The Bad Guys 2 (2025) Parents Guide

The Bad Guys 2 is Rated PG by Motion Picture Rating (MPA) for action/mild violence, rude humor and language.

From the moment the reformed gang of animal bandits steps onto the global stage in The Bad Guys 2, it’s clear DreamWorks is doubling down on what made the original so irresistible but with a twist that keeps things feeling fresh. Riding high off the 2022 hit, this sequel leans into its heist-comedy DNA while layering in new, cinematic swagger (think Tarantino-ish tension meets interstellar escapades). It doesn’t just meet expectations it cheekily breaches them in the best way.

The Story & What It Tries to Say

The story follows Mr. Wolf and his motley crew of reformed criminals Mr. Snake, Mr. Shark, Mr. Piranha, and Ms. Tarantula who have stepped away from their notorious life of crime to become full-time do-gooders. After the events of the first film, they’ve embraced their new roles as public heroes, doing small acts of kindness, helping the community, and trying to leave behind their outlaw reputation.

But things don’t stay quiet for long. The peace is shattered when a new threat emerges in the form of The Bad Girls a fierce, mysterious trio of villainesses named Kitty Kat, Doom, and Pigtail. They’re slick, confident, and seem to know exactly how to push the original crew’s buttons. Kitty Kat, in particular, shares a deep and complicated history with Mr. Wolf, igniting old rivalries, buried admiration, and unresolved tension. When it becomes clear the Bad Girls are planning a heist so bold it spans from Earth to outer space yes, actual space the Bad Guys are reluctantly pulled out of retirement for one last mission. Highly Recommended: House on Eden (2025) Parents Guide

What follows is a zippy, globe-trotting, high-concept adventure that blends spy movie thrills with animated absurdity. From break-ins in high-security facilities to a zero-gravity heist that plays like Ocean’s Eleven meets Guardians of the Galaxy, the film doesn’t hold back on set pieces. Along the way, the gang wrestles with doubts: are they really “good guys” now, or are they just pretending? And more importantly can people really change, or does your past always catch up with you?

What The Bad Guys 2 tries to say underneath all the action and gags is that redemption isn’t a one-time fix; it’s a choice you make over and over again. The film explores the messiness of personal growth in a way that’s surprisingly nuanced for an animated feature. Mr. Wolf, once the smooth criminal, now finds himself questioning if “goodness” means sacrificing the thrill of who he once was. Mr. Snake, still grappling with trust and loyalty, wonders if his place is with the group at all. And when Kitty Kat challenges their new moral compass, it forces everyone to reflect on the blurred lines between hero and villain.

It’s not just about being labeled a “bad guy” or a “good guy” it’s about who you choose to be, even when no one’s watching.

Does the film succeed in delivering this message? Mostly, yes. It manages to slip genuine emotional reflection into a fast-paced, family-friendly heist movie. The dynamic between Wolf and Kitty Kat is the heart of the story, giving the narrative some much-needed emotional weight. There are a few spots where the story moves so quickly that it glosses over deeper introspection but even in its lightest moments, the film keeps circling back to its core question: Is redemption ever truly complete or is it something you keep chasing, one choice at a time?

Ultimately, The Bad Guys 2 finds that sweet spot between fun and feeling wrapping a big idea inside a burrito of slapstick comedy, stylish action, and surprising heart.

Performances & Characters
Sam Rockwell’s Mr. Wolf returns with his slick charm, but Danielle Brooks’ Kitty Kat steals the show. Inspired by Christoph Waltz’s suave menace, her performance radiates controlled charisma and sly humor. Marc Maron, Craig Robinson, Anthony Ramos, and Awkwafina round out the gang with distinct flair, but it’s the dynamic between Wolf and Kitty Kat mentor and challenger that sparkles brightest. The chemistry is palpable, especially when it gets playful or tense.

Direction, Visuals & Pacing
Pierre Perifel and co-director JP Sans take bold swings here. The animation is polished and vivid credit also to Sony Pictures Imageworks for sequences that seamlessly transition from Earth-bound chases to intergalactic capers. The pacing rarely flags, propelled by Daniel Pemberton’s snappy score and editorial choices that keep the energy up. A running “burrito-in-a-spacesuit” gag underscores the film’s willingness to mix grand spectacle with ridiculous, childhood-gawking humor.

The Bad Guys 2 (2025) Parents Guide

Violence: Expect zippy chase sequences, comedic fight scenes, and a touch of slapstick danger. There’s no blood and injuries are glossed over with cartoon resilience but there are car crashes, some relatively tense near-miss moments, and mischievous heist sequences. Think more thrill than threat nothing to genuinely frighten, but little ones might feel a buzz of suspense.

Language: The humor walks the line between cheeky and snarky. Insults like “loser” or “butt” pop up, along with some playful banter and mild jokes. No harsh profanity, though the tone feels like the kind of antics that might make tweens giggle and parents roll their eyes.

Nudity & Sexual Content: There’s no explicit romance. Characters flirt or exchange subtle affections, but it’s all tame and charming.

Final Thoughts & Recommendation

The Bad Guys 2 is more than just a sequel it’s a heist film dressed in fur and fun. It’s aimed at families but layered for adults who will catch its stylish nods to crime cinema and comedic timing. It may stretch its runtime slightly thin at moments some Redditors noted a slower pace in pockets but the film’s wit, heart, and audacious visuals largely keep momentum high. If you loved the first for its charm and cheek, you’ll adore this for its expansion of that world with more swagger and space. Solidly entertaining, surprisingly sophisticated, and ready for takeoff this one earns an 8/10 from me.