The first Frozen movie came out in 2013, and the sequel didn't come out until six years later. Kids and Disney fans everywhere demanded a follow-up to the original smash hit, but to say it would have a lot to live up to is an understatement. Fortunately, Disney was able to create a very successful sequel filled with music, color, meaningful relationships, and heart.
Frozen II has no business being as good as it is. No one expected it to be better, or even as good as the original, but it is just that. It's very smart, and every choice was deliberately made to make it the perfect sequel, which isn't an easy feat. Especially when the first film made over one billion dollars at the box office.
9 It Takes The Audience Into Account
Frozen II is genius in the sense that it knew exactly who its target audience was. The kids who loved and grew up with the original were six years older. Of course, new children have been born that love Disney, and Frozen especially, but Disney was aware that the kids who were screaming "Let it Go" at six years old had gotten older.
Middle schoolers and preteens are mature, but not so mature that they're too cool for a classic film from their childhood. Olaf hasn't actually aged, but he understands more now, just like the kids who loved the first film. The subject matter is much more complicated than that of the first. Frozen II deals with serious topics while still weaving a beautiful story and having fun imagery and humor.
8 It Has Songs On The Same Level As "Let It Go"
What's better than one Elsa solo? Two Elsa solos. "Let it Go" was played at max volume in every home with a child for years. It's a great song, and everyone loves it. The other songs were very well done as well, but the queen's solo song edges them all out.
Both of Elsa's new songs in Frozen II are definitely the best in the movie, but it has other songs that are good as well. The songs are very different from the original's, which makes them more memorable. Olaf's song "When I'm Older" is much longer and has more depth than "In Summer." Kristoff's song is different from anything the audience has heard before in either film, and it was a smart choice to add a fun jam in the middle.
7 It Created Fun Side Characters
Every movie sequel adds new characters. Usually, it's a villain because the original was defeated in the first film. But that's not Frozen's style. It's a Disney movie, so fans got two fun animal sidekicks and some helpful supporting roles. The fan favorite was Bruni, a little blue salamander from the Enchanted Forest. The other prominent animal is the Nokk, the water spirit that helps Elsa travel.
Other fun additions were Honeymaren, a member of Northuldra, and Lieutenant Mattias, a royal guard who personally worked with Elsa and Anna's father King Agnarr. The best part about these characters is that they add to the story and have meaningful relationships without overshadowing the original characters.
6 It Gave Kristoff His Own Song
Finally utilizing Jonathon Groff's vocal talents was the smartest choice Disney ever made. Groff voices Kristoff, and musical theatre fans were horrified to find out that he hardly sings at all in the original movie. Sure he has "Reindeers Are Better Than People," but that song is basically spoken, and doesn't show off his voice at all. He went on to be in Hamilton, so he must be pretty good.
Kristoff's song is a highlight of the film. A lot of the songs have a more serious tone, but "Lost in the Woods" is a fierce solo about him having trouble proposing to Anna, and sometimes even finding her in the first place. It's easy to rock out to, and the visuals are hilarious.
5 The Evolution Of Elsa
In the first Frozen movie, Elsa is isolated and insecure about her powers. Then she learns to control them and becomes more confident and social. Frozen II shows Elsa as Queen of Arendelle, and she is doing a great job. She has discovered that her powers are a part of her and are an asset, not something to be ashamed of. But she still knows that there is more for her to discover about herself.
When she goes to the Enchanted Forest, Elsa meets the elemental spirits and realizes that she is connected to all of them, not just ice. She finally feels free when she lets down her hair, has another outfit evolution, and runs barefoot on the beach.
4 Higher Animation Quality
Disney is always improving their animated features, and it really shows in Frozen II. The first one looks fine, but the second is a visual masterpiece. Every thread in the clothing is visible. It creates textures that the audience can feel just by looking. The hair flows like real hair. The eyes are reflective. The water flows and reflects like real water. They made a horse out of liquid that is able to seamlessly gallop through the ocean; the Nokk literally looks wetter when it first emerges from the water.
3 It's About The Past, But It Doesn't Stray From The Present
The past is relevant for the progression of the current story, but Frozen II doesn't rely on flashbacks to inform the audience. Elsa is confused about her mother, especially when the sisters find out that she lived in the Enchanted Forest. The audience continues to feel a bit lost, just like the characters do, until the end when Elsa discovers her mother's voice calling to her.
Parents often die in movies or are deceased before the story even begins, and most of the time, it never gets discussed. Frozen II is able to successfully talk about Elsa and Anna's parents' past while taking place in the current time. The idea that water has memory was very smart, especially when they find the shipwreck that caused the family's demise. There are a few flashbacks, but they don't feel gimmicky or distracting because the audience is learning alongside the character.
2 It Doesn't Underestimate The Emotional Intelligence Of The Audience
Frozen II is a little heavy at times. It deals with serious topics like death, self-esteem, and loss. It's a children's movie for sure, but that doesn't mean that there can't be some real-life stuff going on. Death might be a foreign experience, and the viewer is able to learn about and be confused about losing someone alongside Olaf, and then Anna. The song "The Next Right Thing" is about moving on from the tragedy of losing a loved one.
Frozen II takes place in a fantasy world, but the experiences Elsa and Anna go through are universal. All these serious moments are portrayed in a way that is easy to understand and not too intimidating. While things don't really move that quickly in reality, it shows the audience the process and allows them to experience it with the characters.
1 Elsa Doesn't Get A Love Interest
The first Frozen movie has the budding romance of Anna and Kristoff, and the self-love that Elsa discovers. It's really important to show that one doesn't need another person to find true happiness, and sometimes it's necessary to find self-love before inviting someone else into the equation. Frozen II handles this topic perfectly.
Elsa is still on her journey to self-discovery and self-love, so the movie allows her to do so without even a hint of romance. Some people have speculated that she and Honeymaren were flirting, and while Elsa being a lesbian is a popular theory, fans were looking way too deep into that relationship. Having one sister find love in marriage and the other find love in her independent life is extremely important for kids to see, and Frozen II understood that.