The Bad Guys 2 showed up on my doorstep last week via Universal’s gorgeous 4K UHD Collector’s Edition, and I’ve been grinning like an idiot ever since the opening credits rolled. Pierre Perifel and co-director JP Sans deliver a sequel that understands the cardinal rule of heist movie franchises: escalate everything while maintaining what made audiences fall in love with your characters originally.

The Bad Guys 2 takes the stylish animation and clever storytelling from DreamWorks’ 2022 surprise hit and adds globe-trotting locations, an all-female crew of villains, and enough twists to make Ocean’s Eleven jealous. This October 2025 home video release from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment provides the definitive way to experience The Bad Guys 2, complete with Dolby Vision HDR that makes the film’s comic book aesthetic absolutely pop.

When Going Straight Proves Harder Than Crime

I walked away from the original The Bad Guys genuinely surprised by how much heart DreamWorks managed to inject into what could have been a cynical cash-grab based on Aaron Blabey’s children’s graphic novels. The Bad Guys 2 picks up shortly after the events of the first film, finding Mr. Wolf (Sam Rockwell), Mr. Snake (Marc Maron), Mr. Shark (Craig Robinson), Mr. Piranha (Anthony Ramos), and Ms. Tarantula (Awkwafina) struggling to integrate into society as reformed criminals. The Bad Guys 2 opens with a montage showing their various attempts at legitimate employment, and these sequences immediately establish the film’s comedic tone while addressing genuine questions about rehabilitation and second chances.

The opening minutes of The Bad Guys 2 include Wolf applying for a job at a bank he previously robbed, Shark attempting to work as a priest, and Piranha trying his hand at childcare. These sequences work because they’re rooted in real challenges ex-convicts face when trying to rebuild their lives. The Bad Guys 2 maintains the franchise’s commitment to using heist movie trappings to explore themes of redemption, trust, and whether people can truly change their fundamental natures.

The relationship between Wolf and Diane Foxington (Zazie Beetz) receives substantial development in The Bad Guys 2. The former Governor turned love interest struggles with her own conflicted feelings about dating an ex-criminal while trying to maintain public credibility. The Bad Guys 2 uses this romance subplot to examine how society’s judgment affects personal relationships, adding emotional stakes beyond the required heist mechanics.

Snake’s parallel romance with Doom/Susan (Natasha Lyonne) provides the film’s most unexpectedly hilarious relationship dynamic. The Bad Guys 2 includes a make-out sequence where Snake literally unhinges his jaw to kiss the raven, demonstrating the filmmakers’ willingness to commit completely to the absurd biology their anthropomorphic world requires. Lyonne brings her signature deadpan energy to Doom, creating perfect foil for Maron’s perpetually anxious Snake.

The Bad Girls Take Center Stage

The introduction of the Bad Girls represents The Bad Guys 2’s smartest narrative choice. Rather than simply recycling the redemption arc from the first film, The Bad Guys 2 forces its reformed heroes to confront criminals who remind them of their own recent past. Kitty Kat (Danielle Brooks), the snow leopard leader of the Bad Girls, orchestrates an elaborate scheme that frames the Bad Guys for a series of high-profile thefts. The Bad Guys 2 uses this setup to explore whether the public will ever truly trust reformed criminals or whether one misstep sends them back to square one.

Brooks voices Kitty Kat with commanding presence that makes the character feel like genuine threat rather than simply female version of Wolf. The Bad Guys 2 gives Kitty Kat clear motivation and distinct personality that prevents her from becoming generic antagonist. Her leadership style contrasts with Wolf’s more collaborative approach, creating interesting dynamic when the two crews eventually must work together.

Maria Bakalova joins The Bad Guys 2 as Pigtail Petrova, the wild boar engineer whose technical expertise rivals Ms. Tarantula’s hacking skills. Bakalova brings manic energy to Pigtail that creates comedic contrast with the character’s brilliant scientific mind. The Bad Guys 2 includes several sequences where Pigtail’s inventions drive the plot forward while providing opportunities for slapstick comedy.

Natasha Lyonne’s Doom rounds out the Bad Girls trio as the mischievous raven with mysterious past. The Bad Guys 2 reveals Doom’s romantic history with Snake through flashbacks that add unexpected depth to what could have been throwaway supporting character. Lyonne’s vocal performance captures Doom’s playful manipulation while suggesting genuine affection beneath the criminal exterior.

The dynamic between the Bad Guys and Bad Girls drives much of The Bad Guys 2’s conflict and comedy. The film includes extended sequences where both crews must collaborate despite mutual distrust, creating comedic friction that pays off when they finally learn to work together. The Bad Guys 2 demonstrates that the best heist movies understand that crew dynamics matter as much as the actual theft.

Globe-Trotting Heist Escalation

The Bad Guys 2 expands the geographical scope dramatically from the first film’s primarily urban American setting. The lucha libre wrestling sequence set in Mexico provides The Bad Guys 2 with one of its most visually spectacular action set pieces. Director Pierre Perifel and co-director JP Sans stage this sequence with kinetic energy that captures both the theatrical pageantry of lucha libre and the practical choreography required for heist execution.

The Mexican wrestling sequence demonstrates The Bad Guys 2’s commitment to cultural authenticity within its stylized animation aesthetic. The production design captures the vibrant colors and dramatic lighting of professional wrestling while integrating these elements into the film’s comic book visual language. The Bad Guys 2 includes cameo from director Jorge R. Gutierrez among the lucha spectators, acknowledging the influence of Mexican animation and culture on the sequence.

The Cairo sequence provides The Bad Guys 2 with opportunities for desert action and introduces Mr. Soliman (Omid Djalili), the billionaire from whom the Bad Guys originally stole their iconic car. This revelation adds continuity to the franchise mythology while creating comedic opportunity as Soliman seeks revenge. The Bad Guys 2 uses the Cairo location to showcase different architectural aesthetics and lighting conditions that demonstrate the animation team’s versatility.

The climactic space sequence represents The Bad Guys 2’s most ambitious visual achievement. The film sends its characters into orbit aboard a stolen rocket, creating zero-gravity action sequences that rival major studio sci-fi productions. The Bad Guys 2 includes a hilarious extended sequence where Piranha and Snake become trapped in a single spacesuit, leading to predictable but effectively executed flatulence humor that somehow works despite its juvenile premise.

The decision to take The Bad Guys 2 into space demonstrates the franchise’s willingness to escalate beyond realistic boundaries. The heist involves using a giant magnet to collect all the gold on Earth, a plan so audaciously ridiculous that The Bad Guys 2 commits to it completely. This commitment to absurdity while maintaining emotional grounding separates quality animated franchises from forgettable cash-grabs.

Animation That Pops Like A Comic Panel

The Bad Guys 2 maintains the first film’s distinctive visual style that combines 2D comic book aesthetics with 3D CGI animation. The production design by Luc Desmarchelier creates environments that feel simultaneously grounded and stylized, allowing for realistic lighting and physics while maintaining comic book exaggeration. The Bad Guys 2 uses techniques like selective focus, motion blur, and speed lines that traditionally belong to 2D animation, integrating them seamlessly into the 3D environments.

The character animation in The Bad Guys 2 demonstrates remarkable evolution from the first film. Head of Character Animation Benjamin Willis and his team create performances that capture subtle acting choices while maintaining the exaggerated expressions that define the comic book style. The Bad Guys 2 allows characters’ emotions to read clearly from any distance while including fine detail that rewards close viewing.

The action choreography throughout The Bad Guys 2 balances clarity with complexity, ensuring that viewers can always track spatial relationships during the most chaotic sequences. Head of Cinematography and Layout Théophile Bondoux creates compositions that guide the eye toward important story information while filling the frame with interesting background details. The Bad Guys 2 rewards repeat viewings by including visual gags and character business that might be missed during initial theatrical viewing.

The color palette throughout The Bad Guys 2 uses bold primaries and high contrast that enhance the comic book aesthetic while maintaining visual variety across different locations. The animation team creates distinct color signatures for different characters and settings, making each environment immediately recognizable. The Bad Guys 2 demonstrates how thoughtful color design enhances storytelling beyond simply looking attractive.

Voices That Sell The Heist

Sam Rockwell returns as Mr. Wolf with the same smooth charisma that made him perfect casting originally. The Bad Guys 2 gives Rockwell substantial dramatic material as Wolf struggles with his reformed identity while facing public suspicion. Rockwell captures Wolf’s underlying insecurity beneath the confident exterior, creating character who feels genuinely conflicted rather than simply going through redemption arc motions.

Marc Maron’s Mr. Snake remains The Bad Guys 2’s emotional anchor, providing the most genuine character development. Maron voices Snake’s perpetual anxiety and loyalty to Wolf with neurotic energy that creates consistent humor while allowing for sincere moments. The Bad Guys 2 includes several scenes where Snake must choose between self-preservation and friendship, and Maron sells these moments without becoming maudlin.

Craig Robinson brings his signature musical comedy energy to Mr. Shark, particularly during the wedding priest disguise sequence. The Bad Guys 2 includes a moment where Shark plays piano during the ceremony, which Robinson actually performed while recording his lines. This commitment to authentic performance even in animation creates lived-in quality that elevates the material.

Anthony Ramos continues voicing Mr. Piranha with manic energy that provides The Bad Guys 2’s most physical comedy. Ramos captures Piranha’s impulsive nature and loyalty to his crew, creating character whose recklessness drives plot forward while remaining endearing. The Bad Guys 2 gives Piranha several hero moments that demonstrate his value beyond simply being the muscle.

Awkwafina returns as Ms. Tarantula with deadpan delivery that creates perfect contrast with her teammates’ more theatrical personalities. The Bad Guys 2 expands Tarantula’s role as the crew’s tech specialist, giving Awkwafina opportunities for both comedy and genuine technical exposition. Awkwafina makes even the film’s most improbable technology sound plausible through committed performance.

Supporting Cast That Supports

Alex Borstein returns as Police Commissioner Misty Luggins with the same obsessive determination to catch the Bad Guys despite their apparent reformation. The Bad Guys 2 gives Borstein more screen time than the first film, allowing her to develop Luggins beyond simple antagonist into character whose skepticism proves at least partially justified. Borstein voices Luggins’ frustrated dedication with energy that makes her sympathetic despite working against the protagonists.

Richard Ayoade reprises his role as Professor Marmalade in The Bad Guys 2’s mid-credits sequence, setting up potential future installments. Ayoade’s brief appearance demonstrates the franchise’s commitment to ongoing mythology while providing satisfying callback for fans of the first film. The Bad Guys 2 uses Marmalade’s return to suggest that redemption remains complicated process with potential backsliding.

Colin Jost appears as Mr. Jeremiah Moon, CEO of Moon-X whose rocket becomes central to the Bad Girls’ master plan. The Bad Guys 2 presents Moon as obvious parody of certain real-world tech billionaires, complete with grandiose claims and questionable decision-making. Jost voices Moon with appropriate smugness that makes him satisfying target for the heist.

Lilly Singh returns in her role from the first film, providing continuity to the franchise’s supporting cast. The Bad Guys 2 benefits from maintaining these smaller characters across installments, creating sense of lived-in world rather than resetting everything for the sequel.

Universal’s Stunning 4K Presentation

The Universal Pictures Home Entertainment 4K UHD release of The Bad Guys 2 provides reference-quality presentation that showcases the film’s animation artistry. The 2160p HEVC encode with Dolby Vision and HDR10 presents The Bad Guys 2 in its original 2.39:1 aspect ratio with remarkable clarity and color reproduction that improves substantially over standard Blu-ray presentation.

The Dolby Vision implementation proves essential for appreciating The Bad Guys 2’s comic book aesthetic. The expanded dynamic range allows the bold primary colors and high-contrast lighting to register with appropriate intensity without becoming overwhelming. The Bad Guys 2 includes numerous sequences with extreme brightness ranges, from dark facility interiors to blinding desert sunlight to the void of space, and the HDR grading maintains detail throughout these challenging conditions.

Detail levels throughout The Bad Guys 2 excel in revealing the animation team’s craftsmanship. The 4K presentation allows viewers to appreciate individual fur textures, fabric weaves, and environmental details that might be lost in lower resolution presentations. The Bad Guys 2 rewards close examination with background character animation and environmental storytelling that enhances repeat viewings.

Color reproduction appears accurate and vibrant throughout The Bad Guys 2, with the Dolby Vision encoding enhancing rather than fundamentally altering the theatrical color timing. The film’s bold palette translates beautifully to home video, with each character’s signature colors remaining distinct and recognizable. The Bad Guys 2 uses color as storytelling tool, and the 4K presentation ensures these choices register clearly.

Black levels maintain excellent depth without crushing shadow detail throughout The Bad Guys 2. The numerous nighttime sequences and space-set action maintain perfect visibility while creating appropriate atmosphere. The contrast between the bright character designs and darker environments creates visual impact that demonstrates the format’s capabilities.

The animation maintains clean, sharp quality throughout The Bad Guys 2 without any compression artifacts or banding. The transfer preserves the intended look of the CGI animation while presenting it with maximum clarity. The Bad Guys 2 demonstrates how modern animated films can achieve reference-quality home video presentations when mastered properly.

Atmos Audio That Surrounds The Heist

The Dolby Atmos soundtrack on both the 4K UHD and standard Blu-ray discs provides immersive audio presentation that enhances The Bad Guys 2’s action sequences while maintaining clarity during dialogue-driven scenes. The mix uses the height channels aggressively during action beats while creating subtle atmospheric effects during quieter moments.

The Bad Guys 2’s opening heist sequence demonstrates the Atmos mix’s capabilities immediately, placing sound effects throughout the speaker array as characters zip through three-dimensional space. The overhead channels receive constant workout as The Bad Guys 2 creates genuine sense of vertical movement and environmental immersion.

Daniel Pemberton’s score receives excellent treatment throughout the Atmos mix, spreading naturally across the soundfield while maintaining clear separation from dialogue and effects. The Bad Guys 2 includes original songs from Rag’n’Bone Man and Busta Rhymes that benefit from the dynamic range and fidelity the lossless format provides. Pemberton’s compositions blend jazz, funk, and orchestral elements that create the franchise’s signature sound.

Dialogue reproduction remains clear and intelligible throughout The Bad Guys 2, essential for a film that relies heavily on rapid-fire banter between characters. The voice performances maintain proper center channel placement while allowing for appropriate spatial effects when characters move off-screen. The Bad Guys 2 ensures that every line lands clearly despite the chaotic action.

Low-frequency effects receive substantial workout during The Bad Guys 2’s action sequences. The bass extension provides appropriate weight to explosions, vehicle crashes, and mechanical sound effects without overwhelming other elements. The space station finale includes incredible subwoofer material as massive machinery activates and debris collides.

The surround channels receive consistent use throughout The Bad Guys 2 rather than simply activating during action beats. Atmospheric effects like crowd noise, environmental ambience, and score elements create immersive soundscapes that maintain engagement even during dialogue scenes. The Bad Guys 2 demonstrates how thoughtful sound design enhances animated films beyond simply providing loud explosions.

Bonus Content Worth The Crime

Universal’s supplement package for The Bad Guys 2 provides solid behind-the-scenes material that explores the film’s production while maintaining family-friendly accessibility. The included features offer genuine insights into the animation process and character development without becoming overly technical.

The feature audio commentary with Director Pierre Perifel, Co-Director JP Sans, Head of Character Animation Benjamin Willis, Head of Story Katherine de Vries, and Head of Cinematography and Layout Théophile Bondoux provides comprehensive discussion of The Bad Guys 2’s production. The five participants maintain good energy throughout, avoiding dead air while providing specific technical information about how various sequences were achieved. They discuss the decision to partner with Sony Pictures Imageworks for portions of the animation, explaining how the collaboration allowed DreamWorks to maintain quality while hitting aggressive production schedules.

The commentary reveals that The Bad Guys 2 completed all animation by May 2025, just months before the August theatrical release. This tight timeline required meticulous planning and clear communication between the in-house DreamWorks team and the Imageworks partners. The participants discuss how they divided the workload, with Imageworks handling the extensive lucha libre sequence from beginning to end.

“Little Lies and Alibis” (approximately 2 minutes) presents animated short that originally played before theatrical screenings of Dog Man. The Bad Guys 2 includes this short as bonus feature, allowing home video audiences to experience content they may have missed. The short follows the Bad Guys explaining to their parole officer why they arrived late to a hearing, using the premise for rapid-fire comedy that maintains the franchise’s humor.

The deleted scenes with introductions by Perifel and Sans include “Lowrider Chase” and “Crime Sisters,” providing glimpses of material cut during editing. The Bad Guys 2 benefits from tight 104-minute runtime, and these deleted scenes demonstrate the trimming required to maintain proper pacing. The director introductions explain why each sequence was removed, offering valuable insights into the editorial process.

“Bad Guys: Out of Line” (runtime not specified) compiles recording booth moments showing the voice cast delivering some of their silliest lines. The Bad Guys 2 benefits from actors who commit completely to the material regardless of how ridiculous it might seem. This montage demonstrates the energy and improvisation that occurs during voice recording sessions.

“Double Jeopardy: The Making of The Bad Guys 2” (runtime not specified) features cast and filmmakers discussing their approach to the sequel. The Bad Guys 2 required balancing fan expectations with fresh storytelling, and this featurette explores how the creative team navigated these challenges. The participants discuss the decision to introduce the Bad Girls as antagonists who mirror the protagonists’ journey.

“Meet the Gang” (runtime not specified) provides introduction to both the returning Bad Guys cast and the new Bad Girls voice actors. The Bad Guys 2 benefits from ensemble chemistry that extends beyond the recording booth, and this featurette captures the mutual affection between cast members.

“Double Trouble: The Animals Behind The Bad Guys 2” (runtime not specified) shows voice actors meeting real-life versions of their characters. The Bad Guys 2 based its animal designs on actual species behavior and anatomy, and this featurette demonstrates the research that informed the animation. The cast members react to their animal counterparts with appropriate humor and appreciation.

“Causing a Scene” (runtime not specified) examines how The Bad Guys 2’s action sequences evolved from storyboards through final animation. The featurette breaks down the planning and execution required for complex choreography in animated format. The Bad Guys 2 demonstrates how animation allows for action that would be impossible to film practically while maintaining coherent spatial geography.

“Planning the Heist” (runtime not specified) features Perifel and Sans providing show-and-tell breakdown of the elaborate lucha libre heist. The Bad Guys 2’s Mexican wrestling sequence required extensive cultural research and technical planning to execute properly. The directors discuss how they integrated the theatrical elements of lucha libre into the heist structure.

“Sketching the Bad Girls” (runtime not specified) presents Co-Director JP Sans describing each Bad Girl suspect to Producer Damon Ross while Director Pierre Perifel demonstrates how to draw them. The Bad Guys 2 maintains accessible drawing style that allows children to recreate the characters, and this featurette provides step-by-step instruction. The humorous framing device makes the technical instruction entertaining for all ages.

Connecting to DreamWorks Animation Legacy

For AndersonVision readers who appreciate DreamWorks Animation’s evolving artistry, The Bad Guys 2 demonstrates how the studio continues pushing stylistic boundaries while maintaining commercial accessibility. The franchise’s comic book aesthetic distinguishes it from DreamWorks’ other properties, creating unique visual identity that justifies its existence beyond simply being another talking animal movie.

The Bad Guys 2 shares thematic DNA with films like Megamind and Despicable Me in exploring whether villains can genuinely reform. The film takes this question seriously rather than simply using it as premise for comedy, examining the social barriers that prevent ex-criminals from reintegrating into society. The Bad Guys 2 demonstrates that family animation can address complex themes without becoming preachy or losing entertainment value.

The franchise’s success demonstrates audience appetite for heist movies in animated format. The Bad Guys 2 proves that the genre’s appeal transcends age demographics when executed with appropriate intelligence and humor. The combination of stylish visuals, clever plotting, and genuine character development creates formula that works for both children and adults.

Box Office Success and Critical Reception

The Bad Guys 2 earned $224.6 million during its theatrical run, demonstrating solid franchise legs despite not matching the original film’s surprise success. The sequel performed well in competitive summer market, earning an A CinemaScore that matched the first film. The Bad Guys 2 achieved Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes with 87% critical approval, indicating that reviewers recognized the sequel’s quality improvements over the already-strong original.

Critical consensus praised The Bad Guys 2 for raising stakes while maintaining the playful sense of mischief that defined the franchise. Reviewers highlighted the Bad Girls as welcome additions who provided fresh dynamic rather than simply recycling the redemption arc. The Bad Guys 2 received particular praise for its animation quality and voice performances, with many critics noting that the sequel surpassed the original in visual ambition.

The film’s commercial and critical success positions DreamWorks to continue expanding the franchise. Directors Perifel and Sans confirmed to Collider in June 2025 that they’re already planning The Bad Guys 3, suggesting the studio recognizes the property’s ongoing potential. The Bad Guys 2’s mid-credits sequence teasing Professor Marmalade’s return demonstrates commitment to ongoing mythology.

Why This Sequel Works

The Bad Guys 2 succeeds by understanding that sequels must justify their existence through escalation and character development rather than simply repeating successful formula. The introduction of the Bad Girls provides mirror that forces the protagonists to confront their own recent transformation. The Bad Guys 2 uses this setup to examine whether society allows reformed criminals to truly leave their past behind or whether one mistake permanently brands them.

The globe-trotting locations and space-set climax demonstrate The Bad Guys 2’s willingness to push beyond the first film’s boundaries. The sequel refuses to play safe, taking risks with increasingly absurd heist targets while maintaining emotional grounding through character relationships. The Bad Guys 2 proves that animation allows for unlimited visual imagination when combined with strong storytelling fundamentals.

The romantic subplots between Wolf and Diane alongside Snake and Doom add emotional complexity without overwhelming the heist mechanics. The Bad Guys 2 demonstrates how relationships can enhance rather than distract from action-focused narratives when integrated properly. These romantic elements provide stakes beyond simply succeeding or failing at the theft.

The animation quality improvements over the first film demonstrate DreamWorks’ commitment to pushing the franchise forward technically. The Bad Guys 2 showcases more complex environments, more detailed character animation, and more ambitious action choreography. The partnership with Sony Pictures Imageworks allowed the studio to expand production capacity without sacrificing quality.

The Verdict on Double Trouble

The Bad Guys 2 represents exactly what animated sequels should achieve when studios prioritize quality over quick profits. The film expands scope while maintaining character focus, introduces new elements while respecting what worked originally, and takes creative risks while delivering crowd-pleasing entertainment. The Bad Guys 2 proves that DreamWorks Animation remains capable of producing franchise films that feel essential rather than obligatory.

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment’s 4K UHD Collector’s Edition provides definitive home video presentation with reference-quality video and audio. The Dolby Vision HDR showcases the film’s comic book aesthetic with stunning clarity and color reproduction, while the Dolby Atmos soundtrack creates immersive soundscape that enhances every sequence. The Bad Guys 2’s supplement package offers solid behind-the-scenes content that explores the production process without becoming overly technical.

For AndersonVision readers who appreciate animated films that balance intelligence with entertainment, The Bad Guys 2 delivers exactly what family filmmaking should provide. The movie treats young audiences with respect while offering enough sophistication to engage adults. The Bad Guys 2 demonstrates that animation allows for unlimited creative possibilities when combined with strong characters and clever storytelling.

The franchise’s continued success suggests audiences want heist movies that combine stylish action with genuine heart. The Bad Guys 2 proves that sequels can improve on their predecessors when filmmakers focus on character development and thematic exploration rather than simply recycling successful formula. This film earns its place in the franchise through quality rather than brand recognition alone.

The Bad Guys 2 works because everyone involved understands what made the original special while recognizing that simple repetition wouldn’t satisfy returning audiences. The sequel expands the world, deepens the characters, and raises the stakes while maintaining the playful energy that defined the franchise. This balance between familiarity and innovation creates sequel that feels both comfortable and fresh.

The Bad Guys 2 is now available on 4K UHD Collector’s Edition from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment

Technical Specifications:

• Video: 2160p HEVC / 2.39:1 aspect ratio / Dolby Vision HDR + HDR10
• Audio: English Dolby Atmos (Dolby TrueHD 7.1 Core), Spanish DD 5.1, French DD 5.1
• Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French
• Runtime: 104 minutes
• Region: Region Free
• Studio: DreamWorks Animation / Universal Pictures
• Release Date: October 7, 2025