Disney and Pixar have become sequel heavyweights

And most are really fun to watch….

The House of Mouse’s upcoming slate includes a bevy of highly anticipated sequels to beloved films. And this is coming on the heels of Inside Out 2 setting records at the box office.

In this post, I’ll be going to infinity and beyond to share with you the upcoming films to get excited for and the ones that are worth enjoying again.

Moana 2 – Releases in Theaters Nov. 27, 2024

Originally planned as a show for Disney, Moana 2 has been reimagined into a feature film. Expect Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) to make waves in her return to the big screen. In her latest adventure, our favorite voyager princess sets sail for a quest across the Oceanic seas when she gets an unexpected call from her ancestors. And thank Disney, the shape-shifting demi-god Maui (Dwayne Johnson) is along for the ride, always ready with a “You’re welcome.” As always the stakes are upped, as the new terrains Moana comes across will be more treacherous than the Heart of Te Fiti.

Mufasa: The Lion King – Releases in Theaters Dec. 20, 2024

In this prequel, everything the light touches is not just yet Mufasa’s kingdom. Taking up the same mantle as the photorealistic CG animated Lion King (2019) remake, this prequel will tell the story of Mufasa (Aaron Pierre) and his brother Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) before he became Scar. Audiences should expect to uncover how Mufasa survived various tribulations that lead him to becoming the reputable king of Pride Rock. Mufasa’s roar will unleash on this year’s holiday season.

Zootopia 2 – Releases in Theaters Nov. 26, 2025

Zootopia 2 is on its way, as announced by Disney last year. The only details I have on the sequel is that our brave rabbit cop Judy Hopps is back with her old friend, the fox Nick Wilde to crack a new case. That being said, now’s the time to view the original 2016 animated hit that follows bunny police officer Hopps voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin, who strikes up an unlikely friendship with the con artist fox Wilde, voiced by Jason Bateman. Both are set to return in their respective roles for the sequel.

Inside Out 2 – Released in Theaters June 14, 2024

What a joyous occasion. As I am writing this post, it has just been announced that Inside Out 2 has passed Incredibles 2 as the highest grossing movie in Pixar history. When we left Riley at the end of Inside Out, the little voices inside Riley’s head knew her inside and out. But all of that changes as she is growing up and our sequel introduces us to some new emotions, including one that all of us might know too well, Anxiety. Per usual Anxiety wreaks havoc along the way and the quest is on for our returning emotions to joyfully save the day.

The Verdict: A brilliant and captivating sequel

Acute Film Addictive Rating: 8.6/10

Finding Dory (2016)

Finding Dory was Pixar’s follow-up to Finding Nemo and was a huge success both at the box office and with critics alike. It has been one year since Dory helped Marlin rescue his son, Nemo. The three of them have become fast friends. One day when Dory remembers where her parents live, together they head off on an epic quest to find them. Their journey leads them to a Marine Life Institute where they begin a hilarious and altogether heartwarming search and meeting some new friends along the way.

The Verdict: An Unforgettable Journey You’ll Want to Watch Again and Again.

Acute Film Addictive Rating: 7.9/10

Frozen II (2019)

Frozen II, was without a doubt one of the most anticipated Disney animated sequels. The film continues the story of Queen Elsa and Princess Anna navigating their identities and responsibilities in ruling a queendom. The pace of this movie is brisk in comparison to the first film, but it does offer a robust narrative combined with humor and a plethora of new songs, as well as introductions to new compelling characters. While I do lean toward the first film as my personal favorite, Frozen II is a very strong sequel. The big wins here are the themes of sisterly love and a musical score that much like the original will have you singing for days.

The Verdict: Frozen II is a quality sequel that admirably complements the original film.

A Cute Film Addictive Rating: 7.5/10

Toy Story 3 (2010)

With three sequels under its belt and all really done well, honestly you should just put them all on your watchlist. But Toy Story 3 unfolds with Andy, now grown, grappling with the college transition. The handful of loyal toys left find themselves at Sunnyside Daycare. The poignant narrative takes a turn with Buzz and the gang escaping to return to Andy, who then entrusts them to Bonnie, a young girl in need of the cherished toys. Considered one of Toy Story’s saddest moments, you will find this emotionally charged scene sticks with you, as it encapsulates the wistfulness of childhood nostalgia and the inevitable passage of time.

The Verdict: The third film in this Disney and Pixar catalogue marks the conclusion of a cherished era as Andy moves forward, a sentiment that echoes as powerfully as the originals.

A Cute Film Addictive Rating: 9.0/10