AceShowbiz - Hoppers, Pixar’s newest animated feature, is set to debut in theaters this Friday, and the initial wave of reviews has landed—mostly positive with some mixed opinions. Directed by Daniel Chong, known for creating the animated series We Bare Bears, the film centers on a human girl who enters the animal kingdom through a robotic beaver avatar. Fans can expect the signature Pixar qualities of stunning animation, a clever script, and plenty of humor, though critics suggest it falls short of the studio’s very best work.

What are critics saying about Hoppers?

Many reviewers consider Hoppers a strong addition to Pixar’s catalog, applauding its creativity and execution. Owen Gleiberman of Variety calls it “top-drawer Pixar” and a reminder of the studio’s ability to take audiences to unexpected places. The Hollywood Reporter’s David Rooney praises it as a return to Pixar’s vintage form, while Ross Bonaime from Collider affirms that after three decades of films, Pixar has not lost its magic.

Other positive takes include BJ Colangelo of Slashfilm, who believes Hoppers has all the ingredients to become an instant Pixar classic, and William Bibbiani of TheWrap, who describes it as a “funny, clever, kind, playfully dark, and wonderfully weird film.” However, not all opinions are glowing. Kevin Maher of The Times sees it as a step in the right direction rather than a return to glory, and Eli Friedberg from Slant Magazine criticizes it as a messy, confused example of Pixar’s decline from its high-concept heyday.

Is Hoppers one of the best films of 2026?

Several critics are confident that Hoppers will rank among the year’s best animated films. Ross Bonaime calls it an “absolute delight” and “one of the most fun movies to come out in 2026 so far.” Ezra Cubero from Geek Vibes Nation notes its high bar for the year’s animated releases, while Edward Douglas of The Weekend Warrior expects it to be a personal favorite and among his Top 25 films by year-end.

How does Hoppers compare to other Pixar movies?

Reviewers often frame Hoppers as Pixar’s freshest and funniest release in recent years. Wilson Chapman from IndieWire calls it the best new Pixar film in a decade, and Joshua Mbonu of InSession Film ranks it among the finest Pixar movies of the current decade. According to William Bibbiani, it’s the best Pixar film since Coco, and Ross Bonaime suggests it might be the best original Pixar movie since Soul in 2020.

Shakyl Lambert of CGMagazine finds it to be Pixar’s wackiest film since Turning Red, a sentiment echoed by Eli Friedberg, who calls it one of the studio’s most manic works. M.N. Miller at Nerd Alert points out Hoppers’s darker tone compared to recent Pixar movies, while Matt Singer from ScreenCrush offers a nuanced view, ranking it above some Pixar sequels but below major hits like the talking fish or toy films.

Will fans of We Bare Bears enjoy Hoppers?

For viewers familiar with Chong’s previous work, Hoppers offers a nostalgic connection. Ross Bonaime notes that fans of We Bare Bears will find the vibe and animation style reminiscent of the show. Wilson Chapman agrees that much of the series’ DNA carries over to the feature, while Ezra Cubero highlights the film’s absurdity as a progression beyond anything Pixar has previously delivered.

Is Hoppers Pixar’s answer to Avatar?

Some critics draw parallels between Hoppers and James Cameron’s Avatar, particularly in the theme of industrial expansion threatening natural ecosystems. Eli Friedberg describes the film as a riff on Avatar through the lens of the Japanese animated film Pom Poko. BJ Colangelo points out the shared pro-environmentalist message that forms the heart of both projects, noting this as a driving reason behind Cameron’s original films. William Bibbiani praises Hoppers for not only channeling the emotional core of Avatar but surpassing it in quality and feeling.

Does Hoppers deliver surprises throughout its story?

Reviewers agree that Hoppers is filled with unexpected turns and imaginative storytelling. William Bibbiani applauds how the film embraces the wonder of its premise and escalates quickly in unique directions. Owen Gleiberman appreciates the film’s unpredictability, calling its surprises “rudely antic” and a key source of delight. David Rooney notes a “crazy, almost anarchic narrative logic” that zigzags unpredictably, distinguishing it from more formulaic studio productions.

Ross Bonaime adds that as a PG-rated film, Hoppers enjoys the freedom to explore odd narrative paths, especially in its third act, resulting in some highly entertaining risks.

How strong is the script overall?

Critics describe the script of Hoppers as inventive and wild, utilizing sci-fi elements in novel ways and embracing a cartoony style that allows for surreal plot developments. William Bibbiani notes how the story continuously reinvents itself, while Owen Gleiberman praises the film’s “freewheeling plotting” and surrealist flair.

David Rooney finds it exhilarating that the story holds together despite its chaotic energy. However, some like Matt Singer see it as a jumble combining nature documentary, mystery, and broad comedy elements, which can feel disjointed. Eli Friedberg criticizes the hectic and overly chatty world-building, which grows less coherent as the film progresses.

Does Hoppers convey a meaningful message?

Critics highlight the film’s strong environmental and social themes. David Rooney explains that Hoppers encourages respect for nature, community involvement, and protecting vulnerable creatures—even those represented by an oily politician. Matt Singer praises the film for advocating kindness and empathy across all species, a lesson relevant for audiences in 2026.

Owen Gleiberman emphasizes the film’s message that salvation requires everyone to work together, describing the narrative as an “intricate roller-coaster of togetherness.” BJ Colangelo appreciates the hopeful tone that refuses to apologize for optimism, while Wilson Chapman acknowledges that although the moral might not be surprising, it remains poignant.

Is the film funny?

Humor is a standout feature of Hoppers. M.N. Miller describes it as “very, very funny,” echoed by Courtney Howard who calls it “dam funny.” Ross Bonaime asserts it’s among the funniest films Pixar has produced to date, with Ezra Cubero noting it packs more laughs than any recent Pixar release.

Wilson Chapman highlights a particularly memorable scene of “mammal-on-insect violence” that is both horrifying and possibly the funniest Pixar moment ever animated. Tessa Smith was surprised by how often she laughed out loud, emphasizing the film’s strong comedic impact.

Does Hoppers deliver emotional moments in typical Pixar fashion?

The film balances humor with heartfelt moments. Tessa Smith advises viewers to have tissues ready, calling Hoppers “something truly special.” Courtney Howard remarks on the film’s ability to generate “a few heart swells and perhaps a tear or two” despite its non-stop lunacy.

Jay Ledbetter notes the film includes “giant scoops of tear-inducing heart,” a Pixar trademark that continues to resonate. Wilson Chapman observes that while the film has moments of emotional resonance, it doesn’t try to force tears, opting instead for genuine sweetness.

Does the film include any frightening elements?

While the original article cuts off before fully exploring this aspect, it hints that Hoppers contains scenes of violence and tension. Given the film’s PG rating and adventurous tone, these moments likely contribute to the story’s stakes without overwhelming the overall lighthearted experience.

In summary, Hoppers emerges as a vibrant and imaginative Pixar film that blends humor, heart, and environmental themes. Its innovative story and distinct style mark it as one of the studio’s more daring efforts in recent years, appealing both to longtime Pixar fans and newcomers alike.