judy and Nick’s relationship has evolved over time. Their dynamic in Zootopia 2 makes much more sense after watching the first movie. Watching both Zootopia movies is a chance to appreciate how dynamic this world is and how compelling these characters have been from the beginning.
2
‘Sing’ (2016)
Sing introduces Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey), an enthusiastic koala who owns a once-thriving theater now facing financial ruin. To save it, he launches a singing competition that draws a colorful cast of animal contestants, each with their own dreams and personal struggles. The group includes a shy elephant with a powerhouse voice, a stressed pig mother seeking creative expression, a punk-rock porcupine finding her identity, and a young gorilla torn between music and his family’s criminal expectations.
Fans of Zootopia 2 may enjoy Sing because both films deliver vibrant, animal-populated worlds filled with humor, heart, and strong character journeys. While Zootopia 2 focuses on adventure, teamwork, and social themes, Sing highlights personal growth, chasing dreams, and the power of community, offering a similarly uplifting emotional tone. Both movies balance fun, fast-paced storytelling with relatable messages about overcoming challenges.
3
‘Kung Fu Panda’ (2008)
Kung Fu Panda follows Po (Jack Black), a clumsy and food-loving panda who unexpectedly becomes the Dragon Warrior, the prophesied kung fu master destined to bring peace to the Valley of Peace. Though initially doubted by the Furious Five and his stern trainer, Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman), Po’s determination and unique strengths slowly emerge as he trains. When the powerful and vengeful snow leopard Tai Lung (Ian McShane) escapes prison and threatens the valley, Po must embrace his true self to defeat him.
For those who enjoy the charismatic and charming animal characters featured in Zootopia 2, Kung Fu Panda is a natural next watch. Like Zootopia 2, Kung Fu Panda features an underdog hero who must overcome self-doubt, challenge expectations, and grow into an unexpected role. Both movies balance action and comedy with deeper themes, including identity, perseverance, and the importance of self-belief, making them emotionally satisfying for audiences of all ages.
4
‘Monsters, Inc.’ (2001)
Monsters, Inc. follows Sulley (John Goodman) and Mike (Billy Crystal), two monsters who work at a scream-powered energy company in the city of Monstropolis. Their job is to enter the human world through closet doors and collect children’s screams, which are believed to be dangerous but essential for powering the city. When a human toddler, Boo (Mary Gibbs), accidentally enters the monster world, chaos ensues, and Sulley and Mike must protect her while uncovering a sinister plot within their company.
Monsters, Inc. is another example of a movie that fleshes out non-human characters who face downright human problems, much like Zootopia 2. These stories both cleverly subvert expectations and invite viewers of all ages to question biases and assumptions about “others”. For those who love character-driven stories with warmth, creativity, and a meaningful message beneath the laughs, Monsters, Inc. makes a great follow-up watch to Zootopia 2.
5
‘The Bad Guys’ (2022)
The Bad Guys follows a group of notorious animal criminals, Mr. Wolf (Sam Rockwell), Mr. Snake (Marc Maron), Mr. Shark (Craig Robinson), Mr. Piranha (Anthony Ramos), and Ms. Tarantula (Awkwafina), who have spent years pulling off high-profile heists. When they’re finally caught, Wolf convinces the authorities to let them attempt rehabilitation rather than go to prison. As they pretend to become “good,” Wolf begins to genuinely enjoy helping others.
Zootopia 2 andThe Bad Guys play with ideas of reputation, prejudice, and what it truly means to be “good” or “bad,” making it appealing for viewers who enjoy stories with moral complexity beneath the comedy. Both movies feature clever pacing, witty dialogue, and dynamic team-based problem-solving, along with a lively animation style that brings their animal characters to life. These movies are perfect for viewers who love animated adventures that present characters who just need a second chance.
6
‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’ (1988)
Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a hybrid live-action/animated mystery set in 1940s Hollywood, where humans and cartoon characters, known as “Toons,” coexist. The story follows Eddie Valiant (Bob Hoskins), a jaded private detective hired to investigate rumors that Roger Rabbit’s (Charles Fleischer) wife, Jessica (Kathleen Turner), is having an affair. When a powerful studio executive turns up murdered, Roger becomes the prime suspect and desperately seeks Eddie’s help to clear his name.
Any fan of animated movies should watch Who Framed Roger Rabbit? since it represents such a massive technical achievement. After watching Zootopia 2, watching Who Framed Roger Rabbit? afterward can help viewers appreciate just how far animation has come in a few short decades. Both movies balance fast-paced, suspenseful storytelling with heartfelt character moments, and they celebrate creative, visually immersive animation.
7
‘Madagascar’ (2005)
Madagascar follows four pampered animals from the Central Park Zoo, including Alex (Ben Stiller) the lion, Marty (Chris Rock) the zebra, Gloria (Jada Pinkett Smith) the hippo, and Melman (David Schwimmer) the hypochondriac giraffe, whose comfortable lives are upended when Marty escapes in search of adventure. After a mishap during their attempted recapture, they’re accidentally shipped off and end up stranded on the island of Madagascar. There, the group must adapt to their new life in the wild.
For those who appreciate the adventure at the heart of Zootopia 2, Madagascar offers the same feel. Like Zootopia 2, Madagascar centers on friendship, personal growth, and learning to understand others who are very different, whether it’s predator and prey or animals from wildly different habitats. Both movies balance laugh-out-loud comedies while also being stories about characters who challenge themselves and step outside their comfort zones.
8
‘Bolt’ (2008)
Bolt follows its titular character (John Travolta), a loyal white shepherd who stars in a hit TV show where he believes he has superpowers. Because he’s never known life outside the set, Bolt thinks the show’s staged dangers are real, so when he believes his beloved co-star Penny (Miley Cyrus) has been kidnapped, he escapes the studio to rescue her. Lost in the real world and far from Hollywood, Bolt teams up with an alley cat named Mittens (Susan Essman) and an enthusiastic hamster named Rhino (Mark Walton).
A core theme of Zootopia 2 is the power of animals that come together and form unlikely friendships. Bolt is so charming because it puts animals together who have to accomplish a common goal. For those who love Zootopia 2 for the fact that animal characters overcome obstacles and learn to believe in themselves, Bolt is a great companion watch. These stories are truly family-friendly, as they can be enjoyed by all ages.
9
‘Inside Out 2’ (2024)
Inside Out 2 follows Riley (Kensington Tallman) as she enters her teenage years and faces the emotional turbulence of puberty. Just as Riley heads to a summer hockey camp, new emotions, Anxiety (Maya Hawke), Envy (Ayo Edebiri), Embarrassment (Paul Walter Hauser), and Ennui (Adèle Exarchopoulos), burst into Headquarters and begin to challenge the emotions that have been with Riley from the beginning. Anxiety takes control, convinced she must protect Riley by planning for every possible failure.
For those who appreciate an animated sequel done right after seeing Zootopia 2, it makes sense to watch Inside Out 2, which is also one. The characters in both of these stories are easy to invest in as they face challenges with teamwork and courage. While these movies tackle very different stories, they prove that their predecessors weren’t simply one-offs. Instead, Inside Out 2 and Zootopia 2 expand their respective universes and showcase why these characters were always worth following.
10
‘Moana’ (2016)
Moana follows its titular character (Auli’i Cravalho), a courageous Polynesian girl chosen by the ocean to restore the heart of Te Fiti, a goddess whose stolen heart has brought darkness to her island. Defying her father’s warnings, Moana sets sail beyond the reef to find the demigod Maui (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson), who originally stole the heart. Together, they face monsters, navigate treacherous seas, and uncover truths about Moana’s ancestors before bringing light back to the island.
For anyone who appreciates the mismatched yet ultimately fun duo featured in Zootopia 2, Moana offers more of the same. Both movies feature strong, determined protagonists who challenge expectations and work to make their worlds better. Like Judy, Moana steps into unfamiliar territory, relying on bravery, empathy, and quick thinking to confront large-scale problems. These protagonists are easy to cheer for as they work to build better worlds.
