According to the social media trends spreading across the country, 2026 is the new 2016. People are sharing throwback photos, reminiscing on memories throughout the last decade, and reliving the songs they grew up on. Additionally, this year, a fan-favorite duo from 2016 hopped back onto the big screen.
When Zootopia first released in 2016, the animated film quickly became one of Disney’s most popular movies of the decade. The first film became a hit through quick humor, meaningful messages, and an attention grabbing plot. More importantly, the movie introduced audiences to an unforgettable duo: officer Judy Hopps and con artist Nick Wilde. Ten years later, the sequel brings the characters back into the spotlight, and for many students, it brought back the excitement of their childhood in a way that felt fresh and exhilarating.
Tripp Hartline (11) shared his thoughts on watching Zootopia 2 after growing up with the hype of the first film.
“The second movie was a lot more interesting and I was more invested,” Hartline said.
Students who watched Zootopia 2 described the film as more intense, more detailed, and more emotionally driven than the original. The entertaining and fast-paced sequel was filled with references and allusions to other works that kept viewers engaged, especially during the suspenseful action scenes. Fans described the movie as thrilling, energetic, emotional, and humorous, with moments that balanced comedy and danger in a way that kept the story unpredictable and fans on the edge of their seats.
Zoe Greer (10) explained her views on the emotional impact that the sequel portrayed in comparison with the original film.
“Zootopia two was way better [than the first] because the characters had more of a friendship and built connections,” Greer said.
Rather than simply reintroducing Judy and Nick as a familiar pair, the sequel dives into their relationship as partners and best friends. While the first movie showed them learning to trust each other, the second builds on that foundation and raises the stakes. Their teamwork feels more natural, and their bond becomes one of the most important parts of the story. The emotional moments stand out because they are rooted in years of loyalty and shared experiences, making their partnership feel believable and meaningful.
The scenes with laughter and action sparked Hartline’s interest the most.
“My favorite scene was when the good lynx turned evil and for real looked like a villain, [and] the Shining reference was the coolest with the lynx limping through the maze hunting them down,” Hartline said.
Students also pointed out how the movie uses its animation style to create tension. With dramatic lighting, intense chase sequences, and a villain who felt genuinely threatening, the sequel brought a darker and more suspenseful energy than expected. At the same time, the film still kept its signature humor through quick dialogue, background details, and comedic character moments that lightened the tone between the more serious scenes.
Through the entertainment and humor this movie brings to audiences, beloved characters Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde have a great friendship sparking with chemistry and partnership. Though the beginning of their friendship had a difficult start in the first film, the second movie continued the story in the development of their relationship as police partners and best friends. In addition to the action, the movie’s emotional scenes helped deepen the audience’s connection to the characters and made the stakes feel personal.
“The scenes that really stood out to me were the ones when Nick was scared for Judy’s life and you saw how much he loved her,” Greer said.
By combining suspense, comedy, and emotional weight, Zootopia 2 delivers a sequel that feels both nostalgic and new. For students who grew up with the original film, the movie not only brought back an iconic duo, but also expanded their story in a way that felt more intense, intricate, and unforgettable.
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