Product Info

Studio

Dreamworks Animation

Director

Pierre Perifel, JP Sans

Genre

Action, Adventure, Animation

Rated

PG

Theatrical Release Date (NA)

Aug 1, 2025

Film Length

1hr 44min

Purchase From

The Bad Guys 2 is the sequel to the 2022 animated film, The Bad Guys. It maintains the charm of its vibrant colors, distinguished cast, and intriguing plot from the first installment. It is a well-rounded sequel, but some characters could benefit from more spotlight.

Trying to Be Good

Universal Pictures / DreamWorks Animation

After the events of the first film, the former bad guys, now good guys, team decide to leave their life of crime behind and try to integrate. Unfortunately, society still doesn’t accept them, and they struggle to find jobs and pay rent. However, things take a turn when a new group of bad guys makes the news and frames the good guys. Now, they must prove to the public that they are truly good guys even if it means going to space to do so.

The colorful cast returns and they haven’t missed a beat. Mr. Wolf, played by Sam Rockwell (IF, Moon), is the team leader and still maintains his sarcastic, confident charm. He continues to support his team through the toughest times. Mr. Snake, played by Marc Maron (The Order, Maron) plays a significant role in the film with his humorous dialogue and surprising new romantic relationship. Mr. Shark, played by Craig Robinson (The Office, Hot Tub Time Machine), still brings his over-the-top anxiety reactions that provide comic relief throughout the film. Mr. Piranha, played by Anthony Ramos (Hamilton, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts), adds to the humor with his tendency to fart when anxious. Initially, this seemed like a simple fart joke for kids to laugh towards, but it turns out to be quite hilarious at the right moments, causing many adults to chuckle. Ms. Tarantula, played by Awkwafina (Ocean’s Eight, The Little Mermaid), remains the tech-savvy brains of the operation, unlike her colleagues she’s more of the serious character.

The film shows each character struggling in job interviews, evoking sympathy from the audience. However, their skills in missions demonstrate how well they work together and adapt. They find themselves up against a team of female villains who are inspired by them, evident in their calling card after each heist resembling the bad guys’ style, which is why society still doesn’t trust them.

More the Merrier

Universal Pictures / DreamWorks Animation

Other characters outside the main team make their appearances. Diane Foxington, played by Zazie Beetz (Joker, Deadpool 2), shines as a capable and solid side character. The antagonist from the first film, Professor Rupert Marmalade IV, played by Richard Ayoade (Submarine, The IT Crowd), does make his appearance and still carries that criminal-mind vibe. Chief Misty Luggins, played by Alex Borstein (Family Guy, Ted), excels in her role as the new commissioner in The Bad Guys 2. Misty is shown on and off throughout the film but it feels like she could have played a bigger role and could use more spotlight because of the strength of her character.

It’s a Vibrant Getaway

Universal Pictures / DreamWorks Animation

The film starts off with a past heist involving the bad guys, where they steal a luxurious vehicle and introduce Ms. Tarantula as a newbie to the team. The precise process from the start of the mission to the escape is well done and provides a fun ride, then the film transitions to reality. There are multiple times these snappy transitions occur, and they are well executed, bringing in laughs and clever transitions. There is a lot of content throughout the film to keep the audience entertained though some spots take awhile to start-up. It’s like watching a kid-friendly version of Ocean’s Eleven or a 007 film for a young audience.

The film’s art style is colorful and unique to this film series. The style doesn’t delve into deep details on each of the bad guys’ textures, such as the fur on Mr. Wolf, but adds enough colors and textures to make them stand out. Human designs have a bean-shaped style that works well with the world of humans and humanoid animals that coexist in the film. The soundtrack is fun, featuring a few vocal tracks from Busta Rhymes and Rag’n’Bone Man that complement the film’s vibe.

The Final Steal

The Bad Guys 2 is a strong sequel that doesn’t miss a beat, considered one of the top animated films of the year. While some characters could use more spotlight, its story and vibrant style make it enjoyable for all ages.

An early screening provided for this review. The Bad Guys 2 arrives in theaters August 1st. Fans can visit the official website for more information and tickets.