The 24 Best Animated Sequels Of All Time, Ranked By Fans

The 24 Best Animated Sequels Of All Time, Ranked By Fans

Charlie Boyle
Updated September 15, 2025 24 items
Ranked By
145voters1.4Kvotes
Voting Rules

Vote up the animated sequels that stand the test of time.

Sequels can get a bad rep. They're always in the shadow of the original movie, and if that original movie was beloved or at least nostalgic (as most animated films are), this makes fans increasingly wary of any sequels, prequels, or spin-offs. However, there ARE some great sequels in animation, and no, they don't only come from Pixar. 

Want to continue Fievel's journey with him in An American Tail: Fievel Goes West? Love all of the Toy Story sequels? Or maybe you heard all the hype about Puss In Boots: The Last Wish and want to check it out for yourself? Below are a few of the best animated sequels of all time.

Most divisive: The Lion King II: Simba's Pride
Over 100 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The 24 Best Animated Sequels Of All Time, Ranked By Fans
This list is dynamically ranked based on user voting. The order reflects the consensus of our voters and is not influenced by paid placements or editorial bias.

  • Premise: When Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey travel to Fiona's parent's kingdom of Far Far Away, her parents get quite a shock in realizing that Fiona is still an ogre. Soon, it's revealed that her father had cut a deal with the Fairy Godmother to marry Fiona to her son Prince Charming, and now that Shrek is in the picture, they want him GONE. With the addition of Puss in Boots, Shrek and Donkey must figure out a way to save Fiona from the Fairy Godmother's magical tricks.

    Why It's Worth Watching: Shrek 2 has all the heart and warmth of the first movie, but may have even more laughs. The new additions to the cast and the situations Shrek and the crew find themselves in lead to hilarious encounters and problems. Plus, ever wonder what Shrek would look like as a human? 

    • Actors: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Julie Andrews, Antonio Banderas
    • Released: 2004
    • Directed by: Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury, Conrad Vernon
    135 votes
    Great sequel?
  • Premise: Five years have passed since the original movie, and in addition to Hiccup having a serious glow-up, Berk has fully transformed, with dragons woven in to the every day lives of its citizens. One day, Hiccup and his friends come upon dragon trappers and one reveals that their leader Drago has a plan to enslave every dragon. When Hiccup goes off to investigate, he runs into his mother, who everyone thought was dead. As it turns out, she's something of a dragon-whisperer herself and she decides to help Hiccup in his quest to stop Drago.

    Why It's Worth Watching: The cost of failure in this movie is higher than before, and as such, the movie is grander in what it tries (and does) achieve. Family and friendship are still important themes here, but more important is the relationship between humans and nature, as is the lesson of what happens when humans go too far.

    • Actors: Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera
    • Released: 2014
    • Directed by: Dean DeBlois, Tom Owens
    102 votes
    Great sequel?
  • Premise: Buzz and the rest of the Toy Story gang have to rescue Woody from toy collector Al McWhiggin before he becomes a permanent fixture in an overseas exhibit. While in captivity with other toys for the exhibit, Woody begins to seriously think of a future that Andy isn't a part of.

    Why It's Worth Watching: Some fans think the second installment of the series even outshines the first, partly because it introduces core fan-favorite characters like Jessie and Bullseye. This movie is also far more emotional than the first, with a scene involving Jessie's abandonment haunting the memories of viewers for years. 

    • Actors: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Kelsey Grammer, Don Rickles
    • Released: 1999
    • Directed by: Ash Brannon, John Lasseter, Lee Unkrich
    119 votes
    Great sequel?
  • Premise: Miles Morales is Spider-Man now, but he's also a teenager dealing with parents that don't get him, a school he feels like he's outgrown, and feelings for a girl that exists in a different universe. When said girl comes to visit, he realizes that there's much more to the multi-verse than he knew, and he soon realizes that his naivety on the situation was purposeful, as his existence carries a secret that nobody quite wants to face.

    Why It's Worth Watching: This movie has everything the original had - stunning animation (it may be even better now!), relatable and dynamic characters, insightful jokes, and a thoughtful plot line. However, with the expansion of the multi-verse in this movie, viewers are able to enjoy Spider-Man on a whole new level, with multiple Spider-People to follow and point at. Additionally, the twist reveal of Miles' true reality is something that fans cannot wait to explore in the next sequel.

    • Actors: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Brian Tyree Henry, Luna Lauren Velez, Jake Johnson
    • Released: 2023
    • Directed by: Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson
    116 votes
    Great sequel?
  • Premise: The film takes place directly after the events of the original movie. But now, it's Elastigirl's turn to take center stage and try to help superheroes become legal. After she's captured by the villain, her family steps up to save her and the rest of the supers from being used by mind-control.

    Why It’s Worth Watching: Pixar/Disney waited a full 14 years after the original to release the sequel - and it was worth the wait. It has all the heart of the original and may actually be funnier. Moms will rejoice in seeing Bob have to step up to the plate and take care of the kids, realizing just how much work Helen has on her plate daily. Dads will be happy to see that he eventually does adjust and by the end of the movie, the family's relationship is even stronger and is certainly healthier too.

    • Actors: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, Huck Milner, Samuel L. Jackson
    • Released: 2018
    • Directed by: Brad Bird
    105 votes
    Great sequel?
  • Premise: As Andy packs up for college, he wants to leave his toys in the attic but instead, they're accidentally donated to a daycare. While some enjoy the renewed attention from children, Woody longs to be with Andy and leaves. However, when he's picked up by a new child and her toys tell him about the reality of the daycare and the tyrant who runs it, Woody goes back to save his friends.

    Why It’s Worth Watching: Most Disney films are frozen at a set point in time. So it's a relatable, almost cathartic experience to see Andy grow up, much like many millennial kids were growing up alongside the Toy Story movies. The emotions in this movie feel complete - sad, but happy, as many feel when they're growing up and realizing what they might leave behind. Woody and the gang are just as lovable as ever, and the new villain of the movie is able to stand out in his own (terrifying) right.

    • Actors: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Ned Beatty, Don Rickles
    • Released: 2010
    • Directed by: Lee Unkrich
    118 votes
    Great sequel?