Early December 2025 brings us sequels, nostalgia bait and long awaited returns to the big screen. It’s a strange time of the year where studios push out films that try to make your holiday a bit more memorable. With a mix of animation, musical and horror/comedy, here are my thoughts on three of the newest releases and whether they’re actually worth your time.

• Zootopia 2

First, we are returning to Zootopia after it’s been almost 10 years since the first one came out. This sequel surprisingly lives up to the charm of the first movie, with good energy along with some good humor and the same relationship between Judy and Nick. It doesn’t reinvent anything, but it doesn’t need to–it thrives off the foundation already built. It’s pretty good and entertaining throughout the movie, and absolutely worth watching if you loved the original.

• Wicked: Part Two

Not all sequels hit as hard as its predecessor, and Wicked 2 is proof of that. While the first film carried a flashy experience and emotional scenes, this follow up feels lighter, less impactful, but still a meaningful continuation of the story. It’s definitely not as strong as the first, yet if you’ve already seen the first movie it’s still worth a watch. It rewards returning fans, even if it doesn’t soar quite as high.

• Five Nights at Freddy’s 2

This movie definitely is either a hit or a miss depending on the watcher. This sequel doubles down on everything the first film teases. The scares hit a little harder, the atmosphere is darker, however, the dialogue absolutely misses. Still, that’s almost part of the experience. It’s messy, weird, and strangely satisfying. My mom went to go see it with my younger brother, and they had a total blast! Fans of the franchise will walk away entertained, even if it’s for reasons the studio didn’t fully intend. 

These films are sequels, re-continuations of the many worlds people already care about, each imperfect but interesting in their own way. If you’re looking for animation, musical or silly horror, early December offers a lineup of movies that’s worth exploring even if not every sequel earns its crown.