The 12 Best Animated Movie Sequels of All Time

Follow-ups that deepened beloved worlds and proved a second chapter can outshine the first. Where do you stand?

1

Toy Story 2

The 1999 Pixar sequel that introduced Jessie and Bullseye while exploring what it means to be a toy.

1000pts

2

Bambi II

The 2006 Disney midquel exploring young Bambi growing bond with his father the Great Prince of the Forest.

824pts

3

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

The 2022 DreamWorks sequel praised for its Spider-Verse-influenced animation and meditation on mortality.

628pts

4

Despicable Me 2

The 2013 sequel in which Gru goes from villain to Anti-Villain League agent while falling in love.

549pts

5

Toy Story 3

The 2010 Pixar sequel that devastated audiences with themes of growing up and letting go.

439pts

6

Shrek 2

The 2004 DreamWorks sequel that expanded the fairy-tale universe with new characters and sharper comedy.

439pts

7

How to Train Your Dragon 2

The 2014 DreamWorks sequel with mature storytelling about family secrets and defending a dragon sanctuary.

274pts

8

The Rescuers Down Under

Disney 1990 sequel featuring breathtaking flight animation and McLeach as an underrated villain.

274pts

9

Kung Fu Panda 2

The 2011 sequel revealing Po tragic origins and facing Lord Shen across a beautifully realized China.

274pts

10

Incredibles 2

Brad Bird 2018 long-awaited sequel featuring Elastigirl as the hero while Bob juggles superhero kids.

274pts

11

Finding Dory

The 2016 Pixar sequel featuring Dory journey to find her parents with touching memory-loss themes.

274pts

12

Aladdin: The Return of Jafar

The 1994 direct-to-video sequel following Jafar escape from the lamp and renewed quest for power.

274pts