The Best Animated Movie Sequels Since 2015
Sequels have always been a bit of a risky gamble. Often, they struggle to live up to the beauty of the original movie, and this is especially prevalent in animated movies. There’s a certain magic that comes with stepping into an animated world for the first time, and it’s hard to replicate that beautiful feeling when returning to a world for the second time.
However, in recent years, there have been some incredible sequels to beloved animated movies. From a return to Arendelle in Frozen II to the revitalization of the long-dead Puss in Boots franchise, let’s take a look at the ten best-animated sequels since 2015.
Ralph Breaks the Internet Delivers on Its Unique Concept
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Wreck-It Ralph 2
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Wreck-It Ralph was one of Disney’s most successful and most creative ventures in recent years, so it was no surprise that a sequel was greenlit the same year the original movie came out. It wasn’t until 2016, however, that they announced that the film would be called Ralph Breaks the Internet or stated any details about its premise. It features the return of beloved characters like Ralph himself and Vanellope Von Schweetz as they adventure into the unfamiliar world of the Internet in search of a piece that would prevent their game from being replaced.
Though it falls slightly short compared to the original movie, it’s still an interesting entry into the wider Disney canon. It is perhaps best known for the famous princess team-up scene, which lets Vanellope cross paths with all the major Disney Princesses as they hang out together. It’s a self-aware adventure through a familiar space, and one of Disney’s best follow-up films to date.
Finding Dory Builds on Its Predecessor’s Foundation
Poster for Finding Dory with the titular character in the middle and her allies all around her
Finding Dory
Friendly but forgetful blue tang Dory begins a search for her long-lost parents and everyone learns a few things about the real meaning of family along the way.
DirectorAngus MacLane, Andrew StantonRelease DateJune 8, 2016CastEugene Levy, Hayden Rolence, Ed O’Neill, Ellen DeGeneres, Ty Burrell, Kaitlin Olson, Diane Keaton, Albert BrooksRatingPGRuntime1 hour 37 minutesMain GenreAnimationGenresComedy, Adventure Stream on Disney PlusStream on Disney PlusStream on Disney PlusStream on Disney PlusStream on Disney PlusBuy on Apple TV+Rent on Apple TV+Buy on Apple TV+Rent on Apple TV+Buy on Apple TV+Rent on Apple TV+Buy on Apple TV+Rent on Apple TV+Buy on Apple TV+Rent on Apple TV+Buy on Prime VideoRent on Prime VideoBuy on Prime VideoRent on Prime VideoBuy on Prime VideoRent on Prime VideoBuy on Prime VideoRent on Prime VideoBuy on Prime VideoRent on Prime Video
Finding Nemo is one of the most beloved animated movies in history, so the sequel understandably had massive shoes to fill. It made the bold choice of following Dory on a quest to determine her history rather than focusing on Nemo and Marlin again as the first film did – a decision that ultimately paid off, as the movie was a critical and commercial success, and even became the third-highest-grossing film of 2016.
Critics, though they said the film was more of the same, appreciated that it never tried too hard to change the foundation it was built on. After all, since the first movie was so good, what was the point in altering the formula that made it so successful in the first place? It introduced fun new characters while providing further context for its titular character’s arc, and should be celebrated for that.
Cars 3 Pays Tribute to Its Heroes
Poster for Pixar’s Cars
Cars
Lightning McQueen is a succesful racecar when he gets lost on his way to a competition. His experiences at in Radiator Springs, Arizona, humble him and put him on the path of new adventures with his new friends.
Created byJorgen Klubien, Joe Ranft, John LasseterFirst FilmCarsLatest FilmCars 3CastTony Shalhoub, Larry the Cable Guy, Paul Newman, Owen Wilson, Bonnie Hunt
Split Images of Toy Story 4, Inside Out, and Coco
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After the tragedy that was Cars 2, it’s a wonder that the third film went into production at all. However, Pixar was not to be daunted by the mixed reviews its predecessor received and went ahead with developing Cars 3 right after the release of the sequel. It promised a more emotional experience than the other movies in the franchise and intended to tackle Lightning McQueen’s aging and potential downfall at the hands of younger, more technologically advanced racecars.
And it shines. Critics considered it a beautiful send-off for Lightning McQueen himself, whose struggle to maintain his glory days in the face of advancement relates to anyone who has ever felt like they were being replaced by younger and shinier versions of themselves. Though it’s formulaic, many preferred that approach to the off-the-wall chaos that occurred in the second movie. It may have been the lowest-grossing entry to the Cars franchise, but it’s perhaps the most vulnerable, and therefore one that deserves to be celebrated.
Sing 2 Tells a Shockingly Emotional Story
Sing 2 Film Poster
Sing 2
Buster Moon and his friends must persuade reclusive rock star Clay Calloway to join them for the opening of a new show.
DirectorChristophe Lourdelet, Garth JenningsRelease DateDecember 22, 2021CastMatthew McConaughey, Tori Kelly, Scarlett Johansson, Reese WitherspoonWritersGarth JenningsRatingPGRuntime110 minutesMain GenreAnimationGenresAnimation, Comedy, Musical, Adventure Buy on Apple TV+Rent on Apple TV+Buy on Apple TV+Rent on Apple TV+Buy on Apple TV+Rent on Apple TV+Buy on Apple TV+Rent on Apple TV+Buy on Apple TV+Rent on Apple TV+Buy on Prime VideoRent on Prime VideoBuy on Prime VideoRent on Prime VideoBuy on Prime VideoRent on Prime VideoBuy on Prime VideoRent on Prime VideoBuy on Prime VideoRent on Prime Video
Sing 2 is an improvement over the first film in the franchise in nearly every way. It brings back the characters fans became so accustomed to in the original movie. However, since they all know each other and Buster Moon, the central character, is aware of their talents, the sequel dives right into putting their new story to the screen rather than focusing on fleshing out their backstories. In this installment, the ragtag group of performers wants to make it in the big leagues of Redshore City. The only problem is to do that, they must impress an entertainment mogul who desires nothing more than to see them fail.
Though the focus of the film remains on the core players introduced in the first movie, the new secondary characters bring out the real heart of the movie. Ash, the rock-and-roll loving porcupine played by Scarlett Johansson, shares some of the most poignant moments in the film with Clay Calloway (voiced by Bono in a cameo role), her hero who gave up on music after the death of his wife in the years before the start of the movie. Sing 2 has a surprisingly beautiful emotional heart, and it’s in that way that it stands leagues above the original.
The Lego Movie: The Second Part Stays True to the Spirit of the Original
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The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part
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Split Images of Puss in Boots, Pinocchio, and Super Mario Movie
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The original Lego Movie was one of the most surprising hits in recent years. Emmet Brickowski’s story of understanding his own importance in the face of a world that wants him to believe there’s nothing special about him resonated with audiences both young and old. It earned uproarious laughs from anyone who saw it in theaters. Therefore, it was no surprise when Warner Bros. gave a sequel not long after the release of the original movie. The Lego Movie: The Second Part, came out in 2019 and picks up exactly where the first movie left off: with the arrival of invaders from the mysterious planet Duplon whose only aim and intention is to destroy everything Emmet and his friends have worked to rebuild.
Though the sequel received positive reviews from critics, it didn’t make quite as much money as projected at the box office and became the second film in the franchise to do so (after the Lego Ninjago Movie a few years prior). This led Warner Bros. to sell the franchise to Universal Pictures – who are in the process of developing a third film. Perhaps the future remains bright for the Lego Movie franchise.
Trolls: Band Together is the Best of the Franchise
The different hair styles of the Trolls on the Trolls Band Together Film Poster
Trolls Band Together
Poppy discovers that Branch was once part of the boy band ‘BroZone’ with his brothers, Floyd, John Dory, Spruce and Clay. When Floyd is kidnapped, Branch and Poppy embark on a journey to reunite his two other brothers and rescue Floyd.
DirectorTim Heitz, Walt DohrnRelease DateNovember 17, 2023CastChristopher Mintz-Plasse, Anna Kendrick, Troye Sivan, Justin Timberlake, Zooey Deschanel, Daveed DiggsWritersThomas Dam, Elizabeth Tippet, Lloyd Taylor, Kim CarameleRatingPGRuntime91 minutesMain GenreAnimationGenresComedy, AdventureProduction CompanyDreamWorks Animation Buy on Apple TV+Rent on Apple TV+Buy on Apple TV+Rent on Apple TV+Buy on Apple TV+Rent on Apple TV+Buy on Apple TV+Rent on Apple TV+Buy on Apple TV+Rent on Apple TV+Buy on Prime VideoRent on Prime VideoBuy on Prime VideoRent on Prime VideoBuy on Prime VideoRent on Prime VideoBuy on Prime VideoRent on Prime VideoBuy on Prime VideoRent on Prime Video
The Trolls franchise got off to a rocky start. The first film, though it garnered some critical success, was regarded by many as being too juvenile for parents to enjoy alongside their children and condemned by some for having themes that are remarkably simple compared to other media targeted toward the same age group. The second, Trolls: World Tour, polarized critics even further (in part due to its similarities to the recently released Infinity War).
However, with the third film in the franchise, they created a smash hit (though it didn’t get its flowers at awards ceremonies). Its vivid colors and engaging storyline about the nature of the music business entertain both adults and children alike. The new songs stick in the audience’s heads – especially because the original members of *NSYNC returned to voice Branch’s estranged brothers. It’s a fantastic entry to the franchise and should be regarded as such.
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World Brings the Saga to a Satisfying Conclusion
How to Train Your Dragon The Hidden World Poster
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
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The How to Train Your Dragon franchise is one of the most celebrated groups of animated movies in modern history. The first film introduced Hiccup and Toothless, one of the most iconic duos in animated cinema to date, and gave viewers their first glimpse into the world of Berk. The second saw Hiccup on a quest to find his mother, who has been rescuing dragons – much like her son – in the years since her disappearance. It’s a beautiful story of family and reconciliation in the face of adversity.
The Hidden World brings the story to its close in the most satisfying way possible. It introduces enough new elements, such as the Light Fury, to keep Berk interesting while still maintaining enough of the spirit of the first two entries that it remains familiar enough to be comforting. It tackles the difficult question of what to do when loving someone means letting them go and does so in a way to makes the theme more digestible for both the children watching and their parents. It’s a beautiful end to one of the most incredible stories ever made – and it’ll be interesting to see if the live-action remake maintains this same energy.
Frozen II Elevates the Already-Great Original
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Frozen 2
StudioWalt Disney Animation StudiosRatingPG Stream on Disney PlusStream on Disney PlusStream on Disney PlusStream on Disney PlusStream on Disney PlusBuy on Apple TV+Rent on Apple TV+Buy on Apple TV+Rent on Apple TV+Buy on Apple TV+Rent on Apple TV+Buy on Apple TV+Rent on Apple TV+Buy on Apple TV+Rent on Apple TV+Buy on Prime VideoRent on Prime VideoBuy on Prime VideoRent on Prime VideoBuy on Prime VideoRent on Prime VideoBuy on Prime VideoRent on Prime VideoBuy on Prime VideoRent on Prime Video
The Frozen franchise has, over the past decade, become synonymous with Disney. From the first moment, the original movie was destined to be a smash hit. With well-developed characters, some of the catchiest songs in the studio’s history, and a message dedicated to teaching young girls that romantic love isn’t the most important thing in their lives, parents and children alike flocked to the theater to see it. Therefore, it was no surprise that Disney wanted to capitalize on that popularity through whatever method possible – including immediately beginning production on a sequel.
Frozen II turned out to be one of the most successful sequels in Disney’s history. It’s a fantastic return to the world of Arendelle that provides a deeper look not only at the sisters themselves but the magic that led to their births. Elsa’s powers get an explanation rather than simply manifesting, and it provides more context for every aspect of her life – thus making her arc even more satisfying. She continues to choose her own fate rather than letting the rest of the world decide who she is. It’s a valuable lesson for all young audiences to learn and a beautiful reminder to older viewers as well, and it’ll be interesting to see what becomes of Arendelle’s most beloved sisters in future installments.
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Puss in Boots: The Last Wish Is an Improvement in Every Way
The Cast of Puss in Boots The Last Wish
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
When Puss in Boots discovers that his passion for adventure has taken its toll and he has burned through eight of his nine lives, he launches an epic journey to restore them by finding the mythical Last Wish.
DirectorJanuel Mercado, Joel CrawfordRelease DateDecember 21, 2022CastSalma Hayek, Antonio BanderasRatingPGRuntime1 hour 42 minutesMain GenreAdventure Stream on NetflixStream on NetflixStream on NetflixStream on NetflixStream on NetflixBuy on Apple TV+Rent on Apple TV+Buy on Apple TV+Rent on Apple TV+Buy on Apple TV+Rent on Apple TV+Buy on Apple TV+Rent on Apple TV+Buy on Apple TV+Rent on Apple TV+Buy on Prime VideoRent on Prime VideoBuy on Prime VideoRent on Prime VideoBuy on Prime VideoRent on Prime VideoBuy on Prime VideoRent on Prime VideoBuy on Prime VideoRent on Prime Video 2:03
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The first Puss in Boots film was, to put it lightly, not a movie that made much of a cultural splash. Though it may have been a box office and critical success, the Puss in Boots franchise was not one that anybody expected to make a resurgence eleven years later. Yet, it did. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish was one of the best movies of 2022, animated or not. It follows the titular hero as he realizes he’s on the last of his nine lives and embarks on a quest to the Wishing Star to claim its final wish and restore his life.
The Last Wish is visually stunning, emotionally poignant, and overall, a deeply compelling watch. It features one of the most terrifying villains in recent years – a death-personifying wolf whose whistle is sure to send chills down even the most steeled spines – and one of the catchiest songs in the franchise’s history. It allows for reunions with beloved characters, like Kitty Softpaws, as well as the introduction of compelling new ones like Perrito and Goldilocks and the Three Bears. It’s one of the most beautiful movies released in the recent past and deserves to be acclaimed as such.
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Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Is the Greatest Animated Sequel in Recent Years
Miles hanging upside down with a scratched costume with all the Spidermen in Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse Poster
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
9/10
Miles Morales catapults across the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence. When the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles must redefine what it means to be a hero.
DirectorJustin K. Thompson, Kemp Powers, Joaquim Dos SantosRelease DateJune 2, 2023CastHailee Steinfeld, Oscar Isaac, Shameik Moore, Jake JohnsonRatingPGRuntime140 minutesMain GenreSuperheroGenresSuperhero, Animation, Action, Adventure
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is the definitive animated sequel. It stands toe to toe with the original film in every way, and at times surpasses the foundation on which it was built. It continues the story of Miles Morales, who became Spider-Man after the death of Peter Parker in his universe and elaborates on the life of Gwen Stacy, who steps into the spotlight in this movie far more than she did in its predecessor. In the same vein, it introduces fascinating new characters like Miguel O’Hara and Hobie Brown who steal the show every time they’re onscreen.
Across the Spider-Verse is, above all else, a love letter to Spider-Man as a character. It brings so many different incarnations of the web-slinger all into the same space and allows them to interact in a way that feels both natural and entertaining. It ties the story of each Spider together by introducing the concept of canon events, which occur in each one of their lives. Overall, the film treats its titular character with such care and respect that it’s impossible not to love it, and therefore, it’s one of the best-animated sequels not only of the past few years but of all time.