Pixar Is Back? Critics Praise ‘Hoppers’ With 97% on Rotten Tomatoes

Pixar Animation Studios’ new original project, Hoppers, has launched on Rotten Tomatoes with a 97% “fresh” rating based on 49 reviews. It marks one of the studio’s strongest debuts in the past decade. The U.S. premiere is set for March 6.

The film is directed by Daniel Chong, creator of We Bare Bears, making this his feature-length debut at Pixar. The runtime is 105 minutes, and the movie carries a PG rating. In the original version, characters are voiced by Piper Curda, Bobby Moynihan, and Jon Hamm.

The story follows teenager Mabel, who transfers her consciousness into a robotic beaver using experimental technology in order to save her local meadow from redevelopment. The film blends science fiction, environmental themes, and absurdist comedy.

What Critics Are Praising — and Criticizing

Reviewers have highlighted the bold concept, brisk pacing, sharp humor, and strong emotional core. Many are calling it a return to “classic Pixar form,” combining mature themes with heartfelt sincerity. The visual style has also been praised, with nature depicted in a more stylized and painterly way compared to Pixar’s usual hyperrealism.

On the downside, some critics point to an overstuffed premise — arguing that the story occasionally feels too dense and may be overwhelming for younger viewers.

What Reviews Are Saying

The early scores look almost triumphant. The real question now is whether Hoppers can maintain such a high rating after its full theatrical release — and win over audiences as well.

What’s the last Pixar film you watched? And which one is your all-time favorite? Let us know in the comments.