While Disney has produced numerous animated movies throughout its illustrious history, it has also created sequels that expand the lore and mythology of the original film, following its box office success and turning the property into a franchise. However, not all of them have been successful creatively.
Fans are hoping that the new film, Zootopia 2, will maintain the same quality and excellence as the first film. To celebrate its release, here is our list of the best animated movie sequels that Disney has produced so far.
The Rescuers Down Under
The Rescuers Down Under follows R.A.S. agents Miss Bianca and Bernard as they race to Australia to save a little boy and a rare golden eagle from a murderous poacher.
This marked the first animated movie sequel that Walt Disney Pictures released theatrically. Not only did it manage to surpass the quality of the first film with an improved animation and storytelling, but it also expanded the lore as they took the adventure to new heights and showed the full potential of the R.A.S.
Where You Can Stream: Disney+
Toy Story 2
In Toy Story 2, when Woody is stolen by a toy collector, Buzz and his friends set out on a rescue mission to save Woody before he becomes a museum toy property with his roundup gang, Jessie, Prospector, and Bullseye.
While sequels are notoriously tough to pull off, Toy Story 2 proved that the best way to expand the mythology is to delve deeper into the characters while maintaining the spirit that made the first movie an instant classic. This is also the film that introduced Jessie as one of the franchise's main characters.
Where You Can Stream: Disney+
Finding Dory
Finding Dory follows a friendly but forgetful blue tang, Dory, who begins a search for her long-lost parents, and everyone learns a few things about the real meaning of family along the way.
The sequel's focus on fan-favorite character Dory was the right direction as they managed to tell a fresh story and expand the underwater world without rehashing the original film. Just like the first film, it is still brimming with heart and humor.
Where You Can Stream: Disney+
Incredibles 2
In Incredibles 2, the Incredibles family takes on a new mission, which involves a change in family roles: Bob Parr (Mr. Incredible) must manage the house while his wife Helen (Elastigirl) goes out to save the world.
While it doesn't reach the fullest heights of the first film, it is still a worthy and entertaining sequel due to the story's spotlight on Helen and the expansion of the lore that made the superhero world worth investing in.
Where You Can Stream: Disney+
Ralph Breaks the Internet
In Ralph Breaks the Internet, on a quest to save the video game Sugar Rush and to find a replacement, Ralph and his best friend Vanellope travel to the World Wide Web through a Wi-Fi router they find at the arcade.
The sequel's decision to expand the mythology by exploring the world of the Internet was the smart, creative path since it led them to the opportunity to do more world-building and exciting new characters beyond the arcade.
Where You Can Stream: Disney+
Frozen II
Frozen II follows Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven as they leave Arendelle to travel to an ancient, autumn-bound forest in an enchanted land. They set out to find the origin of Elsa's powers to save their kingdom.
While it was challenging to match the level of the first movie, the sequel managed to tell an equally entertaining story that expands the Frozen world and features another memorable song, "Into the Unknown," that became a hit for audiences. It is a worthy follow-up that proves there is more to tell with our favorite characters.
Where You Can Stream: Disney+
Inside Out 2
Inside Out 2 features Riley entering puberty and experiencing brand new, more complex emotions as a result. As Riley tries to adapt to her teenage years, her old emotions try to adapt to the possibility of being replaced.
The film expands the lore by introducing more emotions, including Anxiety, who became an instant fan-favorite. It also managed to have a bigger reception than the first movie, as it grossed more than $1.6 billion worldwide, but also well-loved by many audiences.
Where You Can Stream: Disney+
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