To provide some context, the “Paddington” books have been cherished for decades, so it’s likely readers are familiar with the kind-hearted bear from “darkest Peru.” Paddington arrives in London as a stowaway on a cargo ship, seeking a new life. Upon reaching Paddington Station, he is found by the Brown family, who name him Paddington because his original bear name is undecipherable to humans. Though the Browns initially hesitate to welcome a talking bear into their home, Paddington soon becomes a beloved family member, even as he inadvertently creates chaos both at home and throughout London.

Across three films so far, with Paddington voiced by Ben Whishaw, directors Paul King and Dougal Wilson chart the bear’s adventures from Peru to London and back, as seen in the third film. Any of these movies promises a delightful experience; they’re cleverly written, remarkably charming, and entertaining for both adults and children. With that in mind, let’s rank the three “Paddington” movies released thus far, from least to most exceptional, keeping in mind that the top choice may not be a surprise to those familiar with the series.

The third installment, “Paddington in Peru,” released in 2024, faced several hurdles before its debut. Initially, due to scheduling conflicts with the “Wonka” film featuring Timothée Chalamet, director Paul King, who directed the first two movies, stepped down and handed the project to Dougal Wilson. Remarkably, this film marked Wilson’s feature film debut. Additionally, Sally Hawkins, who portrayed Mary Brown, was unavailable due to her work on “Wonka” with King, leading Emily Mortimer to take over the role. While Mortimer is a talented actress, the recasting didn’t quite resonate with audiences.

“Paddington in Peru,” the threequel released in 2024, ran into some frustrating issues before it even hit theaters. First, due to scheduling conflicts with the “Wonka” film starring Timothée Chalamet, director Paul King, who helmed the first two installments, exited and handed the reins to Dougal Wilson (remarkably, “Paddington in Peru,” a massive intellectual property, is Wilson’s feature film debut). Because Sally Hawkins, the acclaimed actress who played the Brown family matriarch Mary in the first two movies, was working with King on “Wonka” at the time, she was also replaced with Emily Mortimer stepping into the role. (With all due respect to Mortimer, this casting swap simply doesn’t do the film any favors.) Change-ups like these don’t have to derail a film, but unfortunately, that’s what happened with “Paddington in Peru,” where the small but mighty bear takes his adoptive clan back to “darkest Peru” to show them where he grew up and to help the Browns find their way as they drift ever-so-slightly apart as a family.

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.