Why ‘Zootopia’ is One of the GREATEST Disney Movies of ALL TIME (Character Analysis)

“Zootopia” is owned by Walt Disney Animation Studios and Disney Enterprises, Inc. Any clips used are for review and entertainment purposes only. I do not own the rights to any footage used.
Ever since the conception of my channel, I wanted to talk about one of my favorite Disney movies that I’ve ever seen: Zootopia! What I initially thought was just another movie about a society of anthropomorphic animals ended up being a great story about perseverance, prejudice, and most importantly, friendship. The two protagonists, Judy and Nick, share an unmatched dynamic that only grows more wholesome as the film progresses.
In this video, I would like to explore the specifics of each character's personal development, as well as their relationship with each other, and discover how that ultimately contributes to conveying the movie’s themes in a way that fully resonates with the audience (namely, me!) So let’s venture into the amazing and colorful world of Zootopia!
Twitter: @StickyBrick
Music Used:
Super Mario Galaxy OST - Koji Kondo & Mahito Yokota
Super Mario Galaxy 2 OST - Koji Kondo, Mahito Yokota, Ryo Nagamatsu
Super Mario Odyssey OST - Naoto Kubo, Shiho Fujii, and Koji Kondo
Super Mario Maker OST - Koji Kondo, Naoto Kubo, and Asuka Hayazaki
Super Mario 3D World OST - Mahito Yokota, Toru Minegishi, Yasuaki Iwata and Koji Kondo
Poptropica Soundtrack - Jeff Heim
Mario and Luigi: Paper Jam OST - Yoko Shimomura
Mario and Luigi: Dream Team OST - Yoko Shimomura
“Watch the Moon Rise” - Tustin Gilmer Macafee
Card-Jitsu Fire Theme - Chris Hendricks
Zane’s Death Theme - Jay Vincent and Michael Kramer
Zootopia Soundtrack - Michael Giacchino
King of Kingston (Club Penguin Coffee Shop Theme) - Paul Sumpter
Super Mario 64 OST - Koji Kondo
New Super Mario Bros Wii OST - Shiho Fujii, Ryo Nagamatsu and Kenta Nagata

[@MrStickman1997]

It's no wonder that Nick and Judy are the most popular modern Disney characters at the parks and are now core characters up there with Mickey and Minnie. They're both so relatable and approachable. Judy loved it when I stroked her on the head, she was so fluffy. Sam the otter waitress from Zootopia Plus is also very relatable, I hope she makes a debut at the parks some point.

[@Pipp_YT]

*I know everybody. And I know that somewhere, there's a toy store missing a stuffed animal, so why don't you get back to your box?*

[@Av1and0nly]

Best quote ever

[@isatherebel1520]

*Kill metal heads?! Get toys?! Sounds good to me.*

[@deciradoxytp1771]

Fine. We’ll have to do this the hard way

[@ellag3598]

As an animation student who tries to study good story and characters for my own creations, I always come back to this movie. This is the magic that Disney seems to be missing today that made them so great in their past. Judy and Nick are such incredibly believable characters, and to me personally Judy is such an inspiration (in terms of work ethic). This film is an exact mirror of our own world and as bleak as it may seem still manages to pull us in for an incredibly emotional and entertaining story. I cannot wait for the sequel and I really hope Disney can make it even better than its predecessor (and I do hope that more diverse peoples are brought on to them team to work on the film). And yes, I also hope Nick and Judy will get together. Considering the online presence of this idea I feel as though the directors know how many people ship them. Here's to hoping. 🌷

[@ЕгорПещерский]

I'd imagine... plenty of people shall forgive Disney for its plenty wrongs and flaws, should it do this solid for the fan base, and I am a rotten shipper, I confess.

[@skyraider87]

I don't think Nick had given up on Judy. He saw the signs of her bias in her calling him "a real articulate fella" and carrying fox repellant (which he points out). He was probably already willing to forgive her, but wanted to be sure that she had learned. Theres a reason I like Nick so much as a character

[@obie-1309]

THANK YOU for pointing out what makes them work so well. This is why they are shipped so much! They do have a powerful friendship and that's exactly what makes long lasting and healthy romantic relationships. You need a strong friendship at the core, because your mate is your best friend. They're that one person whom you can trust your secrets to, that person that brings out the real you and loves you for the real you, and who brings out your best self as well. And in turn you do the same for them. These two are definitely the heart of this film and Disney would seriously commit a grave mistake story wise -- to not say heart wise -- if they don't let their very real relationship grow in the sequel.

[@StickyBrickBuilder]

Thank you for your comment! I'm glad you agree with why I like their dynamic so much! I love a good friendship story, so I appreciate how this film focuses on that aspect with nuance without it feeling too superficial. I think that their basis of friendship would certainly make for a good romantic relationship (as long as it doesn't change their core dynamic), but even if that doesn't happen, I would still be happy with the way their friendship is written.

[@Jeicemeiser]

Nick HAD to become a cop to complete his arc. It shows not only his trust in Judy, but also his willingness to step out of other people’s expectations and not just be a shady sly fox. And I love how his personal growth did not wash his character out into some flat, boring, toothlessly nice person. It’s so fun seeing how differently he reacts to Bogo versus how Judy experienced her first day on the force.

[@StickyBrickBuilder]

While I certainly see why some people may have problems with Nick becoming a cop, I do believe the movie does a great job of making his character progression as natural and satisfying as possible. Like I said, I love how genuinely moved he was by the fact Judy would suggest being partners. You might not expect that from a character like him, but it shows that the bond Nick and Judy shared throughout the movie really did cause him to change for the better, and I think it’s really cool that we can see that shift!

[@StickyBrickBuilder]

And yes, I do like how his personality is still similar to what it was before just with a newfound sense of optimism. He’s still charismatic but also more caring.

[@RedRobin6543]

This is 100% one of my favourite Disney movies

[@Aurora-Welch]

I loved this film as a kid. The world is just so beautiful. The themes in this film are well done.

[@Judyhopps-1iq]

too bad the dinsey like this is gone

[@Lilnah]

this is one of my favorite Disney movies, so glad that you covered it

[@cfruge444]

11:52-12:06 Less-than-fun fact: Ginnifer Goodwin was legit crying when they recorded that. *Also, counterpoint to Judy being at fault during the press conference: she was just being professional and probably didn't wanna involve Nick in the first place.*

[@reinweissritter]

Great analysis, I'm glad someone is covering this movie after all these years. And extra kudos for not pulling a beastars comparison. And it was about fucking time we got a sequel. 7 years and all we got content wise were the six shorts back on November and a couple of comics that pretty much only a hardcore fan would know of their existence. Also, huge wildehopps trash here, I'm perfectly fine with them being friends only, anything to keep the story good hopefully. Of course, as long as they get to kept their amazing chemistry and their relationship maintains ambiguous, the community has to feed itself somehow to stay alive, because as I said before, disney gave us almost nothing.

[@deezburr]

This aged greatly

[@Nightmarefoxyandfriendss]

We also got zootopia+

[@cfruge444]

< extra kudos for not pulling a beastars comparison To be fair, the creator of the anime was directly inspired by Zootopia.

[@RileydaDoge]

8:43 The sad part is, bro was more a danger to your donuts than to you.

[@StickyBrickBuilder]

🍩 I mean, you’re not wrong! 😆

[@fluffywhompus]

3:56 THANK YOU it’s been bugging me for years how Judy calls it “stating the facts of the case” when absolutely nothing except where the missing mammals were is confirmed at the time. I remember first watching this scene and being really confused why Nick was upset but now I’m 100% with him

[@splat-trainproductions]

4:58-Zootopia: A Michael Bay film.

[@RonanBunny]

This movie is my second favorite Disney Movie behind the original Lion King

[@cfruge444]

Same for me, but after Deadpool - if you count the MCU.

[@shaistadinis4606]

oh my god i was just thinking this!! zootopia is my second fav after the original lion king as well

[@Jeicemeiser]

Excellent video! I’ve been looking for people who realize what a masterpiece this movie is, and I’m glad I finally found one!

[@StickyBrickBuilder]

Thanks, I appreciate it! I’m sure there are other videos out there praising this film, but I’m glad you liked mine nevertheless. I love this movie and I really hope the sequel can continue the character developments and dynamics!

[@KrishMortyJunior]

9:02 OMG POPTROPICA MUSIC I AM SO HAPPY SOMEONE FINALLY USES POPTROPICA MUSIC IN THE BACKGROUND OF THEIR VIDEOS!

[@StickyBrickBuilder]

It really does make for great background music!

[@trinefanmel]

WOOO POPTROPICA GANG!!! 🎉

[@anticorncob6]

Nick is handsome.

[@theonepup8022]

Even tho I’m a male I can agree on that

[@Kenzies_Quiet_Nights]

His personality is but like not how he looks bc men☕️ not foxes☕️

[@cfruge444]

@@Kenzies_Quiet_Nights Pretty sure those looksmaxxing models would disagree emphatically with that.

[@cinnamonmantrainsareawesom7224]

I was just thinking what if in zootopia 2 there was scene where Judy finally opens up to nick about her childhood incident with Gideon grey similar to how he opened up to her on the gondola and they both tearfully hug and Nick finally refers to her by her real name for the first time in front of her wouldn’t that be touching?

[@freekdomburg6081]

i really like youre analysis. youre enthusiasm and love for the artform really shine through. I think if you want to improve even further, you could try and make youre analysis a bit shorter, denser and more structured. but thats also just personal opinion. keep going what you love

[@StickyBrickBuilder]

Thank you so much, I appreciate the advice!

[@ysamuel88]

This was perfect... Thank you

[@StickyBrickBuilder]

Thank you and you’re welcome!

[@AnnieWinston]

Zootiopa love it

[@Link_Ster]

i love this video

[@StickyBrickBuilder]

Thanks!

[@KrishMortyJunior]

If you want more Zootopia content you should play Disney Heroes Battle Mode a mobile game that has 9 Zootopia characters and they have friendship campaigns with other popular Disney Franchises!

[@eden4299]

I also love this movie and i really like your analises

[@RockyWells]

Thank you 🙏 just what I wanted to watch ❤🎉

[@vanovasmith9586]

I just hope for the sequel they don't do what they always seem to do. Which is go back on the lessons characters learn in previous movies. And that Judy grows more.

[@GiovanyCaballero]

Good video man 😮

[@StickyBrickBuilder]

Thank you!

[@bronypony3091]

Are you looking forward to the sequel? I am!

[@ThePinkDragon]

where Nick opens up is So heartbreaking poor baby Nick btw i love Gennifer Goodwin from her days on Once upon a time

[@ЕгорПещерский]

I'd like to thank the vid author on great analysis for the much loved movie. P.S. I must confess that I am a rotten WildeHopps shipper, may God help and forgive me. And as there's gonna be long awaited sequel in 2025, I am as glad as I am sh!ttin' me' pants in anxiety and worries, upon worries, upon worries. To me and the rest of terribly uncannily large demographics shippers in the base of movie fans, I believe it's the same gag scene with the Old lady from Gravity Falls that said she's going to die should Mabel won't go on a date with L'il Gideon. And doctor nearby confirmed that the old lady shall certainly die if Mabel won't go out with L'il Gideon.

[@Vulpine407]

So, why didn't we get any full-blown sequels to what was clearly a blockbuster for Disney? (It earned over 1 billion on a budget of 150 million. Double that, perhaps, for marketing and distribution. So, clearly a financial and critical success.) Unfortunately, from my point of view, Disney's production teams were becoming filled (I would use the word "infested") with writers (and later, producers and actors) who, frankly, couldn't write and were more interested in using Disney as a platform for activism. Productions (movies and shows) tend to take anywhere from 3 to 5 years in the production pipeline. Zootopia was one of the last examples of what Disney was capable of before Iger's hiring practices and prejudices (yes, I blame him primarily for the mess they are in now) -started badly affecting productions. Here we are about seven years later and now, NOW mainstream media is suddenly saying what the vast majority of the public (and most KZbinrs) have been saying for years. That there are serious problems with Disney's productions. It's only taken 5+ years of terrible writing and destroyed franchises to finally beat them over the head that maybe, just maybe, it might be better to write and produce great stories with real life lessons rather than narcissistic drivel about what is the current trend in activism. Disney turned their backs on the vast majority of their historical customers at the behest of a tiny minority of activists that couldn't writer their way out of the proverbial paper bag. Instead, they've been "re-imagining" classics to try and make up for their lack of writing (and now directing and acting) skills. I watched as Disney took billion-dollar franchises and burned them to the ground. Star Wars was guaranteed to print them money. And yet they ruined it with terrible writing. They literally destroyed in 6 years what took 30 years to build into a multi-billion dollar franchise. This is one of the reasons that Zootopia is so precious to me. It's one of the final examples of the greatness Disney was capable of. Maybe Disney will be capable of such great stories again. For future generations sake, I hope so.

[@squirrel670]

Look at the movies that were making money, they shoved them on Disney Plus and blamed them for losing money at the box office. You are right that they push drivel but no activist wants that garbage. There are so many original and captivating stories to be told that focus on the story instead of the fake superficial crap they keep pumping out. It's not diversity that's the problem or good lessons or personal stories, it's sucking out the creativity of the artists and story boarders to create soulless garbage to "related to the masses" because they think that will make the most money. No risks. A lot of their recent loved movies were personal told stories but they intentionally want them to die and didn't promote or put them out there to make money

[@SSukram_]

They are working on a sequel

[@brianachim2670]

I totally agree but shame on Disney for not giving us a sequel.

[@StickyBrickBuilder]

Well, you’re in luck, because a sequel is apparently in the works! 😁

[@brianachim2670]

@@StickyBrickBuilder I know but man talk about playing the waiting game. 😅

[@StickyBrickBuilder]

7 years and counting…

[@brianachim2670]

@@StickyBrickBuilder Most patient fans on the planet

[@sonysfan19992]

It's been announced, but I think it's better that this movie doesn't have a sequel. Ralph 2 and Frozen 2 were really bad

[@ThePinkDragon]

i love this movie both characters have great aches

[@Patches_Florida]

its not one of the best... its the best

[@StickyBrickBuilder]

Definitely Top 3 for me!

[@Patches_Florida]

@@StickyBrickBuilder yeah brotha😎

[@Judyhopps-1iq]

too bad the dinsey like this is gone @@Patches_Florida

[@MustaAlanko]

I would like to know why the copyrights have not blocked these videos from viewing due to the film clips used in these videos, is it because they are short enough or because of that background distortion or because the copyrights in your country are not so strict in terms of the use of film material, or why?

[@StickyBrickBuilder]

Honestly, I don’t really know, but I just tried to split up the clips and sometimes I used a different background for longer scenes from the movie. Ever since my 1st draft of my Bambi II video got blocked, I’ve been pretty cautious about that. (I’m really just at the mercy of Disney!)

[@MustaAlanko]

@@StickyBrickBuilder Okay

[@arnaudgerard1971]

Nick is a hustler and a better person ? :)

[@IndriidaeNT]

Which would you prefer in Zootopia 2, to have Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps get married to members of their own species (Red fox vixen and red fox cubs for Nick and gray rabbit and gray rabbit kids for Judy or have the Born to Be Alive, I Will Survive and Never Say Goodbye trilogy actually happen.) and have kids to raise that are their species or different animal species or even Gazelle for Nick and Clawhauser for Judy but remain platonic partners similar to the endings to The Adventures of Milo and Otis, The Fox and the Hound and Bambi and Robin Hood or have Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps do wind up as a romantic couple and boyfriend and girlfriend at the end and get married and have red fox cub, gray rabbit and fobbit kids to raise at the end while Gazelle and Clawhauser also wind up as a romantic couple with cheetah cub and Thomson’s gazelle foal kids to raise like in many fanfictions and Zootopia: Never Say Goodbye?

[@cfruge444]

Rich Moore himself supported the ship and the crew have joked about what their kids would look like; if they ever come out with promotional art of them in wedding attire, it's pretty much a done deal. *Also, deservedly or not, the guy who made I Will Survive and Born To Be Alive got so much hate that he deleted them from his DeviantArt account.*

[@angelesloyola6064]

We need to gazelle three of us (Nick Judy and Gazelle)🎉❤

[@iZAYYYYYYY]

im waiting for that cars 2 video ...

[@spartanlocke2071]

Now you make me want to watch, but my opinion bad humor abut fine story, but with most does movie it only 1st 10 minutes or more.

[@morthim]

the racial allegory in this, with the fox actually being bad, was worse than if they went with the original gender allegory in 'wild times'.

[@arnaudgerard1971]

That's why men and women belong together and every other partnership.

[@squirrel670]

It's a movie. If it was 2 men or two women, or a bad man and woman partnership it's not right to say everyone has to be the same or should avoid it. Those who belong together work together and care about each other.

[@arnaudgerard1971]

@@squirrel670 Did you read what I wrote?

[@squirrel670]

@@arnaudgerard1971 did you?, because still didn't make sense. Especially with "this is why men and women belong together and every other partnership." It implies men and women belong together and in every other partnership. It's not complete or connected well.

[@danestein3882]

*promosm* 🤦

[@erikbihari3625]

Sorry to say, but not even close!

[@ItsMeFern2019]

I remember watching this movie over and over again for days on end in 2016. I just never got sick of the world, the characters, the story, or the message and I'm still in love with it just as much today. You did a lovely job talking about it! My only hope is that, with the announcement of a second film, that it's taking so long because their putting a lot of work into it 🫶