The 5 Best Movies To Watch If You Loved ‘Zootopia 2’
A large part of the reason why Zootopia 2 (2025) is such an incredible and worthy sequel is that, outside of the timely themes, it's a gorgeous reflection of partnership.
And we can be here for days arguing about whether whatever's happening between Nick Wilder and Judy Hopps is romantic or not, but the point is, their loyalty shines throughout the movie and allows it to be the most memorable part. The hype surrounding them online right now feels like something we'd watch on a TV show with actual canon relationships, which makes it that much more intriguing.
That said, if you loved the partnership and thematic importance of doing the next right thing in Zootopia 2, here are some of the best movies to watch afterwards, as well as where to stream them on platforms such as Disney+ and more.
If you're suddenly attracted to a cartoon fox and questioning your sanity, don't worry, I've been there before, and it all started with Thomas O'Malley, the suavest alley cat in the business. Thomas O'Malley basically ran, so a fox like Nick Wilder could walk. And following similar themes like in Zootopia 2, The Aristocats is about a family of cats trying to find their way back home while exposing the terrible person who is the reason they've strayed from home.
The dynamic between Thomas O'Malley and Duchess, the house cat, along with her kittens, is so perfect and wholesome, I clocked this one as an all-time favorite the second I watched it as a kid. The animation is also deeply nostalgic and so precious that it's still something to be in awe of. Don't ask me to explain it, but this one's for the romance girlies. Trust me.
One of the funnest parts of watching Zootopia 2 is acknowledging all the Easter eggs and engaging movie references made with animals instead of humans. And no film nails this same type of artistry better than Shrek (2001), but specifically Shrek 2, which also takes us through a similar path where characters question whether they're good enough for those in their lives. Shrek even goes so far as to change himself from an ogre to a human before realizing that Fiona loves him as he is.
Like Zootopia 2, the cameos and clever real-world nods like Farbucks, as well as the prominent theme of addressing those in power and how corruption sometimes comes from the top, are no small feat. If you love Zootopia 2 but somehow haven't seen the Shrek movies, please do yourself a favor immediately.
I wouldn't be me if I didn't find a way to scream about The Muppet Christmas Carol and its inimitable greatness as the single best adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. But beyond that, if we're talking partnerships, there can never be a more immaculate duo than Gonzo as Charles Dickens and Rizzo the Rat as Himself.
Their ridiculous banter throughout the movie results in some of the film's most iconic lines, and I personally think about the nose kiss at least once a day and twice on Sundays. The undertones of their partnership are so similar to Nick and Judy's in Zootopia 2, but beyond that, how the story naturally addresses the corruption of billionaires and builds a worthy redemption arc is exactly what makes it such a holiday staple.
While there aren't any talking animals or too many pop culture references, the partnership in Monsters, Inc. is one of the best additions to Disney since Toy Story. The dynamic we get between Sully and Mike is rich with nuance, layered, and so poignant when we also examine the role of monsters and how sometimes, it's not the ones who look like they can be dangerous, but rather the ones disguised as heroes.
Similar to Zootopia 2 in that vein, but also equally creative in its way of honoring myths and legends, is also its own unique accomplishment. Monsters, Inc. is a near-perfect movie that doesn't get enough praise as it deserves to. Clever in every way and genuinely refreshing from start to finish, it's been one of the best additions to Pixar from the very beginning.
Thematically, there's much we can discuss about how Zootopia 2 uncovers and touches on immigration, and how it explores stereotypes wherein anyone that looks a certain way must automatically be a certain way. And few movies look into similar matters while also addressing the preservation and care of one's homeland, like Lilo & Stitch. The way the story plays with the found family trope is also what makes it such a triumph, with the titular characters and their bond being one of the most memorable Disney partnerships.
Lilo & Stitch isn't just adorable in every way, but it's profoundly meaningful and well-written on all fronts. If you loved the live-action, which was also released this year, the animated version does a significantly stronger job of not glossing over critical matters. It's also perfect for anyone who recently loved Elio (2025).
