The Bad Guys 2 Review

The Bad Guys 2 (2025): Crime, Comedy, and Chaos — The Crew Is Back for Another Wild Ride

Sequels in the world of animation often struggle to balance fan expectations with the need to evolve. Fortunately, The Bad Guys 2 (2025) swerves around that common pitfall with the slick charm and anarchic energy that made the original such a sleeper hit. Directed again by Pierre Perifel, with co-direction by JP Sans, this follow-up returns us to a world where redemption is tricky business—and where a team of former criminals continues to blur the line between heroism and mischief.

Set shortly after the events of the first film, The Bad Guys 2 doesn’t waste time rehashing what audiences already know. Instead, it jumps straight into a new predicament, with higher stakes and a larger stage. The group—Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Mr. Shark, Mr. Piranha, and Ms. Tarantula—has now earned a tentative place in society. But reputations, as the film wisely suggests, are fragile things. When a mysterious villain pulls off a crime spree using their old tactics, the team finds themselves on the wrong side of public opinion once again.

A Familiar World, But Sharper and Faster

The visual style returns with confidence. The unique animation blend of 2D flair and 3D texture remains intact, but this time, everything feels more refined. From the dusty city backstreets to neon-lit chase sequences, the world of *The Bad Guys 2* pops with attitude. Motion is fluid and expressive. The characters don’t just look cool—they move with a rhythm and elasticity that gives the film an almost musical pace.

The storytelling has matured as well. While the first movie explored themes of trust and identity, this one digs deeper into the price of fame, the complexity of second chances, and the reality of being judged by your past. It’s still loaded with laughs, but there’s a welcome seriousness beneath the gags, particularly in the way it portrays Mr. Snake’s struggle with old habits and Mr. Wolf’s internal tug-of-war between ego and leadership.

Strong Voice Work and Ensemble Energy

One of the franchise’s most valuable assets remains its cast. Sam Rockwell returns as Mr. Wolf with the same suave delivery, this time paired with moments of vulnerability that add depth to his character. Marc Maron’s Mr. Snake delivers sharp sarcasm and subtle emotional beats, making him the most unpredictable member of the crew. Awkwafina (Ms. Tarantula) and Craig Robinson (Mr. Shark) continue to bring humor and heart, while Anthony Ramos as Mr. Piranha is reliably energetic.

New additions to the voice cast, including a cunning rival gang and an overly ambitious detective, inject fresh dynamics without overcomplicating the plot. Each role serves the story, and each interaction moves the team one step closer to deciding whether they’re pretending to be heroes—or actually becoming them.

Fast-Paced Fun, Smart Humor

The action sequences are better than ever, mixing physical comedy with high-stakes tension. Whether it’s a car chase through a collapsing freeway or an infiltration gone wrong at an elite fundraiser, the set pieces are inventive and never overstay their welcome. The humor is layered, offering slapstick for younger audiences and clever wordplay and irony for adults. It rarely panders, trusting that viewers of all ages can keep up with its rhythm.

What stands out most, however, is how the film builds on its characters. Rather than reset them for the sake of comedy, it lets them evolve. There’s more emotion beneath the surface, especially in the way the characters relate to each other. These aren’t just funny archetypes—they’re a found family wrestling with how to move forward without losing who they are.

Animation That Leans Into Style

DreamWorks Animation has clearly invested in pushing the visual boundaries of this franchise. The sequel leans even further into stylized visuals, sometimes breaking traditional structure for quick comic book-style panels, exaggerated zooms, or pause frames during particularly chaotic moments. It’s kinetic, but not overwhelming. The visuals serve the storytelling, not the other way around.

The character design remains distinct, and each member of the crew has expressive features that make them instantly readable. Facial animation and timing play a huge part in the film’s comedy, something many animated films underutilize. In *The Bad Guys 2*, even a raised eyebrow or slow head turn delivers a laugh.

How to watch The Bad Guys 2 (2025) online

Availability & Access: The Bad Guys 2 is available to watch online across major platforms. While it is not currently free to stream, several services offer it for rent or purchase. Depending on the platform, you can also download the film for offline viewing.

Age Rating (US-based): PG — contains mild action, thematic elements, and comic mischief suitable for most children with parental guidance recommended.

Streaming Platforms:

• Netflix has not yet added The Bad Guys 2 to its catalog, but availability may vary by region. New subscribers can watch other titles for free during trial periods and download eligible content for offline access.
• Amazon Prime Video offers the movie for rent or purchase in HD and 4K, with download options included for offline viewing.
• Apple TV allows users to rent or buy the film in multiple formats, with offline download supported for personal use.
• Peacock may host the film on its premium plan. Downloads depend on the plan level; free streaming may be limited to selected content.
• Hulu is expected to stream the film later in the year. Trial access is available, though downloads may be restricted to certain devices.
• YouTube Movies lists The Bad Guys 2 for rent and purchase, and allows downloads through the YouTube app for offline playback.