Disney movies were changed forever after Frozen released in 2013. The film became an instant hit, smashing box office record after record and taking the pop culture by storm — what kid (or adult) wasn’t belting out “Let It Go”? And though it took six years, the 2019 sequel, Frozen 2, proved to have just as much success and cultural impact.
This movie franchise has it all: a loving depiction of sisters Elsa and Anna; introductions of lovable animated sidekicks like Olaf, Sven, and Bruni; the incredible voice work of actors Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff, and Josh Gad; and absolutely stellar soundtracks. But which of the two films reigns supreme?
Frozen 2: Iduna And Agnarr
In the first film, the roles of Elsa and Anna’s parents were only briefly depicted through the film’s opening montages. Frozen 2 delves into their characters in much more detail, revealing not only the intensity of their love for their daughters, but the touching origin story of their own romance.
As a franchise, Frozen explores the strength of true love in all its forms — romantic, familial, and platonic — and Frozen 2 keeps true to that message with the unexpected love story between Iduna and Agnarr.
Frozen: Grand Pabbie And The Rock Trolls
Not every supporting character in the world of Frozen contributes in the same meaningful way, but there’s no denying that Grand Pabbie and the Rock Trolls were a big source of the heart, humor, and magic that made the first Frozen film so special.
Grand Pabbie’s words of wisdom and warmth have a huge influence on the lives of almost all of the film’s main characters, and the hilarious song “Fixer Upper” provides the film’s central journey with some much-needed levity.
Frozen 2: Better Outfits
Though Anna and Elsa’s original costumes are undeniably iconic and firmly embedded within the pop culture consciousness, there’s no denying that both sisters get absolutely massive wardrobe upgrades across the entire span of Frozen 2.
Whether in their warm-hued outfits in the heart of Arendelle’s celebrations, their cute and comfy pajamas, their wintry journey outfits, or their absolutely stunning final transformation looks, Anna and Elsa are always serving fierce fashion in every moment of the film.
Frozen: Better Villain
Even if viewers were able to predict the inevitable villainous turn the power-hungry Hans took in Frozen, it’s clear that having this one concrete major villain proved better in the long run for the film.
Frozen 2‘s main villain is glimpsed only through spiritual flashbacks, and offers some more confusing thoughts on the oppressive nature of Arendelle as a whole. Having one distinctly horrible villain works much better in the scope of a Disney film.
Frozen 2: Better Journey For Elsa
Though Frozen found Elsa on a journey of accepting her powers, both magical and royal, Frozen 2 offers Elsa a much more nuanced, introspective journey, one that feels all the more rewarding as a result.
Frozen 2 shows that Elsa is still feeling lost, even after claiming her title as Queen of Arendelle. She doesn’t know who she really is and who she is meant to be. Her incredible journey of self-acceptance, and as the Fifth Spirit, is truly a sight to behold in the Disney canon.
Frozen: Better Journey For Anna
While Frozen 2 offers a satisfying turn for Anna’s character, particularly with her ascension to the role of Queen of Arendelle, the journey that her character takes in Frozen is still a more fully realized and compelling narrative.
Anna begins Frozen as a wide-eyed idealist, ready and willing to marry someone she has barely known for a day. Over the course of the film, she is forced to mature and learn responsibility, but she never once loses sight of her optimism — even learning the true meaning of true love through her reconnection with her sister.
Frozen 2: More Emotional Storyline
Frozen has many deeply emotional elements to its plot, from the dark opening sequence to the separation and eventual reunion of sisters. But Frozen 2 doesn’t shy away from emotional territory in the slightest.
The film tells a beautifully rendered story of Iduna and Agnarr’s young love and eventual tragic demises. It also leans heavily into the emotions of young adulthood and a desire for belonging, through both Elsa and Anna’s journeys.
Frozen: Clearer Plot
Even though Frozen broke Disney conventions in many ways, particularly in the centering of familial love above romantic love, the first film in the Frozen franchise still closely adheres to familiar narratives of past Disney films and hero’s journeys.
Frozen tells one distinct, clearly resolved story about two sisters across the first two decades of their lives. By comparison, Frozen 2 leaves more questions unanswered.
Frozen 2: “Show Yourself”
If there was ever a song that perfectly connected all of the dots not just in one movie, but across a cinematic franchise, one would be hard-pressed to find a better candidate than the absolutely breathtaking “Show Yourself.”
“Show Yourself” is equal parts plaintive plea and awed acceptance, reunion of mother and daughter and reconciliation of a fractured self. The song perfectly ties together every facet of Elsa’s journey, allowing her character to finally reach the emotional crescendo she was always destined for.
Frozen: “Let It Go”
It’s the song that changed a movie, a genre, a world. And even if plenty of people are beyond tired of “Let It Go” by now, it’s impossible to overstate the importance the song has had in guaranteeing Frozen‘s position as a permanent classic.
The powerful song of self-acceptance and overcoming obstacles has resonated with various populations. “Let It Go” isn’t going anywhere.
