Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway
By Stefan Pape,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Superior sequel with slapstick violence pokes fun at itself.

A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway
Community Reviews
Based on 12 parent reviews
Great Funny film with slapsticking violence
Report this review
Mickey mouse Beats up Choo-choo Charels in PR
Report this review
What's the Story?
PETER RABBIT 2: THE RUNAWAY finds Peter (voiced by James Corden) living happily together with his owner, Bea (Rose Byrne), and her husband (and Peter's former adversary), Mr. McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson). But when Bea is tempted to sell the rights to her stories about Peter -- to publisher Nigel Basil-Jones (David Oyelowo) -- Peter realizes that in this franchise he's painted as a villain. Disheartened, he leaves his family behind and is taken under the wing of fellow rabbit Barnabas (Lennie James), who introduces him to a life of crime.
Is It Any Good?
Unlike the 2018 original, this sequel is a fun and entertaining adventure flick, with enjoyable action-heavy sequences and an impressively regular hit rate of jokes. Though not possessing the same British charm of the original books, Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway, helmed by American director Will Gluck (Easy A), is very self-aware. Corden once again voices Peter, and the film highlights, on more than one occasion, that his voice annoys some -- a criticism regularly thrown at the first movie. Furthermore, the whole narrative plays with the notion of a huge Hollywood adaptation of a popular series of kids' books losing sight of what made the stories so popular in the first place. It's all very meta.
Yet while it should be commended for poking fun at itself, the movie is still guilty of the very crime it's highlighting. That said, it is funny and it never fails to keep your attention. It's also a film that can be enjoyed by all the family, although some of the more extreme slapstick violence may be too much for younger viewers. Purists may still turn their noses up, but this sequel deserves credit for improving on what was a disappointing first movie with a large dose of self-deprecating humor.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the action and violence in Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway. The violence may be slapstick in its approach, but it is regular and often quite full-on. Did you find the violence funny, or at times was it too aggressive?
Discuss the idea of being unfairly judged, or underestimated. Have you ever felt that way? Did you prove the doubter wrong? If so, how?
Discuss the dilemma that Bea faces with regard to selling the stories she's written about Peter. Why was she tempted to sell them? What changed her mind? What would you have done in her situation?
How did this movie compare to the first film? What were the differences? Which did you prefer and why?
Have you read the original Peter Rabbit books by Beatrix Potter? How did this movie compare? What is the appeal of movies based on books?
Movie Details
- In theaters: June 11, 2021
- On DVD or streaming: August 17, 2021
- Cast: James Corden, Elizabeth Debicki, Lennie James
- Director: Will Gluck
- Inclusion Information: Black actors
- Studio: Sony Pictures Releasing
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Book Characters, Horses and Farm Animals, Wild Animals
- Character Strengths: Courage, Teamwork
- Run time: 93 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: some rude humor and action
- Last updated: February 18, 2023
Inclusion information powered by
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Watch
Our Editors Recommend
Best Animal Movies for Kids
Best Animated Animal Movies
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate