What is the best animated movie sequel of all time?

Animated sequels face the enormous challenge of recapturing movie magic — but the best have done it brilliantly. From Toy Story 2's heartbreak to Shrek 2's comedy, which animated sequel is the greatest?

1

Frozen II

The 2019 sequel expanding Elsa's mythology with a more ambitious, lore-rich story.

1000pts

2

Toy Story 2

The 1999 Pixar sequel that many argue rivals or beats the original in emotion and craft.

951pts

3

Finding Dory

The 2016 Pixar sequel that expanded the ocean world and gave the beloved Dory her own emotional journey.

824pts

4

Kung Fu Panda 3

The 2016 third entry bringing Po to the secret panda village and exploring identity and legacy.

824pts

5

Shrek 2

The 2004 DreamWorks sequel that exceeded the original's humor and became the highest-grossing animated film of its era.

801pts

6

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

The 2023 Miles Morales sequel delivering a stunning visual revolution and a bold cliffhanger.

801pts

7

Toy Story 3

The 2010 Pixar sequel exploring loss and growing up, with a harrowing furnace climax and tear-jerking finale.

515pts

8

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

The 2022 critically acclaimed sequel with a striking visual style and surprisingly mature themes of mortality.

515pts

9

The Rescuers Down Under

The 1990 Disney sequel that took Bernard and Bianca to Australia with dazzling hand-drawn panoramas.

515pts

10

How to Train Your Dragon 2

The 2014 sequel deepening Hiccup and Toothless's bond with jaw-dropping aerial battles.

229pts

11

Kung Fu Panda 2

The 2011 sequel giving Po a rich backstory while delivering beautifully animated action sequences.

229pts

12

Incredibles 2

The 2018 follow-up switching the family roles and delivering a visually spectacular superhero adventure.

229pts