To set the stage, the “Paddington” books have been a staple for decades, and most readers will be familiar with the endearing bear from “darkest Peru.” Paddington embarks on an adventure to London, stowing away on a cargo ship to explore the world. Once in London, he finds himself adrift at Paddington Station, where the Brown family discovers him. They adopt him, naming him Paddington since his original bear name is a bit too complex for human tongues. Though some family members are initially wary of inviting a talking bear into their home, Paddington eventually becomes an indispensable part of the Brown household, even as his well-intentioned antics lead to chaos in their lives and around London.

Three films, with Ben Whishaw lending his voice to Paddington, have enchanted audiences under the guidance of directors Paul King and Dougal Wilson, the latter taking over for the third installment. Each film chronicles Paddington’s journey from Peru to London and back, with the third movie bringing the story full circle. These films are known for their sharp writing, irresistible charm, and appeal to both young viewers and their parents. Here, we rank the three “Paddington” films from least to most impressive, and if you’re acquainted with the series, the top choice may not surprise you.

The 2024 release of “Paddington in Peru,” the third film, encountered some hurdles before even reaching theaters. Initially, director Paul King, who directed the first two films, had to step away due to scheduling conflicts with the “Wonka” movie starring Timothée Chalamet. Dougal Wilson took the helm for “Paddington in Peru,” marking his debut in feature films. This installment also saw Emily Mortimer replacing Sally Hawkins as Mary Brown because Hawkins was busy working with King on “Wonka.” Though Mortimer is a talented actress, this change didn’t quite resonate with audiences. Such changes don’t always spell doom for a film, yet “Paddington in Peru” struggled as it followed Paddington and the Browns to his Peruvian roots while the family faced their own challenges.

The foundation of the franchise’s success lies in the 2014 film “Paddington,” directed by Paul King. This movie reintroduced audiences worldwide to the lovable, marmalade-craving bear. With Hugh Bonneville and Sally Hawkins portraying Henry and Mary Brown, viewers quickly understood why Paddington felt at home with the Browns after his lonely arrival at the station. This initial film’s strength set the stage for the series’ enduring popularity.

This isn’t a novel observation, but needs to be said: half the fun of Paddington’s story is that he’s a perpetual fish out of water in London where he’s surrounded by humans, so plopping him and the Browns into darkest Peru is already an unfortunate decision. Beyond that, though, Wilson’s direction never reaches the fantastical heights of King’s previous efforts, Mortimer’s recasting is undeniably distracting, and for the very first time in the franchise, a “Paddington” movie feels like a cash grab instead of a passion project. “Paddington in Peru” isn’t a total dud, but there’s no question that it’s the worst of the three “Paddington” films.

There’s a reason that a “Paddington” film franchise exists in the first place, and it’s due to the sheer strength of the first movie. Directed by Paul King and released in 2014, “Paddington” reintroduced this sweet, marmalade-loving talking bear to audiences across the world, and we’ve been over his origin story already; with Hugh Bonneville and Sally Hawkins as Henry and Mary Brown, we immediately understand why Paddington feels comfortable enough to go home with the Browns when he’s stranded all alone at Paddington Station.

Despite Henry’s initial objections, the rest of the Brown family — Mary, kids Jonathan and Judy (Samuel Joslin and Madeleine Harris), and housekeeper Mrs. Bird (Julie Walters) — all love Paddington, and soon, he’s happily settled into his new room in the Brown’s attic. Trouble ultimately arises, though, when museum maven and taxidermist Millicent Clyde (a sublimely campy Nicole Kidman) learns of Paddington’s presence in London and becomes hellbent on killing and stuffing the poor bear; aided and abetted by the Brown family’s nosy bear-hating neighbor Mr. Curry (“Doctor Who” veteran Peter Capaldi), she sets multiple traps to steal Paddington and make him a permanent part of her exhibits. Millicent very nearly succeeds, but thankfully, the Browns (and Mrs. Bird) band together, get Paddington back, and “adopt” him as a member of the family.

Not only is the entire cast excellent — particularly Kidman, who’s clearly having the time of her life — but King’s more whimsical touches, like moments where fantastical paintings and elements of the Brown house spring to life, makes “Paddington” uniquely joyful. On top of everything else, the first “Paddington” kicks off a welcome trend: it never talks down to its younger viewers, meaning adults can find joy in these films quite easily as well.

Here’s how good “Paddington 2” is: for quite some time, it was one of the only movies in the history of review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes to earn a perfect score of 100%. (It’s now at 99% after one guy ruined everyone’s good time.) A rare sequel that’s better than its predecessor, “Paddington 2” revisits Paddington’s busy and marmalade sandwich-filled life in London with the Brown family, but their happiness is threatened after a seemingly innocent trip to a local carnival. After Paddington, without truly meaning to, embarrasses Hugh Grant’s fading actor and dog food commercial star Phoenix Buchanan in front of a crowd, Phoenix vows revenge … and concocts an evil plan after learning that Paddington hopes to buy a very particular pop-up book of London to send to his Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton) as a Christmas present. After using one of his many theatrical disguises, Phoenix manages to frame Paddington for the theft of the book, and Paddington lands in prison.

We know what you’re thinking — this children’s movie involves prison?! Yes, but hear us out. Paddington’s undeniable sweetness and willingness to make friends at any cost ends up winning over all of his fellow inmates, even the seemingly gruff and cold-hearted chef Knuckles McGinty (Brendan Gleeson), who melts after trying one of the bear’s signature marmalade sandwiches. In an action-packed third act, Paddington, a few of his inmates, and the Browns take Buchanan down, culminating in yet another sweet ending and a crackerjack post-credits scene where we see Phoenix also finding the joy in bonding with his fellow prisoners. Grant has truly never been better — there’s a reason he considers “Paddington 2” his best movie — and from beginning to end, “Paddington 2” is a joyful, emotional, and thrilling feast. Without a doubt, it’s the best “Paddington” film.