---
title: "Zootopia"
year: 2016
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/zootopia"
fi1m_id: "zootopia"
imdb_id: "tt2948356"
tmdb_id: 269149
wikidata_id: "Q15270647"
fi1m_score: 82
critics_score: 81
critics_reviews: 22
published: "2026-09-16"
updated: "2026-09-18T08:37:47.483132+00:00"
region: "AT"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Zootopia (2016)

Directed by Byron Howard, Rich Moore · 1h 49m · Animation, Adventure, Family, Comedy

## Identity

Zootopia

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/zootopia
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** zootopia
- **IMDb ID:** tt2948356
- **TMDB ID:** 269149
- **Wikidata ID:** Q15270647
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2948356/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/269149, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15270647

**Fi1m score: 82** · Critics 81 from 22 reviews

*In a sentence:* Even a city built for talking animals cannot make the licensing office run any faster

> Byron Howard and Rich Moore make a funny, thoughtful police comedy with a rabbit, a fox and a city worth exploring. We recommend it, with reservations about making predators and prey explain human prejudice.

## Synopsis

Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) is a rabbit determined to work as a police officer in Zootopia, a city where predators and prey live alongside one another. Chief Bogo (Idris Elba) is in charge of the police, and Judy must contend with assumptions about what a rabbit can do. Her path crosses that of Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), a fox who becomes her partner in a mystery. Between the city’s class divisions and its habit of judging animals by their species, Judy finds that getting taken seriously takes more than determination.

## Review

*Zootopia* is a sharp, funny police comedy, and we recommend it despite some difficulties with its account of prejudice. Directors Byron Howard and Rich Moore give their animal city enough jokes, social divisions and detective work to keep its lessons from swallowing the evening. What makes the film interesting is its attention to those doing the judging, including those who mean well. Judy Hopps wants to be a police officer, and a rabbit’s determination does not instantly persuade everybody else to reconsider what rabbits can do.

Ginnifer Goodwin gives Judy Hopps the eagerness the role needs without making her sound pleased with herself. That matters: relentless optimism can become exhausting company, especially when a film expects us to applaud it. Jason Bateman’s Nick Wilde provides a welcome change of pace, and their exchanges give the rabbit-and-fox partnership the ease of two colleagues gradually getting used to each other. Idris Elba, as Chief Bogo, adds weight to a cast that knows the jokes do not all need underlining.

David Goetz’s production design deserves a sizeable share of the credit. The city has to accommodate different animals and different social classes, and the visual detail makes those differences interesting to look at before anybody explains them. Nathan Warner’s cinematography makes the chases easy to follow while leaving us time to notice the surroundings. There is pleasure in having somewhere worth investigating, and the setting gives the police story more to do than simply move us between jokes.

We laughed aloud at the sloths in the vehicle licensing office, because the film lets the delays become almost intolerable before letting the joke finish. Editors Jeremy Milton and Fabienne Rawley judge the pauses well, interrupting the otherwise brisk pace without making the sequence feel expendable. Nobody needs a speech to understand the frustration of waiting at a counter, and the film trusts that shared experience. Michael Giacchino’s music is less distinctive than the visual comedy, though its contribution to the momentum is useful as the investigation proceeds.

The difficulty is the choice of animals to carry the message. Phil Johnston and Jared Bush’s screenplay asks us to question assumptions made about whole groups, yet predators and prey bring actual biological differences into the comparison. That can make the metaphor distracting just when the investigation needs our attention. The film is persuasive about the everyday habit of deciding somebody’s character from their appearance; its broader explanation of racism needs more questioning than the cheerful presentation might suggest.

That reservation does not undo the care taken with the mystery. The directors use the mismatched-partner police story properly, giving Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde a reason to spend time together beyond demonstrating tolerance. The touches of noir suit a city whose apparent harmony deserves inspection, and the comedy rarely feels like a separate programme laid on for younger viewers. At 109 minutes, it has enough room for the partnership to matter, though some of the explanation could be shorter.

We would choose it for a family evening that can accommodate questions as well as laughter. The lead performances make the company appealing, and the jokes do not depend on everybody drawing the same political conclusions. There is enough detective work to satisfy viewers who came for a case rather than a lesson. Leave a little time afterwards for anyone who wants to argue with the rabbit.

*Fi1m score 82, published 16 September 2026.*

## What the critics say

Most critics welcome Zootopia as a clever, funny family film whose treatment of prejudice gives its buddy-cop mystery something substantial to explore. Praise clusters around the detailed animal city, inventive animation and sight gags, with the sloth sequence singled out repeatedly. The reviews also value the voice work and the central fox-and-bunny partnership, finding that the leads’ chemistry keeps the social commentary engaging rather than preachy.

The spread is largely between warm approval and stronger enthusiasm, with few recurring complaints about the storytelling or humour. Collider particularly admires the film’s willingness to examine why prejudice exists, rather than settle for a simple message of empowerment. Screen Daily offers the clearest reservation: it admires the animation but finds the adventure lightweight, arguing that the mystery, talking animals and anti-prejudice message do not quite come together. That concern sits apart from the prevailing view that the film combines those elements with care.

## Straight answers

**Is Zootopia worth watching?**

*Zootopia* is worth watching for families who want a police comedy with jokes for every age, and we scored it 82. Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman make the rabbit-and-fox partnership easy company, and the city itself rewards looking around. Our reservation is that using predators and prey to explain human prejudice muddles the point just when the mystery needs attention.

**How long is Zootopia, and what is it rated?**

*Zootopia* runs 1h 49m. It is an animation and adventure film.

**Where can I watch Zootopia in Austria?**

*Zootopia* is streaming on Disney+ in Austria, and it is also available to rent from Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV from €3.99. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How does Zootopia compare to Who Framed Roger Rabbit?**

*Zootopia* and [*Who Framed Roger Rabbit*](https://film.one/film/who-framed-roger-rabbit) both set detective work in a convincing city of impossible characters, and we recommend them side by side. The Zemeckis film is the more inventive and the funnier for older viewers, though its busy mystery sometimes crowds out its jokes. *Zootopia* is the gentler choice for a family evening, with a clearer case and a lesson that may prompt questions afterwards.

**What should I watch after Zootopia?**

After *Zootopia*, try [*Who Framed Roger Rabbit*](https://film.one/film/who-framed-roger-rabbit) (1988, Fi1m 89): For older viewers, cartoon slapstick and detective work share an unusually convincing city. Then [*Ernest & Celestine*](https://film.one/film/ernest-and-celestine) (2012, Fi1m 84): A bear and a mouse challenge inherited suspicion, with quieter jokes; and [*Paddington 2*](https://film.one/film/paddington-2) (2017, Fi1m 91): Another hopeful outsider tests a city’s manners, with more marmalade.

### Reviews we read (25)

- **Evening Standard**, Charlotte O'Sullivan (85/100, inferred): The film examines race and racism with unusual persistence for an animated feature, feeling like a timely riposte to divisive politics. It is fast-paced and cheeky, with standout sloth humour and a strong, proactive female lead. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/zootropolis-film-review-the-animals-fight-back-against-trump-a3211026.html)
- **Film Comment**, Michael Sragow (85/100, inferred): The critic calls Zootopia an exhilarating off-balance epic comedy that blends inventive gags with sharp social satire on prejudice, inclusion, and fear-mongering. He singles out the confident vision and memorable set pieces like the sloth scenes for particular praise. [Read](https://www.filmcomment.com/blog/deep-focus-zootopia/)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Gary Goldstein (85/100, inferred): The critic calls it a beastly good time, bursting with timely themes, superb voice work, wonderful visuals, and laugh-out-loud wit. He singles out the inventive animation, production design, and the fast-paced mystery plot for praise. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-zootopia-review-20160304-story.html)
- **Vulture** (85/100, inferred): The critic praises the film's transformation from corporate family fare into a clever, old-fashioned gumshoe mystery that melts initial cynicism with charm and voices. Singles out the established class distinctions in Zootopia and the effective buddy chemistry of the leads. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2016/03/review-zootopia-surprises-with-a-clever-mystery.html)
- **Empire**, John Nugent (80/100, inferred): The film offers a vividly realised world full of humour and invention, blending buddy-cop tropes with smart social metaphors. It remains entertaining throughout thanks to its Pixar-influenced creativity and engaging characters. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/zootropolis-review/)
- **Little White Lies** (3/4/3): Belly laughs, a cute cast and a strong social conscience make this a refreshing Disney animated feature with surprising political edge. It smartly addresses societal prejudice through comic animals and a powerful female hero, though the Shakira closing scene leaves a sour taste. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/zootropolis)
- **Radio Times**, Wendy Ide (80/100, inferred): This perceptive and elegantly structured film layers complex ideas about cultural sensitivity and political correctness beneath mass entertainment. The smart and funny writing and deft sight gags bring vitality to a commentary on prejudice handled with the lightest of touches. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-rev2x8/zootropolis/)
- **The AV Club**, Josh Spiegel (80/100, inferred): The critic highlights how Zootopia inverts the themes of Wreck-It Ralph by allowing characters to transcend stereotypes rather than accept them, praising its nuanced exploration of identity, prejudice, and personal growth alongside a committed mystery plot. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/zootopia-is-the-inversion-of-wreck-it-ralph-1798245906)
- **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (80/100, inferred): Disney’s deft comedy about animals coexisting in harmony is elevated by its writing and first-rate animation. The critic praises the witty handling of themes of cultural sensitivity and political correctness. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/mar/24/zootropolis-review-elegance-wit-and-first-rate-animation)
- **The Independent** (80/100, inferred): The film cleverly combines traditional Disney elements with a subversive, satirical edge that appeals to both children and adults. It stands out for its sharp writing, inventive animation, and nods to film noir and gangster movies. [Read](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/zootropolis-film-review-disney-with-a-touch-of-the-godfather-a6951646.html)
- **The New Yorker**, Anthony Lane (80/100, inferred): The critic describes the film as zesty, bright, and breakneck, with well-tuned gags and a carnival-like appeal in its animal world. He singles out the heroine's determination and the clever social commentary on prejudice for praise. [Read](https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/03/14/knight-of-cups-and-zootopia-reviews)
- **The Telegraph** (4/5): The film turns the animal kingdom into an evolving republic where old predator/prey distinctions no longer apply, blending visual delight with a nuanced allegory about difference and prejudice. It draws unexpected noir elements into family-friendly territory. [Read](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/2016/04/14/zootropolis-is-the-chinatown-of-talking-animal-films---review/)
- **Slant Magazine**, Kenji Fujishima (75/100, inferred): The critic appreciates the film's deeper allegorizing of identity politics and racism beyond a simple empowerment story, praising its nuanced take on prejudice within society and the self, wrapped in a playful buddy-cop mystery with strong sight gags and visual detail. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/zootopia/)
- **Total Film**, Neil Smith (75/100, inferred): It delivers a fast-paced, gag-filled caper with a fizzy fox-bunny partnership and inventive set pieces across a richly detailed world. The film is witty and entertaining overall, with strong potential for sequels. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/zootropolis-review/)
- **Variety**, Peter Debruge (75/100, inferred): The critic praises the film as a clever, adult-friendly whodunit with an appealing message about acceptance and achievement. He singles out the odd-couple chemistry between the leads and the richly imagined world for praise. [Read](https://variety.com/2016/film/reviews/zootopia-film-review-1201703504/)
- **Screen Daily**: A lively but lightweight 3D family adventure that effectively combines talking animals, a noir-ish mystery and an anti-prejudice message, yet these elements do not add up to a greater whole. It feels like one of Disney’s more middling recent offerings despite top-notch animation. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/zootopia-review/5099901.article)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Michael Rechtshaffen: The critic finds the film smartly amusing and crisply relevant, praising its wit, timely message of inclusivity and empowerment, and pitch-perfect voice cast. Singles out the sharply observed satire (including the sloth DMV) and judicious life lessons that never feel preachy. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/zootopia-film-review-863843/)
- **The New York Times**, Neil Genzlinger (Critic's Pick): The critic finds the film delightful and irresistible, praising its action-packed story, savvy jokes, and thought-provoking themes alongside strong voice work. He singles out the central bunny character and the film's witty take on bureaucracy for particular praise. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/04/movies/zootopia-review.html)
- **Collider**, Matt Goldberg (A): The critic praises Zootopia for tackling prejudice head-on through its story of a bunny police officer and her fox partner, highlighting its clever characters, humor, and relevant message about why prejudice exists. It stands out as a mature, textured family film from Disney Animation. [Read](https://collider.com/zootopia-review/)
- **Digital Spy**, Ben Rawson-Jones (90/100, inferred): The critic deems Zootropolis the perfect family film that delivers a timely message of social inclusion through a funny, thoughtful tale without heavy-handed preaching. It singles out the inventive cityscape, dynamic chases, and superb voice work, especially the leads' chemistry. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a787864/zootropolis-review-a-great-hare-day-for-disney/)
- **Polygon**, Julia Alexander (90/100, inferred): The critic calls Zootopia an instant Disney classic that balances intense themes of prejudice and bullying with sharp comedy and endearing characters like Judy and Nick, making it both entertaining and important without sugarcoating societal issues. [Read](https://www.polygon.com/2016/2/26/11119502/zootopia-review-an-instant-disney-classic/)
- **Den of Geek**, David Crow (4/5): The review finds Zootopia a deceptively clever buddy-cop film with timely social satire that works for all ages. It singles out the luscious world-building and the way it plays with genre conventions for adults alongside its aspirational story. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/zootopia-review/)
- **HeyUGuys**, Stefan Pape (4/5): The film is a wickedly funny and remarkably relevant study of contemporary society, prejudice and fear-mongering, with strong world-building and memorable sequences like the sloths. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/zootropolis-review/)
- **The Skinny**, Michael Jaconelli (4/5): The review finds Zootropolis an enjoyable neo-noir buddy-cop comedy with vibrant visuals and a steady stream of gags that entertains children and adults alike. It singles out the likeable leads, stellar voice acting, and the way it conveys its moral about stereotypes without sacrificing emotional beats. [Read](https://www.theskinny.co.uk/film/cineskinny/reviews/zootroplis)
- **The Wrap**, Robert Abele (80/100, inferred): The critic praises the film's blend of buddy-cop action and humor with its serious-minded anti-prejudice themes, calling it a refreshing twist on the animated formula. They single out the thorny passages on bias and the well-matched performances of Goodwin and Bateman. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/zootopia-review-ginnifer-goodwin-jason-bateman-idris-elba/)

## Details

- **Director:** Byron Howard, Rich Moore
- **Director:** Byron Howard, Rich Moore
- **Screenplay:** Jared Bush, Phil Johnston
- **Story:** Byron Howard, Jared Bush, Rich Moore, Josie Trinidad, Jim Reardon, Phil Johnston, Jennifer Lee
- **Cinematography:** Nathan Warner
- **Editor:** Jeremy Milton, Fabienne Rawley
- **Music:** Michael Giacchino, Daveed Diggs
- **Production design:** David Goetz
- **Producer:** Clark Spencer
- **Cast:** Ginnifer Goodwin as Judy Hopps (voice); Jason Bateman as Nick Wilde (voice); Idris Elba as Chief Bogo (voice); Jenny Slate as Bellwether (voice); Nate Torrence as Clawhauser (voice); Bonnie Hunt as Bonnie Hopps (voice); Don Lake as Stu Hopps (voice); Tommy Chong as Yax (voice)
- **Runtime:** 1h 49m
- **Release (Austria):** 24 March 2016
- **Genres:** Animation, Adventure, Family, Comedy
- **Budget:** $150 million
- **Box office:** $1.03 billion
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWM0ct-OLsM

## Where to watch in Austria

- Disney+: streaming, uhd
- Amazon Prime Video: rent €3.99, uhd
- Apple TV: rent €3.99, hd
- Apple TV: buy €9.99, sd
- Amazon Prime Video: buy €9.99, sd

*Checked 2026-09-16.*

Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, IE, IL, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, TR, UA, US, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## Awards

- Academy Awards 2017: Best Animated Feature (won)
- Annie Award for Best Animated Feature 2016: Annie Award for Best Animated Feature (won)
- BAFTA Film Awards 2016: BAFTA's Children & Young People Award - Feature Film (won)
- Critics' Choice Awards 2016: Best Animated Feature (won)

## If you liked this

- *Who Framed Roger Rabbit* (1988), Fi1m 89: For older viewers, cartoon slapstick and detective work share an unusually convincing city. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/who-framed-roger-rabbit.md)
- *Ernest & Celestine* (2012), Fi1m 84: A bear and a mouse challenge inherited suspicion, with quieter jokes. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/ernest-and-celestine.md)
- *Paddington 2* (2017), Fi1m 91: Another hopeful outsider tests a city’s manners, with more marmalade. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/paddington-2.md)
- *The Castle of Cagliostro* (1979), Fi1m 80: A nimble animated caper for anyone who enjoyed following the clues. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-castle-of-cagliostro.md)
- *The Iron Giant* (1999), Fi1m 88: Another family film that asks who benefits when fear takes over. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-iron-giant.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/zootopia