Having triumphed in the a cappella world championships, the all-female singing group, the Barden Bellas, have become collegiate celebrities. However, their world is upended during a prestigious performance at the Lincoln Center when an onstage mishap involving the group's leader Beca and a wardrobe malfunction leads to public humiliation. This scandal causes the Bellas to be suspended from touring and recruiting new members. Determined to redeem their tarnished reputation, the Bellas seize the opportunity to compete at the World Championships of a cappella in Copenhagen. Faced with tough international competition, the Bellas must come together to refine their sound and their routine.

As they prepare for the global competition, the Bellas encounter a diverse array of a cappella groups who are more technically skilled and more sophisticated in performance. Additionally, Beca secretly pursues a music production internship that distracts her from group rehearsals, creating tension within the Bellas and leading them to question their future together. Amid this upheaval, freshman Emily joins the ensemble with dreams of following in her mother's footsteps as a Bella. With her original songs and fresh enthusiasm, Emily offers a glimmer of hope that the group may be able to innovate and prevail on the world stage.