The Bad Guys
The brief
The Bad Guys delivers exactly what DreamWorks does best: zippy heist movie energy wrapped in surprisingly sharp character work, with Sam Rockwell's smooth-talking wolf anchoring a crew that actually feels like friends who've been pulling jobs together for years. The animation pops with a comic book aesthetic that makes every chase scene feel like flipping through panels, while Marc Maron brings his trademark neurotic energy to a anxious snake sidekick. It moves fast enough to keep adults engaged without overwhelming kids, striking that tricky balance where nobody's checking their phone. Perfect for anyone who wished Ocean's Eleven had more talking animals, or parents who want a heist flick they can actually watch with their kids.
The verdict
If you're looking for a clever heist comedy that works for both kids and adults, with slick animation and genuinely funny voice work from Sam Rockwell and Marc Maron, this is a delightful surprise that elevates the talking animal formula. If you're expecting Pixar-level emotional depth or get annoyed by hyperactive cartoon energy, you'll find this too surface-level and frenetic for your taste.
Watch with
- 👨👩👧👦 Perfect family movie night pick
- 🧒 Great for kids who love action
- 👫 Adults will enjoy the heist movie references
Heads up
- Cartoon action violence and chase scenes (moderate)
- Mild criminal activity played for laughs (brief)
Credits
- Director
- Pierre Perifel
- Cast
- Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Awkwafina, Craig Robinson, Anthony Ramos, Richard Ayoade, Zazie Beetz
Official synopsis
When the Bad Guys, a crew of criminal animals, are finally caught after years of heists and being the world’s
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023)
Both feature animal antiheroes learning redemption through unlikely friendships.
Total runtime: 1h 40m + 1h 40m = 3h 20m
