Disney Pixar magic is back! My family and I secured early-access screening tickets to their new release, “Hoppers,” in hopes of a good, animated film. What we got in return is the best Pixar film to be released in the last decade. Not only that, “Hoppers” is one of their top-five releases in their entire catalog.
“Hoppers” will make you get lost in its beautiful animation and laugh out loud at its smartly-written jokes that both kids and adults can connect with. It’ll also make you clench your theater seat from some intense scenes that come unexpectedly, while scraping the surface of animal horror.
But then it wraps a bear hug around you, giving you the warm fuzzies and pulling at your heartstrings.
Here’s my full “Hoppers” (2026) review.
“Hoppers” (2026) Review | Disney Pixar Returns To Form
A Return To Form for Disney Pixar
This is what made Disney and Pixar such an unstoppable team when they started out. This is the way their films used to make us feel.
“Hoppers” is their best effort in a very long time to achieve that feeling. It’s easily their best original release since 2017’s “Coco.” It’s a film that gives us lovable characters right down to the antagonist, a great story and a message that needs to be heard. It’ll snatch your attention immediately and won’t let go until the credits roll.
Environmental coexistence is the message that is not only put on display but is done so proudly by writer Daniel Chong. It makes the story and message feel important because it isn’t preachy: Animals and humans working together, as a team, to survive on our planet. It also doesn’t ignore the important reality of the food chain and order of nature.
A Voice Cast That Connects
Piper Curda is a knockout as our lead, “Mabel,” a 19-year-old animal lover who is determined to protect her family’s glade that is threatened by the mayor’s plans for a connecting highway.
That brings me to the mayor, “Jerry.” He’s portrayed by Jon Hamm in a hilarious voice performance. The Mammal King, “King George,” is delightful and your new comfort character, voiced by Bobby Moynihan.
But don’t sleep on “Titus” and the “Insect Queen.” These are supporting characters with limited screen time but unlimited presence, voiced by Dave Franco and Meryl Streep in a definitive fashion.
They all do a great job, but Curda and Moynihan stand out and show out. It’s brilliant work from those two that allows you to connect with their characters.
Director Daniel Chong Dominates
“Hoppers” is a joy and a huge victory for Disney Pixar.
A lot of that has to do with our first-time writer/director, Daniel Chong. What a job he did with a story that all ages can connect with and understand. Still, he didn’t shove his point down your throat while incorporating nearly every feeling possible. You’ll laugh, tear up, clench and feel warm inside throughout the movie.
“Pond Rules” is a lesson we can all learn from and one that should be practiced daily – one that “Hoppers” flawlessly delivers. We loved this movie and can’t wait to watch it again.
Catch “Hoppers” in theaters March 6.
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