If you’re longing for more of the charm and whimsy of thePaddingtonmovies, look no further, as there are a few movies that perfectly capture the spirit of thePaddingtontrilogy. ThefirstPaddingtonmoviepremiered in 2014 and quickly won the hearts of the public. The little bear has become a phenomenon, with the second movie boasting a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score untila single percentage shift broughtPaddington 2downto its current score. The latest entry in the franchise,Paddington in Peruhas also received great reviews.
Although Director Paul King is absent from the third adventure, as is Sally Hawkins, thefuture of thePaddingtonfranchiseremains optimistic.We will always have an appetite for the wonder of aPaddingtonmovie, complete with memorable villains and thrilling adventures that define the series. In the meantime, certain films can offer a similar, delightful experience while viewers await more from King’s treasured universe in Windsor Gardens.
10Christopher Robin (2018)
Starring Ewan McGregor, Hayley Atwell, and Jim Cummings
Perhaps the most glaring likeness between thePaddingtonfranchise andChristopher Robinis the distinct British charm of both projects. The stories are set in the capital of London, and both films are characterized by their British humor and sensibilities.Both lead bears are inherently charming, and their kind-natured spirit makes it easy for audiences to root for them. Pooh’s adventures are fabled children’s literature, and bothChristopher RobinandPaddingtoncapture that spirit, albeit differently.Christopher Robinis the first live-action movieof the beloved series, which makes it more than worth watching.
Both Pooh and Paddington induce a strong sense of nostalgia that serves to transport audiences back to the wonder and innocence of their childhood. These films are filled with whimsical elements that are appealing to people of all ages, andChristopher Robinexplores more of the same heartwarming themes of friendship and family, as well as the importance of imagination.
9Wonka (2023)
Starring Timothée Chalamet, Hugh Grant, and Olivia Colman
Written by the legendary Simon Farnaby and Paul King, who penned thePaddingtonmovies,Wonkarecreates the magic instilled into thePaddingtontrilogy. This is mostly thanks to the set designs, which help create bright and imaginative worlds,filled with fantastical elements.
ThePaddingtonmovies andWonkaboth bring a sense of wonder to the world around them and ultimately do so in extremely similar ways.
This is particularly evident during the sequence ofWilly and Noodle at the zoo inWonka, which is reminiscent of the ever-charming and vibrant Windsor Gardens. These sets are a visual delight and act as a sense of escapism as we can immerse ourselves further into the world of these beloved characters.
ThePaddingtonmovies andWonkaboth bring a sense of wonderto the world around them and ultimately do so in extremely similar ways. The protagonists face any challenge with an unwavering positive attitude, and their strong conviction for the good of others is at the very core of these films.
8The Phantom of the Open (2022)
Starring Mark Rylance, Sally Hawkins, and Simon Farnaby
At first glance,The Phantom of the Openmight not seem like an obvious companion to the Paddington trilogy, but some strong similarities contribute to their shared, heartwarming tones.Farnaby is consistent in offering hopeful messages in his writing, where community plays a central role — andThe Phantom of the Openis no different in this regard. In an interview withCineworld, Farnaby said “the similarity lies in the fact that Paddington believes in community, […] Maurice has a similar sort of story […]”
A sense of community is crucial to thePaddingtonfranchise, and nowhere is this more evident than inPaddington 2, where the neighbors rally together to free him from imprisonment. With that in mind, Rylance’s film exploresan outsider who strives to meet his dreams against all odds.The real-life story of Maurice Flitcroft helps withThe Phantom of the Openbeing consideredone of the best golf movies of all time.
7Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Starring George Clooney, Bill Murray, and Jason Schwartzman
Of course, these films are worlds apart in terms of style, with Wes Anderson delivering his signature aesthetic and dry wit, butFantastic Mr. FoxandPaddingtonshare remarkably similar values.Both films are about familyand the lengths people will go to protect one of their own.
Paddington In Peru Ending Explained
Paddington in Peru concludes the first live-action Paddington trilogy, telling a globe-trotting adventure story with big twists, laughs, and heart.
ThePaddingtontrilogy centers on belonging and acceptance, whereasFantastic Mr. Foxexplores the themes of parenthood and responsibility — and the difficulty of balancing personal desires with this. While Paddington seeks a new life in London, Mr. Fox attempts to prove himself worthy of a better life outside the farm.
Since then,Anderson has adapted several Roald Dahl storiesinto shorts for Netflix, includingThe Wonderful Story of Henry SugarandThe Rat Catcher. Ultimately,Fantastic Mr. Foxand the Paddington franchiseshare a delightful blend of humor, heart, and whimsywith relatable and endearing characters who capture the hearts of viewers.
6The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)
Starring Alex Hirsch, Olivia Colman, and Maya Rudolph
The Mitchells vs. the Machinesfocuses on the importance of family, especially when those families are dysfunctional and somewhat unconventional. The Mitchells are an eccentric group who are forced to reconnect to save the world. Similarly, the Brown family continuously overlooks Paddington’s shortcomings to embrace his uniqueness.
The humor is lighthearted and, at times, wacky, butthe film is incredibly warm and heartfelt. While both visuals are delightful,Paddingtonblends live-action with CGI. However,the animation ofThe Mitchells vs. the Machinesuses much more vibrant and cartoonish features to bring the story to life.
More importantly, much like the entirePaddingtonfranchise,The Mitchells vs. the Machineshas an incredibly entertaining villainin the form of Olivia Colman. Coincidentally, Colman is present for the main story ofPaddington in Peru, too, so for those seeking a similar experience, this is the perfect choice.
5Mary Poppins Returns (2018)
Starring Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Ben Whishaw
The voice of Paddington bear, Ben Whishaw, is featured inMary Poppins Returns. Not only this, buttheMary Poppinssequelrecreates a similar environment by also being set in the center of London. This British charm is equally gentle and witty, making the emotional depth all the more powerful.
Every Paddington In Peru Cameo
Since Paddington in Peru is about one of Britain’s most famous characters, it’s no surprise that the film scores some major celebrity cameos.
Both franchises incorporate fantastical elements into their stories, with Poppins and her handbag and the young bear, who brings his own brand of chaos.Mary Poppins Returnscreates a sense of enchantment akin toPaddington, which is ultimately the unique selling point for the respective motion pictures.
Of course,Mary Poppins Returnsexplores the same themes, too. However, the film does have a slightly more somber tone thanPaddington, but this does not make it any less enjoyable.It helps that audiences find comfort in the familiar presenceof these long-loved characters.
4How To Train Your Dragon (2010)
Starring Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, and America Ferrera
It’s more than likely that this beloved animated movie will feel more like thePaddingtontrilogy afterHow To Train Your Dragon’s live-action remake, but the original film has remarkably similar tones.How To Train Your Dragonis an incredibly heartwarming story about defying expectations and finding a place in the world.
How To Train Your Dragonhas a 99% rating onRotten Tomatoes.
The film centers around the evolution of unconventional friendships, and Hiccup and Toothless rebel against the long-standing customs of their people.LikePaddington,How To Train Your Dragonhas several scenes that will tug at your heartstrings, and the emotional core of the movie is easy to resonate with.
The live-action remake will be released in theaters in June and appears to remain surprisingly faithful to the original design and themes. The upcoming film’s success hinges on Toothless feeling like a part of the real world, and thePaddingtonfilms offer an important blueprint for achieving this.
3Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)
Starring Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, and James Marsden
Sonic the Hedgehogmay not seem like an obvious accompaniment toPaddington’s beloved trilogy either, but both films are family-friendly spectacles that continue to delight audiences of all ages. Although the video game adaption is very action-based, and a touch more violent,Sonic the Hedgehogis still suitable for children, as well as its adult audience.
Sonic the Hedgehogmanaged to please both fans of the game and the general audience, which is not easy.
The similarity lies in the main characters, asSonic is an incredibly charming character, too, making him even more endearing to audiences. Like Paddington, the hedgehog is surrounded by a charming ensemble, whose contributions help with the film’s enduring popularity.
Sonic the Hedgehogmanaged to please both fans of the game and the general audience, which is not easy. LikePaddington, theSonic the Hedgehogmoviesbring a fantastical character into a family environment, with the Watchwoskis being the heart of the franchise despite not being preexisting characters from the games.
2The Muppets (2011)
Starring Jason Segel, Amy Adams, and Steve Whitmire
The Muppetsare another beloved franchise that has plenty to offer. The 2011 movie featuring Jason Segel has a huge cast of memorable characters, including the iconic Kermit the Frog, and Miss Piggy, and many more. As each character in thePaddingtontrilogy does,The Muppets' characters have distinctive personalities and quirks that contribute to the film’s overarching humor and heart.The narrative is comparable to the adventures the young bear finds himself in, as the group must rely on the good of the people to save the Muppet Theater from destruction.
WhilePaddington’s humor is slightly more gentle,The Muppetsmovieshave a consistent stream of one-liners and outlandish situations, and it’s no different for the 2011 installment. Although they appear to cater to different audiences,both movies tell stories that are conclusively touching— doing so with a healthy dose of absurdity.
1The Wild Robot (2024)
Starring Kit Connor, Pedro Pascal, and Lupita Nyong’o
Witha98% score on Rotten Tomatoes and three Oscar nominations,The Wild Robotis already one of the best animated movies in years.The Wild Robotbrings Peter Brown’s original story to life and is an incredibly emotional journey about a stranded robot (Rozzum 7134, or “Roz”) who takes on the role of a caretaker for the young gosling, Brightbill. The emotional themes are the principal aspect of the film, and although similar to Paddington,The Wild Robotpacks a bigger emotional punch.
The journey the group undertakes is more challenging because of the obstacles they later face, including Brightbill and his first migration, or the forces that are hunting the intelligence robot.The Wild Robotbalances many different emotions and themes like family, acceptance, and the fear of never being loved — making it a wonderful replacement for thePaddingtonmovies.
