Zootopia 2 Earns Record Audience Score, Marking a Major Comeback for Disney Animation

Zootopia 2, released on November 26, 2025, has received overwhelmingly positive responses from both critics and viewers, positioning itself as one of Disney Animation’s most successful sequels to date. The film currently holds a 93% critic score and a 96% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, setting a new record for the highest audience rating achieved by any Disney or Pixar sequel.

The strong reception has led many critics to describe the film as a “return to form” for Disney, praising its storytelling, animation quality, and thematic depth.

Story Focuses on Hidden Prejudice in Zootopia

Set shortly after the events of the original film, Zootopia 2 follows Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, now established partners in the Zootopia Police Department. Their latest investigation begins with the search for a fugitive snake named Gary, whose presence uncovers long-standing discrimination against reptiles within the city’s history.

As the case develops, the duo ventures into Marsh Market, a swamp-based district inhabited by hippos, seals, and cold-blooded species. The location introduces a new side of Zootopia that reflects the social and economic divisions embedded in the city.

Powerful Antagonists with Ties to the City’s Past

The investigation brings Judy and Nick into conflict with the Lynxley family, a wealthy and influential lynx dynasty. Led by Milton Lynxley, the family is revealed to be connected to a hidden truth surrounding the founding of Zootopia, adding political and historical weight to the narrative.

Critical Response Highlights Strong Character Work

Critics have consistently praised the evolving partnership between Judy and Nick. While the film maintains their relationship as platonic, their emotional bond and sharp dialogue remain central to the story.

The film has also been recognised for addressing mature social themes, including gentrification, displacement of marginalized communities, and historical erasure, continuing the franchise’s tradition of social commentary through animation.

New Characters and Visual Upgrades Stand Out

New characters such as Gary the snake and Mayor Winddancer, the city’s charismatic horse mayor, have been highlighted as standout additions. Reviewers also noted significant improvements in animation, citing richly detailed environments and visually diverse biomes that enhance the overall cinematic experience.

Minor Criticisms Noted

Some reviewers mentioned that the film’s 108-minute runtime occasionally feels fast-paced, with multiple subplots unfolding simultaneously. A few also pointed out that the central mystery becomes predictable earlier than expected.

Conclusion

Overall, Zootopia 2 is being viewed as a rare sequel that successfully expands on the original film’s themes while offering a more mature and slightly darker narrative. Audience response has been particularly strong, and the post-credits scene suggests that Disney may already be laying the groundwork for a third instalment.

Source

Disney Animation Studios
Rotten Tomatoes