Anime films and Pixar films might seem like they’re in totally different corners, but maybe not all the time. Looking at Pixar Animation Studios through an anime lens is kind of wacky, to be honest, but it does reveal something interesting to me. We usually think of Pixar with Disney, which is fairy tales, musicals, all cheerful and sunny, and family-friendly. But if you grew up on anime, especially Studio Ghibli, you can see the difference in how Pixar shifted the emotional depth of Western animated films.
With Pixar films, it’s the quiet moments, the existential crises, and the emotional gravity. Their storytelling often explores big themes, like identity, loss, growing up, and purpose, in ways that feel surprisingly mature. If you look at it like that, Pixar films have the familiarity of anime storytelling, and it almost feels like home.
That said, I went into the exclusive Hoppers premiere in the Philippines on February 27 with these thoughts in mind. I was ready for two things: the famous Pixar feels and the challenge of writing a review that would feel right as an anime fan. (Spoilers Below!)
The Review: Disney-Pixar’s Hoppers Is Wildly Entertaining
At a glance, Hoppers is very visually fun. It’s colorful and vibrant, and the animation, together with its writing, feels somewhat reminiscent of the energy and charm that the traditional hand-drawn 2D animation used to bring in my childhood. I think it has a lot to do with the director, Daniel Chong, who is most beloved for his quirky and wholesome Cartoon Network show, “We Bare Bears.” It’s one of the reasons why I was so excited for this film.
The story of Hoppers follows Mabel, a short-tempered and rage-fuelled college girl determined to save the river glade from the mayor’s roadway plans. In a turn of events, she uses a science machine that transfers her mind into a robot beaver (yes, much like Avatar), and starts a mission of helping the beavers and other animals reclaim their home. From there, Hoppers becomes a hilarious adventure filled with chaos and silly energies, while also being a film full of heart and relevant themes about family, the environment, and letting go of one’s anger.
My favorite part of the movie is, hands down, the wild and funny animals that make the story all the more memorable and special. Each of them had amusing, iconic, and relatable personalities. A balding beaver with a crown, dramatic entrances for animal royalty, and a flying shark? Absolutely insane! And yes, I enjoyed every part of it (our cinema was bursting with laughter at Diane’s appearance).
There are so many details to laugh about and appreciate. The communication via earpieces and smartphones also played an interesting, modern part in the narrative, and I loved how the character design changed depending on this. It added that emotional weight and barrier (comedic panic in some of it) between the animals and humans. So when things got messy, it went hard.
In the second half, Hoppers transform into a nightmare unlike any other animated movie. Crawling insects, raging birds, robot uprising—it’s the stuff of trauma. Mabel is instantly faced with the consequences of her short temper.
The pacing is brilliant, and the witty writing comes around with multiple plot twists and surprises (the squish that had the entire theatre in a collective exclamation and dismay), not to mention the overwhelmingly effective voices of the Insect Queen (Meryl Streep) and Titus (Dave Franco). I’m also very pleased that the ending unfolds in a full-circle kind of moment, leading to a very profound lesson of togetherness and kindness.
That said, Grandma’s words stuck with me: “It’s hard to be angry when you’re part of something big.” That line alone—amidst the chaos, confusion, and fear—is the gentleness that anchors the world of this movie. It delivers courage, much like Rengoku’s “Keep your heart ablaze” or Frieren’s “It’s what Himmel the Hero would have done.” Deeply memorable and meaningful.
Throughout the movie, I kept remembering the NatGeo stories where eager beavers saved the Czech government $1.2 million, or when beavers became North America’s best firefighters. I think it’s awesome that the creators are so imaginative in highlighting this, and I feel a sense of awe and wonder after watching the movie.
All in all, Hoppers may not be as emotionally wrecking or original as the Pixar classics like Toy Story 3 or Up, but still, its uniqueness shines through its light-hearted yet unhinged comedy (oh, the duality)! It’s wildly entertaining while also very informational, especially when it comes to the animals, how they function within the ecosystem, and fighting for what is right. Hoppers definitely has the charm of a rewatchable feel-good movie, perfect to share with family and friends. It’s a dam good film.
The Space Where Hoppers and Anime Meet
Hoppers (localized in Japan as When I Became a Beaver) may come off as a coming-of-age adventure that reveals itself as a shonen slice-of-life anime in disguise. Of course, there are no silly anime tropes here, but the point of reference that we can review can be connected to how it is in terms of artistic compositions, story arcs, and character development.
Artistically, I believe Pixar and anime films have a unique knack for capturing intention and emotional perspectives in their high-quality animations. Both share beautiful, stylized cinematography that is very creative and striking, allowing their films to flow effortlessly.
Personally, my point of reference for anime films will always be the incredible Studio Ghibli, with Sophie’s courage from Howl’s Moving Castle and Chihiro’s unrelenting determination from Spirited Away, or Makoto Shinkai’s insane artistic compositions in Your Name and Weathering With You, or even Mamoru Hosoda‘s most beloved masterpiece, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time. But Pixar does something just as exceptional as well, and my anime fangirl heart appreciates the way I can connect to that representation.
Comedy-wise, the banter reminded me of KonoSuba, Shinchan, Kaguya- sama, and DanDaDan. The body-swapping part reminds me of a sci-fi series that I can’t put my finger on, and I suppose it has to do with Hoppers directly telling us (before we criticize it, which makes it funnier) that it’s basically James Cameron’s Avatar. There was not a single dull moment for me, and I’m glad that there weren’t any awkward Demon Slayer-esque flashback moments. It feels great when narratives are visually and mentally engaging, easy to follow, and give enough space for viewers to breathe.
By the last act of the movie, Hoppers fully embraces its comedic chaos. That said, it would be so interesting to hear the Japanese-dubbed version of this. I’m really curious about Miyaro Mamoru as the Lizard! See the Japanese trailer below:
The main character, Mabel, isn’t very likable in the beginning, either. It’s great that she fights for environmental issue awareness, but she also loves animals and nature to a fault, and is always intensely frustrated that she doesn’t think things through. I mentioned above that Hopper may lack the classic Pixar-level tear-jerking feels, but it still doesn’t disappoint because, for one, understanding and experiencing the anger that Mabel goes through is a cathartic journey that’s just as emotionally significant.
You see, her emotional maturity was at a place where she’s already mourned and accepted the loss of her grandmother. But she’s still angry at the world; her grief manifests into stubbornness directed at the Mayor, and she spirals out of control to protect the glade, a special place she shared with her grandmother. Her character development arc comes with a reality check, and with her learning to become mindful in navigating her anger. And that courage, just like what Eisen from Frieren iterates, is acting despite feeling fear.
As I mentioned, Pixar isn’t afraid to dive into the growing pains of being human, of things bigger than life. Mabel’s intensity is also reminiscent of major anime character arcs like Mononoke from Princess Mononoke, Bakugo from My Hero Academia, Tsukishima from Haikyu!!, Robin from One Piece, Fushi from To Your Eternity, and so much more.
The ending unfolds like a two-episode season finale—emotional catharsis delivered not through spectacle, but through vulnerability. There’s no cringey “power of friendship” moment here; instead, the emotional peak comes during a major sacrifice when the animals destroy their own home, the dam, to quell the forest fire and ultimately save the humans in Beaverton. I remember the quiet understanding in Mabel and King George’s eyes, and crying at the devastation that followed. The mayor also goes through his own redemption arc and finally sees the invaluable place of the animals, just as he should.
My favorite scene of this finale comes during Mabel’s visit to the glade, where a poignant scene shows us a recovered forest with George (his big-cartoon eyes are no more) and Mabel sitting side by side on the rock that she once shared with her grandmother. I did a mental screenshot of it because it was just so poetically beautiful, and the music and art were just wonderfully perfect. My heart felt full. It was this moment that rekindled my admiration for animation filmmaking.
To wrap this review, looking at Pixar movies, Hoppers particularly, through an anime lens doesn’t necessarily diminish their Western identity. I find that it, in fact, deepens it. My dive into this perspective has shown me that it highlights storytelling traditions from different corners, how writers and audiences can sit comfortably with the nuances of emotional complexity, like sadness, reflection, and other powerful stuff.
So yes, go watch Hoppers right now—follow the pond rules, appreciate the beavers, and let go of your anger. Just like what Grandma said.
Disney-Pixar’s Hoppers is now showing in theaters nationwide in the Philippines. The movie is also set to release in North America on March 6, 2026.
Special thanks to Disney Philippines and SM Mall of Asia for inviting me to the exclusive premiere in the Philippines! For more movie information and event updates, visit the official Disney PH, SM MOA Facebook, and the SM Supermalls website.
Photos via Disney
©Disney/Pixar
Participate In Discussions