24 Best Animated Sequels, Ranked

Premise: When Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey travel to Fiona's parent's kingdom of Far Far Away, her parents realize Fiona is an ogre. Her father made a deal with the Fairy Godmother to marry Fiona to Prince Charming, and now Shrek wants him gone. Shrek and Donkey, with Puss in Boots, must save Fiona from the Fairy Godmother's magic.Premise: When Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey travel to Fiona's parent's kingdom of Far Far Away, her parents realize Fiona is an ogre. Her father made a deal with the Fairy Godmother to marry Fiona to Prince Charming, and now Shrek wants him gone. Shrek and Donkey, with Puss in Boots, must save Fiona from the Fairy Godmother's magic.

Why It's Worth Watching: Shrek 2 has the heart and warmth of the first movie, plus more laughs. New cast members and the situations Shrek and the crew face create funny problems. Also, see what Shrek looks like as a human.Shrek 2 is listed among the 24 Best Animated Sequels.Shrek 2 has the heart and warmth of the first movie, plus more laughs. New cast members and the situations Shrek and the crew face create funny problems. Also, see what Shrek looks like as a human?

Premise: Buzz and the rest of the gang have to rescue Woody from toy collector Al McWhiggin before he goes into a permanent overseas exhibit. While kept with other toys for the exhibit, Woody starts thinking about a future not involving Andy.Buzz and the rest of the cast appear in this ranking.Toy Story 2 is also included in the 24 Best Animated Sequels.Buzz and the rest of the gang have to rescue Woody from toy collector Al McWhiggin before he goes into a permanent overseas exhibit. While kept with other toys for the exhibit, Woody starts thinking about a future not involving Andy.

Why It's Worth Watching: Some fans think the second installment of the series outshines the first. It introduces fan-favorite characters like Jessie and Bullseye. This movie is also more emotional than the first; a scene about Jessie's abandonment stays with viewers for years.Some fans think the second installment of the series outshines the first. It introduces fan-favorite characters like Jessie and Bullseye. This movie is also more emotional than the first; a scene about Jessie's abandonment stays with viewers for years.

Premise: Five years passed since the original movie. Hiccup has a serious glow-up, and Berk has changed completely, with dragons in the daily lives of its people. One day, Hiccup and his friends meet dragon trappers. One reveals their leader, Drago, plans to enslave every dragon. When Hiccup investigates, he meets his mother, whom everyone thought was dead. She is a dragon-whisperer and helps Hiccup stop Drago.Five years passed since the original movie. Hiccup has a serious glow-up, and Berk has changed completely, with dragons in the daily lives of its people. One day, Hiccup and his friends meet dragon trappers. One reveals their leader, Drago, plans to enslave every dragon. When Hiccup investigates, he meets his mother, whom everyone thought was dead. She is a dragon-whisperer and helps Hiccup stop Drago.

Why It's Worth Watching: The cost of failure in this movie is higher than before. The movie tries harder in what it achieves. Family and friendship remain important themes, but the human-nature relationship and what happens when humans go too far matter more.The cost of failure in this movie is higher than before. The movie tries harder in what it achieves. Family and friendship remain important themes, but the human-nature relationship and what happens when humans go too far matter more.

Premise: Miles Morales is Spider-Man, but he is a teenager dealing with parents who do not understand him, a school he feels too old for, and feelings for a girl in another universe. When that girl visits, he sees there is more to the multiverse than he knew. He soon realizes his naivety was intentional because his existence holds a secret no one wants to face.Miles Morales is Spider-Man, but he is a teenager dealing with parents who do not understand him, a school he feels too old for, and feelings for a girl in another universe. When that girl visits, he sees there is more to the multiverse than he knew. He soon realizes his naivety was intentional because his existence holds a secret no one wants to face.

This section explains why you should watch Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Part One).This movie holds everything the original had: stunning animation, dynamic characters, sharp jokes, and a thoughtful plot. Expanding the multiverse lets viewers see Spider-Man on a new level, following multiple Spider-People. The twist revealing Miles' reality lets fans look forward to the next sequel.

Toy Story 3 appears in the list '24 Best Animated Sequels, Ranked'.This is how Toy Story 3 is described. Andy packs for college. He wants to leave his toys in the attic, but they end up at a daycare. Some kids like the new attention, but Woody wants Andy back and leaves. A new child picks up Woody, and her toys tell him about the daycare's reality and the tyrant running it. Woody returns to save his friends.

View Toy Story 3 because of this.Most Disney films freeze time. Seeing Andy grow up feels relatable, almost cathartic for millennial kids growing up with these movies.Toy StoryThe emotions in this movie feel complete—sad and happy. Many feel this way while growing up and realizing what they might lose. Woody and the gang remain lovable. The movie's new villain stands out in his own scary way.

Incredibles 2 appears in the list '24 Best Animated Sequels, Ranked'.The film follows the original events. Now, Elastigirl takes center stage, trying to help superheroes become legal. After the villain captures her, her family steps up to save her and the supers from mind control.

This is how Incredibles 2 is described.Pixar/Disney waited 14 years for this sequel, and it paid off. It keeps the heart of the original and might even be funnier. Moms see Bob step up to care for the kids, realizing Helen's daily workload. Dads see him adjust; the family relationship becomes stronger and healthier.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish appears in the list '24 Best Animated Sequels, Ranked'.Puss in Boots lived dangerously, and now it costs him. Death is knocking on his door; Puss and his friends seek a fallen wishing star. They look for it, but Puss lies about why he wants it.

Why it's worth watching: Viewers know the characters because this movie sequels a franchise already a spin-off of Shrek.ShrekThis franchise features new characters who are all well-known fairytale creatures. The movie offers fun, familiar, and playful content for fans. It also handles deep, mature emotions, touching on mental health, death, betrayal, loyalty, and friendship. The animation twists, sometimes resembling a comic book, and at other times looks like watercolors.

Premise: Heroic mice Bernard and Bianca are now top field agents for the Rescue Aid Society. They are also a couple about to get married. A boy in Australia gets kidnapped by a poacher. They leave to rescue him with help from other local animals.

Why It’s Worth Watching: Audiences loved the original The Rescuers features quirky characters and a setting in Louisiana that fits the plot perfectly. The sequel brings fans the same satisfaction from Australia, even more so, as the land almost becomes a character itself. New cast members also add depth to Bernard and Bianca.

Premise: Gru retired from being a supervillain to spend more time with his adopted daughters and keep them safe. A special agent recruits him to stop a world-conquering villain. Gru returns to the lives of villains, heroes, and everyone in between, making him question who he is and what he wants.

Why It's Worth Watching: Watching Gru try to manage parenthood and life without being a villain is entertaining. The girls and the Minions remain hilarious. Lucy and El Macho join the cast, creating a wild ride with lipstick tazers, nacho hats, and evil purple Minions.

Premise: Po has saved the world twice. Now, Po needs to stop Kai, Oogway's old friend and nemesis, from draining the chi from all the kung fu masters in China. Po must master chi, a secret only pandas know. Po finds his father looking for him, so Po and his father go to a secret panda village to learn chi and save his friends.

Why It's Worth Watching: The Kung Fu Pandafranchise features humor and great action scenes, plus dynamic animation. This all exists in great action scenes, and dynamic animation. This all exists in Kung Fu Panda 3, but this movie ties up loose ends from previous films in a satisfying way.

Premise: Dory loses her short-term memory but goes on a deep-sea adventure. She seeks closure on the childhood trauma of being separated from her parents. After separating from her friends, Dory must use her instincts to find and rescue her parents.

Why It's Worth Watching: Finding Dory tackles conversations about disabilities well. Many characters, not just Dory, have physical or mental disabilities. The story also lets us explore marine life in a personal, emotional way.

Inside Out 2 appears in the list '24 Best Animated Sequels, Ranked'.Riley is a teenager now. New emotions arrive with her entering adolescence. As these new emotions take over, the old ones are pushed aside. They fight to regain control over how Riley feels.

Inside Out 2 is a sequel.As with the first, Inside Out 2 continues the story.Inside Out is featured.this film shows how emotions work for us and against us. Riley's anxiety attack shows viewers how anyone, even an emotion, can feel out of control.

An American Tail: Fievel Goes West appears in the list '24 Best Animated Sequels, Ranked'.A cat tricks Fievel. Fievel's family and many mice board a train toward America's wild west. Fievel discovers the deception and finds himself stranded in the desert.Fievel is stranded in the desert.cats find him eavesdropping. In the desert, Fievel meets Tiger, who trains to 'be more like a dog.' Fievel eventually finds his family, but they do not believe the scheme happened.

An American Tail: Fievel Goes West is worth watching.Fievel's bravery, naiveté, and kindness connect with viewers, like in the first movie. Tiger brings similar laughs. The plot repeats the mice's danger, but the Old West setting feels fresh, keeping the audience engaged and wanting to see what happens next.

Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2 appears in the list '24 Best Animated Sequels, Ranked'.A part breaks in the Sugar Rush gaming cabinet. Ralph and Vanellope enter the internet's depths to find the piece and save their home. Vanellope learns what she wants (and what she doesn't) does. Ralph feels deep insecurity about their friendship's future.

Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2 is worth watching.Most sequels use the same setup as the original film. But in Ralph Breaks the Internet., Ralph and Vanellope enter a new, unknown space. Viewers find the space entertaining as the duo explores the internet and everything it offers, including the dark side.

An Extremely Goofy Movie appears in the list '24 Best Animated Sequels, Ranked'.Max goes to college with his friends P.J. and Bobby. Lonely with his son gone, Goofy messes up at work and gets fired. To get a new job, Goofy must finish his college credits at the same school Max attends.

An Extremely Goofy Movie is worth watching.Goofy, Max, and the crew feel good in a college setting. We feel embarrassed for Max as his father constantly embarrasses him, and happy for Goofy as he seems to be finding his way and love. The X Games scenes show action, and the villain's fall is sweet.

Frozen 2 appears in the list '24 Best Animated Sequels, Ranked'.A mysterious voice calls out to Elsa. the originalFrozenThe crew leaves to find Elsa's power's source in the Enchanted Forest. They meet new friends and rivals. They learn the truth about their family and what was hidden.

Why It’s Worth Watching: This sequel is not low-budget. The plot, songs, and jokes match the first film. More magic shows up, making it fun for the audience to ask, “What happens next?” Elsa chooses her path instead of just getting something she inherits.

Premise: Nala and Simba's daughter, Kiara, loves Kovu, a young man from an exiled pack allied with Scar. Kovu first uses her attraction to gain Pride Rock and seek revenge for Scar's death. Then, he returns her love and rejects his family—which they do not accept well.

Why It’s Worth Watching: Nala and Simba’s romance reconnected easily. However, Kiara and Kovu's romance hitsRomeo and Juliet family pushback. The enemies-to-lovers theme is strong here, executed well with songs, flirtatious words, and suggestive looks.

Premise: Like the original Fantasia, Fantasia 2000This film uses multiple animated shorts set to classical music. It starts with a conductor, then whales fly through clouds after finding their calf. Next, a jazzy look at New Yorkers' lives. Then, a story based on “The Steadfast Tin Soldier.” Follow this with a story about a flamingo and a yo-yo. There is a repeat of “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” and a story based on Noah’s ark with Donald Duck as Noah. Finally, a sprite summons a volcano's anger and faces the results.

Why It's Worth Watching:This sequel mirrors the original; it aims for art over a simple story. Music drives the plot—the main point. Animation follows; storylines come last. This offers a unique Disney choice, mixing stunning animation and classic music.

Premise: The Toy StoryThe crew takes a road trip with their new owner, Bonnie, and her new (and favorite) homemade toy, Forky. Woody struggles with Bonnie's lack of interest and his missing leadership role. He meets his old flame Bo Peep, now a lost toy, and fights his feelings for her against staying with Bonnie.

Why It's Worth Watching: Toy Story 4Released 20 years after the original, 'Toy Story 4' features finding yourself in the world, a theme longtime fans relate to. Bo Peep adds much-needed feminine energy. Viewers see a new world where toys are abandoned and what they do next.

Premise: As Aladdin and Jasmine plan their wedding, Aladdin learns his father is alive and acts as the King of Thieves. Aladdin decides to help his father change his ways, but this journey holds unexpected turns.

Why It’s Worth Watching: In the original Aladdin, we learn little about Aladdin's past, only that he was a “street rat.” Here, we find out why his father left and see the real, sticky situation of how he hoped to reunite with Aladdin and lift them from poverty.

Premise: After Littlefoot's grandfather gets sick, a group of Longnecks claims a flower can heal him. The flower is in a dangerous mist area full of predators. Littlefoot convinces a young Longneck, Ali, to help, and they immediately get into trouble. Eventually, Littlefoot and his friends get the flower.

Why It's Worth Watching: Is this movie very different from the original or the sequels? No. Instead of making it duller, it feels wonderfully nostalgic. We meet a new friend and explore adult themes of prejudice.

Premise: The Crood family still lacks a home. One day, after finding what looks like paradise, they meet the human family, the Bettermans. The Bettermans are old friends with Guy, who becomes captivated by their world and inventions, making Eep feel insecure. The Bettermans want Guy to stay but do not think the rough Croods fit their lives. Thus, they try to trick the Croods into leaving.

Why It's Worth Watching: The Crood family acts big and bold here. Their difference from the Bettermans causes funny antics. The movie is bright, fun, and colorful. It shows family dynamics in a surprisingly thoughtful way.

Premise:Twelve years after the first film, Ariel and Eric's daughter, Melody, wants to explore the sea. Melody does not know about her mother's mermaid bloodline (which her parents hid to keep her safe). Melody feels betrayed learning about Ariel's past and turns into a mermaid with Ursula's sister's help. This magic has its costs, like before.

Why It’s Worth Watching: Disney rarely shows its princesses as full adults, especially as parents. Seeing the once-naïve Ariel as a protective mother is a treat. The irony of Melody wanting what Ariel tried to escape is a fun thing for parents to watch.

Cinderella III: A Twist in Time appears on the list '24 Best Animated Sequels, Ranked'.When Cinderella's evil stepmother gets the Fairy Godmother's wand, she reverses time to a year before Cinderella found her happy ending. Before Cinderella finds the Prince, Lady Tremaine charms him into thinking Cinderella's stepsister, Anastasia, is his true love.

This film appears on the list '24 Best Animated Sequels, Ranked'.The Prince lacks personality in the first film. Here, we see more of his thoughts and opinions. He also shows his fencing and trapeze skills. Cinderella gains more personality; she cannot rely on magic now and must use her own wits. Anastasia's story, as she finds her voice, is also powerful.