Zootopia

Charming buddy-animal story promotes teamwork, perseverance.
Parents say
Based on 181 reviews
Kids say
Based on 309 reviews
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Zootopia
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
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Zootopia is a clever, fast-paced animated Disney film set in a world of walking, talking, clothed animals that live peacefully together, having supposedly evolved past nature's rules of predator versus prey. The story about eager young cop Judy Hopps' (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) investigation involves chase scenes (one is prolonged and particularly intense) and jump-scare predator attacks, as well as an explosive crash, sneaking around in dark rooms, allusions to mob activity, kidnapping, threatened torture (a crime boss wants to "ice" key characters -- i.e., throw them in frozen water to drown), and bullying. No one is seriously hurt, but there are times when it seems that they have been or will be. Expect regular use of insult language like "stupid," "jerk," "dumb," "butt," etc., humor related to "naturalist" animals who choose not to wear clothes, and some sexy, sparkly ensembles worn by pop star Gazelle (Shakira). There are a lot of jokes for adults that will go way over kids' heads (references to The Godfather, the DMV, and Breaking Bad, for instance), and the film's attempts to reference real-world prejudice and racism falter. But there's plenty for younger audiences to laugh at, and it all comes wrapped in positive (if imperfect) messages about courage, empathy, tolerance, and teamwork.
Community Reviews
Not for little kids
Report this review
I love this movie!
Report this review
What's the Story?
ZOOTOPIA is set in a world where walking, talking, "civilized" animals live in general harmony with one another, regardless of whether they're predator or prey. When small-town rabbit Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) achieves her childhood dream of becoming the first rabbit to join the Zootopia Police Department, Chief of Police Bogo (Idris Elba) initially relegates her to a safe but boring parking-duty assignment. Meanwhile, the rest of the ZPD is busy investigating 14 missing-mammal cases -- all predators. One day on the job, Judy encounters sly fox Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), who cheerfully hustles her. But she ends up hustling him right back after promising a worried otter that she'll find her missing husband: With only 48 hours to crack the case if she wants to keep her badge, Judy realizes her best bet is to enlist Nick -- who has plenty of connections -- to help her figure out who's behind the predator kidnappings that are threatening Zootopia's peace.
Is It Any Good?
Clever and heartwarming, this animated adventure is equal parts buddy-cop comedy, fish-out-of-water tale, and whodunit mystery. With its vibrant visuals and simple but evocative storyline, Zootopia is a talking-animal pic worth watching with the whole family. Judy and Nick's repartee is reminiscent of classic screwball comedies, and the plot's twists are a throwback to noir films in which the culprit is never who you think. Although the trailer gives away one of the movie's funniest scenes -- when Judy and Nick go into a DMV run entirely by sloths moving slower than molasses -- there are plenty more laughs and memorable bits to make both kids and grown-ups laugh.
And the voice casting is spot on: Goodwin is wonderful as the constantly energetic, optimistic Judy -- who may have gotten into the police academy thanks to the mayor's "mammal inclusion program" but who goes on to prove that even a cute bunny has what it takes to take down bad guys -- while Bateman has the ideal cynical voice to portray the hilariously jaded Nick, who's a fast-talking charmer with a knack for knowing everything he can about Zootopia's movers and shakers. Elba's robust baritone is perfectly paired with the brusque water buffalo police chief. Other supporting characters include veteran voice actor Maurice LaMarche doing an excellent Marlon Brando impression to play tuxedoed crime boss Mr. Big, and Tommy Chong as a "naturalist" life coach yak. And then there's Shakira's pop star Gazelle, who sings a catchy theme song that captures the spirit of the movie: "Try Everything." In other words, be who you want to be, not who others expect you to be.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Zootopia's messages. How well does it deliver its commentary on stereotypes? What characters defy them, and are there any characters that still fall into stereotypes?
Do you think Judy is a positive role model? How does she demonstrate courage, perseverance, and empathy? Why are those important character strengths? What about Nick? Why is their teamwork unique?
Do you agree with Nick when he says that "you can only be what you are -- sly fox, dumb bunny"? How does his opinion change over the course of the movie? How do he and Judy change the way the other thinks?
How does the movie address bullying? How did being bullied when they were little affect both Judy and Nick? How did they react to it? What does Judy find out about her bully later on, and what can we learn from that?
Do you think it's OK for movies aimed at kids to include humor that only adults will understand? Does it matter if the jokes are racy rather than just referencing things kids aren't familiar with?
Movie Details
- In theaters: March 4, 2016
- On DVD or streaming: June 7, 2016
- Cast: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Jenny Slate, Idris Elba
- Directors: Byron Howard, Rich Moore, Jared Bush
- Studio: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Friendship, Great Girl Role Models, Wild Animals
- Character Strengths: Courage, Empathy, Perseverance, Teamwork
- Run time: 108 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: some thematic elements, rude humor and action
- Awards: Academy Award, Common Sense Selection, Golden Globe
- Last updated: February 18, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love animals
Character Strengths
Find more movies that help kids build character.
Themes & Topics
Browse titles with similar subject matter.
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