“Hoppers” Is Hilarious And May Rekindle Your Love For Nature — But Is It Worth Watching? My Full Review

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Pixar has always been great at turning big emotions into animated adventures! (I mean, have you seen Turning Red and Inside Out 2?) Yet, Hoppers might be one of their most unexpectedly chaotic films yet. And I’m so thankful I got to watch Hoppers before its theater release during the New York International Children’s Film Festival here in NYC.

What starts as a cute story about a girl who loves animals quickly turns into a full-blown nature revolution, complete with animal councils, frequency weapons, robot bodies, and one of the most unhinged third acts I’ve seen in an animated film in a long time.

And honestly? I loved every second of it. But is Pixar’s new Hoppers movie actually worth watching?

Here’s my honest review …

Is Hoppers Worth Watching?

Short answer: yes.

But don’t stop reading now! Here’s why Hoppers is worth watching (with or without the kids).

First … here’s what Hoppers is actually about (no spoilers)

Hoppers follows Mabel, a young woman who has always felt more connected to animals than people. But after losing her grandmother — the one person who truly understood her (and her love for nature) — Mabel dedicates her life to protecting her childhood haven. What starts as a small investigation turns into a huge conflict between humans and animals, forcing Mabel to figure out whether she can actually make a difference — or if her actions are only making things worse.

Here’s What Works

The concept is fantastic.

As an animal lover who constantly talks to wild animals like they’re her friends, I’ve always loved watching animated films that featured talking animals. So having a film where the main character can actually speak to (and understand) the animals was such a fun idea. Mix that idea with an Avatar joke, a cute callback to Charlotte’s Web, and an animal council scene that reminds you of the grand entrances during the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire film, and you’ve got a hit.

But watching the world from the animals’ perspective is where this movie really shines.

There are so many hilarious moments — from animals forming their own councils and arguing over “pond rules,” to birds helping our shark friend, Diane, carry out a mission. It’s wildly chaotic.

But the humor works because the film balances it with real emotional weight.

Mabel’s story is rooted in grief, something we all can understand.

Not only did she lose a part of herself when she lost her grandmother, but she also lost the only person who truly understood her. With her parents already out of the picture, her grandmother’s death left her spiraling, feeling as though she had to carry the responsibility of saving nature and face her grief, all alone. With that kind of pressure and no one to turn to, it’s not shocking that her grief turned into anger — something the movie explores in a surprisingly thoughtful way.

The environmental themes are also incredibly strong without feeling preachy.

Slowly, the story reveals how humans and animals depend on each other, and how small decisions, like building a bridge to shorten a commute by a few minutes, can have massive consequences for nature. This is honestly a great Earth Day movie. Which I don’t think we have many of.

Now … Here’s What Doesn’t Work

The movie starts off a little slow.

The beginning is cute — with tiny Mabel rescuing class pets and bonding with animals — but it takes a little time before the bigger story really kicks in. And I honestly was wondering, “WTF am I watching?”, for the first few minutes. But once it kicks in… things get wild.

What starts as a nature adventure suddenly creeps into action territory — and at one point I genuinely looked at my teen and said, “How did this turn into a horror movie?”

While I found it entertaining, some viewers might find the tonal shift a bit chaotic.

Also, a few characters that were heavily featured in the marketing (*ahem* I’m looking at you, Mr. Lizard) don’t end up being as central to the story as expected. Which can be a big let-down for some.

So, should you watch Hoppers in theaters?

Yes — especially if you love Pixar movies that mix humor, emotion, and a little bit of chaos.

This is the kind of movie that’s really fun to watch with kids because their reactions make the experience even better. During my screening, one kid gasped during a big moment, and another asked, “Why does George look so sad?”

I smiled the entire way through, as their enjoyment and outbursts brought me joy.

The film also has a very funny mid-credit scene, so definitely stay for that.

Escapism Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 5 out of 5 stars for a fun, emotional ride that sucks you in

Movie Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 5 out of 5 stars because this film is as hilarious as it is heartwarming

Is Hoppers a kids’ movie?

Yes — but with a few things to keep in mind.

While Hoppers is a family-friendly Pixar film filled with humor, talking animals, and chaotic fun, it also has some surprisingly intense scenes. There are moments of environmental destruction, grief over family loss, and action-packed sequences that might feel a little intense for very young kids.

Overall, it’s great for older kids, tweens, and families who enjoy adventure with a side of emotional depth. Watching with your kids can even make the intense parts more meaningful, since the movie encourages teamwork, caring for nature, and empathy.

But I’d totally also recommend this as a chill, fun way to escape adulthood, if you’re an adult without kids and love animated films.

Trigger Warnings: Family death and grief, losing a loved one

Final Thoughts: Yes, Pixar Hoppers is worth watching!

It’s funny, emotional, and a little chaotic — but underneath all of that is a really powerful message about grief, responsibility, and our relationship with nature.

By the end of the film, the story pushes towards real hope, showing how we can choose to protect the environments around us if we’re willing to listen and try.

Sometimes the best stories remind us that change is still possible.

And Hoppers does just that.

Have you watched the new Pixar Hoppers movie yet? Let me know in the comments below!