Where to start withTHE BAD GUYS
3 versions · originally a book
Themes: Redemption, Unlikely friendships, Subverting tropes, Heist comedy, Children's graphic novel.
Start with The Bad Guys (Pierre Perifel, 2022) — the film. THE BAD GUYS exists in 3 versions across media; each is ranked below by what it does best.
This high-octane franchise reimagines classic predatory animals as misunderstood anti-heroes attempting to trade their criminal reputation for redemption.
✦ Most fans start here
The Bad Guys (2022)
The original novel
The Bad Guys
Aaron Blabey · Book
The Bad Guys (2015) establishes the foundational character dynamics and snappy visual humor of the original book series, providing readers with the essential blueprint for this charming animal heist crew.
2022 film
✦ Start hereThe Bad Guys
Pierre Perifel · Film · 2022
The Bad Guys (2022) is a masterclass in stylized animation and kinetic pacing, elevating the source material into a sophisticated, high-stakes heist film that stands as the franchise's creative peak.
2025 film
The Bad Guys 2
Pierre Perifel · Film · 2025
The Bad Guys 2 (2025) shifts the focus toward the comedy of forced reformation, pitting our protagonists against a new rival team in a globetrotting adventure that expands the series' scope.
Common questions
What order should I consume The Bad Guys media?
You can start with the original The Bad Guys book series. Following the books, you can watch the 2022 movie The Bad Guys. The upcoming sequel, The Bad Guys 2, is scheduled for release in 2025 as a continuation of the film franchise.
Is The Bad Guys movie based on the book?
Yes, the 2022 film The Bad Guys is an adaptation of the source material found in The Bad Guys book series. Both versions follow the same core premise of characters attempting to change their reputations, though the medium and specific narrative pacing differ between the two.
When is The Bad Guys 2 being released?
The Bad Guys 2 is currently scheduled for release in 2025. This film serves as the second installment in the movie franchise, following the events of the 2022 feature film titled The Bad Guys.
Should I read The Bad Guys before watching the movie?
Reading The Bad Guys book series first provides additional context for the characters and the world. However, the 2022 movie The Bad Guys stands as its own adaptation, meaning you can enjoy the film without having read the books beforehand.