THE BAD GUYS 2 (2025)

Genre: CG Animation
Director: Pierre Perifel
Cast: Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Craig Robinson, Anthony Ramos, Awkwafina, Danielle Brooks, Maria Bakalova, Natasha Lyonne, Zazie Beetz, Richard Ayoade, Alex Borstein, Lilly Singh
Runtime: 1 hr 44 mins
Rating: PG13 (Some) Violence
Released By: UIP
Official Website: 

Opening Day: 31 July 2025

Synopsis: Everyone’s favourite felons are back, and this time, they’ve got company. In the new action-packed chapter from DreamWorks Animation’s acclaimed comedy smash about a crackerjack crew of animal outlaws, our now-reformed Bad Guys are trying (very, very hard) to be good, but instead find themselves hijacked into a high-stakes, globe-trotting heist, masterminded by a new team of criminals they never saw coming: The Bad Girls.

Movie Review:

The Bad Guys is an illustrated children’s graphic novel series by Aussie author Aaron Blabey. It really took off when DreamWorks Animation scooped up the rights for a big-screen adaptation. The concept? A group of misunderstood “bad” animals — think a sly wolf, a sneaky snake, and a grumpy piranha — team up to flip the script and become heroes. It’s like Ocean’s Eleven for kids, with plushie-worthy animals and family-friendly laughs.

The 2022 movie was a box office hit, raking in $250.4 million worldwide against a $69–80 million budget. Its success also spawned TV specials that kept fans laughing along with the motley crew of animal antiheroes. So naturally, with the sequel, we were curious—what new direction would the story take to keep the fun (and chaos) going?

We’re happy to report that this sequel directed by Pierre Perifel and JP Sans stays true to the spirit of the original. This time, the Bad Guys are pulled out of retirement to team up with an all-female criminal squad for a high-stakes heist. Why? Their ally, Governor Diane Foxington, is in trouble—her secret criminal past is on the verge of being exposed. So yes, watching the first movie definitely helps for some backstory and context.

Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Craig Robinson, Anthony Ramos, and Awkwafina return to voice Mr Wolf, Mr Snake, Mr Shark, Mr Piranha, and Ms Tarantula. Each character brings a unique quirk that makes the story a blast to watch. Rockwell effortlessly charms as the smooth-talking leader with a heart that's slowly turning good, while Maron is a delight as the lovelorn and snarky Mr Snake. Robinson delivers laughs as the unexpectedly hilarious master of disguise, and Ramos gets a standout moment with some toilet humor that’s sure to have kids howling. Meanwhile, Awkwafina’s distinctive voice fits perfectly as the sharp-witted hacker of the crew. Elsewhere, Zazie Beetz adds some female sass as the governor with a past.

Danielle Brooks, Maria Bakalova, and Natasha Lyonne join the cast as the formidable Bad Girls, voicing Kitty Kat — a no-nonsense, slightly menacing snow leopard; Doom — a raven who leaves Mr. Snake lovestruck; and Pigtail Petrova — a powerhouse wild boar who can easily outmuscle the Bad Guys.

We’re also thoroughly entertained by Alex Borstein’s Misty Luggins, the hot-headed human chief of police who’s now been promoted to police commissioner, and Richard Ayoade’s Professor Marmalade, the villainous guinea pig and former foe of the Bad Guys, now locked away in a maximum-security prison. The scene where the governor visits him and ends up playing Connect Four is pure comedy gold.

With such a lively mix of characters and personalities, it’s no surprise that the 104-minute film keeps the fun rolling from start to finish.

The sequel ups the ante with an out-of-this-world finale—literally—launching the characters into outer space. The sequence is gorgeously animated and, while delightfully over-the-top, delivers pure fun on the big screen. It’s the kind of wild swing that brings to mind the Fast & Furious franchise’s space detour—you know it’s ridiculous, but you can’t help but enjoy the ride.

A third instalment has already been announced, and here’s hoping it keeps the charm and chaos going strong.

Movie Rating:

(It’s double the fun and chaos as the Bad Guys team up with the Bad Girls in this entertainingly action-packed sequel)

Review by John Li