Disney Pixar's 'Hoppers' Opens in Korea With a Stunning 97% Rotten Tomatoes Score

Disney Pixar's latest animated feature Hoppers arrived in Korean theaters on March 4, carrying an impressive 97 percent fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes — tying with the beloved 2018 film Coco for the highest score among all Pixar releases in the past eight years.

The film introduces audiences to Mabel, a young environmental activist who discovers "hopping" technology that allows human consciousness to be transferred into animal robots. Determined to save a cherished pond from highway construction, Mabel transforms into a robot beaver and infiltrates the animal kingdom, where she meets George, the reigning king of beavers, and embarks on an unexpected adventure to reclaim nature from human development.

Critics Call It Pixar's Funniest Film Yet

International critics have showered the film with praise, describing it as "the freshest and most entertaining Pixar movie in recent years" and "the funniest film in Pixar history." Others called it "bold, emotional, and laugh-out-loud worthy — destined to become a classic." Korean media has been equally enthusiastic, noting that the film delivers "a highlight of Pixar's sensibility and technical prowess with non-stop harmless laughter" and offers "entertainment, spectacle, and meaningful messages for all generations."

The score places Hoppers above recent Pixar titles including Inside Out 2 at 91 percent, Soul at 95 percent, and Turning Red at 95 percent. Among all post-Coco releases, only Toy Story 4 at 96 percent came close to matching the new film's critical reception.

A Fresh Take on Nature and Coexistence

Director Daniel Chong, best known as the creator of the globally popular animated series We Bare Bears, brings his signature blend of humor and heart to the project. The film features newcomer Piper Curda voicing Mabel, alongside Bobby Moynihan from Inside Out 2 and Jon Hamm, who gained Korean fans through Top Gun: Maverick and earned a Golden Globe for his work in Mad Men.

Korean film critics have drawn comparisons to several Pixar classics. The animal world-building recalls the insect universe of A Bug's Life and the toy perspectives of the Toy Story series. The environmental themes and interspecies dynamics evoke both Avatar and Zootopia. However, reviewers note that Hoppers distinguishes itself through unexpected plot twists in its second half that keep audiences guessing until the very end.

At 104 minutes and rated for all audiences, the film balances slapstick comedy with thoughtful environmental messaging. The animation brings remarkable detail to animal fur textures, forest landscapes, and a clever visual distinction between how humans and animals perceive each other. When seen through animal eyes, the creatures appear more expressive and fantastical, while humans perceive ordinary wildlife behavior.

Pixar's 30th Feature Film

Hoppers marks a significant milestone as Pixar Animation Studios' 30th feature-length film. The studio has released the movie in premium formats including 4DX and Dolby Cinema across major Korean theater chains CGV and Megabox, signaling strong confidence in its theatrical appeal.

With its opening-day buzz and near-perfect critical reception, Hoppers appears poised to become one of the year's most successful animated films, proving that Pixar's formula of imaginative premises paired with universal emotional storytelling remains as potent as ever.