Frozen 2

Frozen 2

movie

PG, 2019, Family, Animation

WISE
83%

WISE Score

77

Avg. Tomatometer

Elsa and Anna venture into an enchanted forest to uncover family secrets—darker, deeper, and way more intense than the first movie.

IMDb6.8
RT Critics77%
MC64
TMDB7.2
Common Sense Media
Where to Watch
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Screenwise Verdict

Frozen 2 is a visually gorgeous, emotionally ambitious sequel that swings for the fences—and mostly connects. It's darker, more complex, and more thoughtful than the original, tackling themes of grief, historical injustice, and identity with surprising maturity for a Disney film.

But let's be real: it's also a lot. The enchanted forest spirits are genuinely scary, the parents' deaths are front and center, and Olaf's temporary demise will wreck sensitive kids. Australian reviewers flat-out say 'not suitable under 6,' and they're right. This isn't the breezy, sing-along romp of the first film—it's a quest into trauma and reconciliation.

For kids 8 and up, though? It's great. The animation is stunning, the songs are solid (even if none quite reach 'Let It Go' levels), and the sisterhood between Elsa and Anna feels earned and real. Plus, 'The Next Right Thing' is a genuinely beautiful song about pushing through despair that might resonate with kids (and parents) dealing with hard stuff.

Just know what you're getting into. This is Frozen: The Empire Strikes Back—moodier, more mythological, and definitely not for the under-6 crowd.

Age Fit

Best for ages 8 and up who can handle the darker tone and emotional complexity. Kids 6-7 may enjoy it with parental guidance and reassurance during scary parts. Under 6, the intense sequences and themes of loss are likely too much.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
88

Models strong sisterhood, leadership, and emotional honesty. Elsa and Anna's relationship deepens as they confront loss and past trauma together. Themes of accepting responsibility, making amends for historical wrongs, and family sacrifice are handled maturely. The tone is more emotionally complex than the first film—dealing with parental death, cultural conflict, and fear of abandonment—but it never becomes gratuitous or manipulative. Kristoff's subplot about proposing is sweet and age-appropriate. The pacing is solid, though some younger kids may find the darker forest sequences intense.

Imaginative
85

Expands the Frozen universe with enchanted forests, elemental spirits (wind, fire, water, earth), and the mysterious Northuldra people. The visual storytelling is stunning—Elsa's ice magic gets more elaborate, and the mythology around her powers adds depth. 'Into the Unknown' captures the pull of exploration beautifully. However, it's more lore-building than genuinely original; it follows a fairly standard Disney sequel formula of 'let's go on a quest to learn about the past.' Kids who loved the first film will be engaged, but it doesn't break new creative ground the way Frozen did in 2013.

Safe
75

Rated PG with good reason. Multiple sources confirm this is darker and more intense than the original: battle flashbacks, aggressive elemental spirits chasing characters, parents' deaths discussed explicitly, and Olaf's temporary 'death' (he comes back, but it's emotionally heavy). Australian classification warns 'not suitable under 6' due to scary scenes; Common Sense Media flags moderate violent/disturbing content. No gore, nudity, or inappropriate language—just one brief kiss. The content isn't shocking for a Disney film, but parents of sensitive kids under 6 should preview or co-watch. For 8+, it's entirely appropriate.

Enriching
82

Tackles meaningful themes: confronting historical injustices (the dam built on Northuldra land represents colonial harm), processing parental loss, and the courage to face uncomfortable truths about your family's past. Elsa's journey to discover the 'fifth spirit' and her true purpose is empowering. The film invites conversations about leadership, reconciliation, and how we make amends for mistakes. Songs like 'Show Yourself' and 'The Next Right Thing' (Anna's grief anthem) offer real emotional depth. That said, it's still primarily entertainment—kids will remember the visuals and songs more than the lessons about restorative justice.

Parent Info

Why It Might Be Great

  • Stunning animation and elemental magic sequences that are legitimately breathtaking
  • Explores grief, loss, and historical injustice in ways that feel emotionally honest for a Disney film
  • Anna's song 'The Next Right Thing' is a genuinely moving anthem about pushing through despair
  • Expands the mythology of Elsa's powers and introduces the Northuldra culture with respect
  • Strong sisterhood message—Elsa and Anna's relationship is the heart of the story

What to Watch For

  • Significantly scarier than Frozen—elemental spirits attack, parents' deaths are discussed explicitly, and Olaf 'dies' (temporarily)
  • Australian classification says 'not suitable under 6' due to intense sequences; Common Sense Media agrees
  • Some kids may find the darker tone and heavier themes (abandonment, loss, cultural conflict) overwhelming
  • The plot is more complex and requires more attention than the original—younger kids may get lost

Conversation Starters

  • "Why do you think Elsa kept hearing that voice calling her? Would you follow a mysterious sound into the unknown?"
  • "The dam was hurting the Northuldra people's forest. What do you think it means to 'do the next right thing' even when it's hard?"
  • "Anna felt really sad when Olaf disappeared. What helps you when you're feeling sad or scared?"
  • "Elsa discovered she was the 'fifth spirit'—a bridge between people and nature. What do you think your special purpose might be?"
Stills
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