10 Best Movies Like The Paddington Trilogy

If you're longing for more of the charm and whimsy of the Paddington movies, look no further, as there are a few movies that perfectly capture the spirit of the Paddington trilogy. The first Paddington movie premiered 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 until a single percentage shift brought Paddington 2 down to its current score. The latest entry in the franchise, Paddington in Peru has also received great reviews.

Although Director Paul King is absent from the third adventure, as is Sally Hawkins, the future of the Paddington franchise remains optimistic. We will always have an appetite for the wonder of a Paddington movie, 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.

10 Christopher Robin (2018)

Starring Ewan McGregor, Hayley Atwell, and Jim Cummings

Perhaps the most glaring likeness between the Paddington franchise and Christopher Robin is 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 both Christopher Robin and Paddington capture that spirit, albeit differently. Christopher Robin is the first live-action movie of 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, and Christopher Robinexplores more of the same heartwarming themes of friendship and family, as well as the importance of imagination.

9 Wonka (2023)

Starring Timothée Chalamet, Hugh Grant, and Olivia Colman

Written by the legendary Simon Farnaby and Paul King, who penned the Paddington movies, Wonka recreates the magic instilled into the Paddington trilogy. This is mostly thanks to the set designs, which help create bright and imaginative worlds, filled with fantastical elements.

The Paddington movies and Wonka both 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 of Willy and Noodle at the zoo in Wonka, 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.

The Paddington movies and Wonka both bring a sense of wonder to 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.

8 The Phantom of the Open (2022)

Starring Mark Rylance, Sally Hawkins, and Simon Farnaby

At first glance, The Phantom of the Open might 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 — and The Phantom of the Open is no different in this regard. In an interview with Cineworld, 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 the Paddington franchise, and nowhere is this more evident than in Paddington 2, where the neighbors rally together to free him from imprisonment. With that in mind, Rylance's film explores an outsider who strives to meet his dreams against all odds. The real-life story of Maurice Flitcroft helps with The Phantom of the Open being considered one of the best golf movies of all time.

7 Fantastic 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, but Fantastic Mr. Fox and Paddington share remarkably similar values. Both films are about family and the lengths people will go to protect one of their own.

Paddington and the Browns as seen in Paddington in Peru's (2024) posters

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.

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The Paddington trilogy centers on belonging and acceptance, whereas Fantastic Mr. Fox explores 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 stories into shorts for Netflix, including The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and The Rat Catcher. Ultimately,Fantastic Mr. Fox and the Paddington franchise share a delightful blend of humor, heart, and whimsy with relatable and endearing characters who capture the hearts of viewers.

6 The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)

Starring Alex Hirsch, Olivia Colman, and Maya Rudolph

The Mitchells vs. the Machines focuses 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, but the film is incredibly warm and heartfelt. While both visuals are delightful, Paddington blends live-action with CGI. However, the animation of The Mitchells vs. the Machines uses much more vibrant and cartoonish features to bring the story to life.

More importantly, much like the entire Paddington franchise, The Mitchells vs. the Machineshas an incredibly entertaining villain in the form of Olivia Colman. Coincidentally, Colman is present for the main story of Paddington in Peru, too, so for those seeking a similar experience, this is the perfect choice.

5 Mary Poppins Returns (2018)

Starring Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Ben Whishaw

The voice of Paddington bear, Ben Whishaw, is featured in Mary Poppins Returns. Not only this, but the Mary Poppins sequel recreates 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.

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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 Returns creates a sense of enchantment akin to Paddington, which is ultimately the unique selling point for the respective motion pictures.

Of course, Mary Poppins Returns explores the same themes, too. However, the film does have a slightly more somber tone than Paddington, but this does not make it any less enjoyable. It helps that audiences find comfort in the familiar presence of these long-loved characters.

4 How 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 the Paddington trilogy after How To Train Your Dragon's live-action remake, but the original film has remarkably similar tones. How To Train Your Dragon is an incredibly heartwarming story about defying expectations and finding a place in the world.

How To Train Your Dragon has a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The film centers around the evolution of unconventional friendships, and Hiccup and Toothless rebel against the long-standing customs of their people.Like Paddington, How To Train Your Dragon has 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 the Paddington films offer an important blueprint for achieving this.

3 Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)

Starring Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, and James Marsden

Sonic the Hedgehog may not seem like an obvious accompaniment to Paddington'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 Hedgehog is still suitable for children, as well as its adult audience.

Sonic the Hedgehog managed to please both fans of the game and the general audience, which is not easy.

The similarity lies in the main characters, as Sonic 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 Hedgehog managed to please both fans of the game and the general audience, which is not easy. Like Paddington, the Sonic the Hedgehog movies bring a fantastical character into a family environment, with the Watchwoskis being the heart of the franchise despite not being preexisting characters from the games.

2 The Muppets (2011)

Starring Jason Segel, Amy Adams, and Steve Whitmire

The Muppets are 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 the Paddington trilogy 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.

While Paddington's humor is slightly more gentle, The Muppets movies have 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.

1 The Wild Robot (2024)

Starring Kit Connor, Pedro Pascal, and Lupita Nyong'o

With a 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes and three Oscar nominations, The Wild Robot is already one of the best animated movies in years. The Wild Robot brings 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 Robot packs 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 Robot balances many different emotions and themes like family, acceptance, and the fear of never being loved — making it a wonderful replacement for the Paddington movies.

Source: Cineworld

Paddington

Created by: Michael Bond, Paul King
First Film: Paddington
Latest Film: Paddington 2
Upcoming Films: Paddington in Peru

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