The Bad Guys 2 (2025) Review: Reformed Crooks Pull One Last Heist

This The Bad Guys 2 review starts with a simple verdict: the sequel is a slicker, funnier and more stylish caper than the first film. Pierre Perifel returns to direct the animated crew, and he keeps the pace fast and the jokes coming. It is a family-friendly action romp that also has plenty for adults.

The Bad Guys 2 Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The film opens with a flashback heist in Cairo, showing how Mr. Wolf got his famous black car. In the present, Wolf and his friends are trying to live honestly, but finding work is hard when everyone still sees them as crooks. Worse, a mysterious thief keeps leaving their names at crime scenes.

The gang is then pulled into one more job by a crew of criminals they never saw coming: the Bad Girls. That sets up a globe-trotting heist with double-crosses, gadgets and a lot of bickering. The Animation movie reviews section has more titles in this style if you enjoy it.

The plot is familiar heist-movie territory, but it moves quickly. The writers, Yoni Brenner and Etan Cohen, keep the focus on the friendships and the question of whether anyone can really change.

What Works in The Bad Guys 2

The animation is the first thing you notice. The look mixes painterly textures with the snap of a comic book, and the action scenes have real flair. Chases, break-ins and set pieces feel inventive rather than generic.

The humor lands too. Slapstick and fart jokes keep younger viewers laughing, while the film nods to classics such as Mission: Impossible and Lethal Weapon for the grown-ups. Some critics also noted a slightly grittier, more stylized crime-caper tone than you might expect.

The film also gives its heroes a clearer emotional hook. Being good is harder than it looks when the world refuses to give second chances. That theme gives the jokes something to rest on.

The Bad Guys 2 Cast and Performances

The returning voice cast is a big part of the appeal. Sam Rockwell is charming as Wolf, mixing swagger with a growing need to be trusted. Marc Maron's dry Snake, Awkwafina's quick-fire Tarantula, Craig Robinson's gentle Shark and Anthony Ramos's excitable Piranha all feel lived-in.

Zazie Beetz returns as Diane Foxington, and her chemistry with Wolf gives the story a light romantic thread. The ensemble banter is the film's secret weapon. Even when the plot gets busy, the group dynamic keeps it fun.

The Main Voices

• Sam Rockwell as Wolf

• Marc Maron as Snake

• Awkwafina as Tarantula

• Craig Robinson as Shark

• Anthony Ramos as Piranha

• Zazie Beetz as Diane Foxington

Where The Bad Guys 2 Stumbles

The main weakness is familiarity. If you have seen a few heist films, you will spot the twists and turns well before they arrive. Some viewers found the story only decent, even if it is a blast to watch.

With so many characters, a few get less to do than they deserve. The new faces bring energy, but the crowded cast means the quieter emotional beats can feel rushed. At 104 minutes it moves briskly, though the final stretch leans on noise and spectacle.

Is The Bad Guys 2 Worth Watching?

Yes, The Bad Guys 2 is worth watching, especially on the big screen where its animation shines. It improves on the first film with sharper style, a clearer emotional core and a gang you actually want to spend time with.

It will not reinvent the heist genre, and its plot is predictable. But the jokes, the voice work and the visual energy more than make up for that. If you want a lively, crowd-pleasing adventure, check out our Family movie reviews for similar picks. You can also read more about the film on IMDb.

Who Will Enjoy The Bad Guys 2

• Families looking for an animated action comedy that works for both kids and parents

• Fans of the first film who want more of the gang's banter

• Heist-movie lovers who enjoy playful nods to classic action films