---
title: "Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget"
year: 2023
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/chicken-run-dawn-of-the-nugget"
fi1m_id: "chicken-run-dawn-of-the-nugget"
imdb_id: "tt8337264"
tmdb_id: 520758
wikidata_id: "Q60836051"
fi1m_score: 64
critics_score: 69
critics_reviews: 12
published: "2026-09-10"
updated: "2026-09-18T08:38:03.916260+00:00"
region: "CZ"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023)

Directed by Sam Fell · 1h 41m · MK U · Family, Animation, Adventure, Comedy

## Identity

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/chicken-run-dawn-of-the-nugget
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** chicken-run-dawn-of-the-nugget
- **IMDb ID:** tt8337264
- **TMDB ID:** 520758
- **Wikidata ID:** Q60836051
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8337264/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/520758, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q60836051

**Fi1m score: 64** · Critics 69 from 12 reviews

*In a sentence:* The chickens are all smiling, which is the most frightening thing Aardman has ever built

> Aardman’s sequel swaps the prison camp for a heist and keeps the clay. It is neat, handsome and mostly pleasant, and only once, in a room full of grinning hens, does it find something as sharp as the original.

## Synopsis

Twenty-three years after *Chicken Run*, Ginger (Thandiwe Newton) and Rocky (Zachary Levi) are raising a daughter, Molly (Bella Ramsey), on an island where no human can find them. Molly is bored of safety and wants to see the mainland. What she finds there is a farm where lorries arrive under a picture of a beaming chicken and the birds inside all seem delighted to be there. Ginger, Rocky and the old flock, with Bunty (Imelda Staunton), Mac (Lynn Ferguson), Fowler (David Bradley) and Babs (Jane Horrocks), must get her out, which means getting in. Sam Fell directs Aardman’s stop-motion sequel, from a screenplay by Rachel Tunnard, Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell. It runs 101 minutes and carries a PG.

## Review

Twenty-three years after [*Chicken Run*](https://film.one/film/chicken-run), the hens have a sequel, and it runs the old plot the other way. Ginger (Thandiwe Newton) and Rocky (Zachary Levi) are raising a daughter, Molly (Bella Ramsey), on an island where nobody can find them, and Molly wants off. What she finds is a farm where the chickens go in smiling, and the film turns into a heist: this time they are breaking in. Sam Fell directs, from a screenplay by Rachel Tunnard, Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, and the result is decent, tidy family entertainment that only now and then remembers how odd and sharp the first film was.

The clay still works. Darren Dubicki’s island is a soft green mound of huts and washing lines, thumbprints just visible; the farm is its opposite, clean curves and pastel pink with a grinning chicken over the gate and something grey and industrial behind it. Charles Copping lights the island in low, warm, late-afternoon sun and the farm in flat, bright colour from nowhere in particular, which is right for the place and wearing over the long stretch we spend there. A chicken here can lie with its whole body, and Bunty (Imelda Staunton) can be furious with a single lowered eyelid.

The break-in is the best of it. Nick (Romesh Ranganathan) and Fetcher (Daniel Mays), the rats, supply the kit; Mac (Lynn Ferguson) does the engineering; Fowler (David Bradley) does the briefing, at length; Babs (Jane Horrocks) knits. Stephen Perkins cuts it as a proper caper, moving between the team inside and the team outside so that every problem has a clock on it, and Harry Gregson-Williams gives it muted brass and a ticking rhythm one nudge away from the spy series everyone will be thinking of.

What got at us was the farm itself. Molly arrives to find rows of hens wearing fixed smiles, waddling contentedly towards a door, and the film holds on that picture longer than a family film usually dares. We were properly unsettled, more than at anything in the first film, whose horror was a pie machine; this one’s is a room full of happy faces. Dr Fry (Nick Mohammed), the scientist responsible, and Reginald Smith (Peter Serafinowicz), who runs the place, are funny in a mild, sitcom way, and the film cannot hold that chill for long.

The gags are the trouble: they arrive at a steady, moderate rate, few landing hard. We laughed out loud twice, both times at the rats. Fowler’s war stories, the first film’s most reliable running joke, are back, shorter and less funny. Rocky has less to do as a father, and Levi plays him broad and amiable where he was once a cheerful fraud; Newton’s Ginger is warmer, steadier and less prickly. The recasting of the two leads is competent and still a loss, and anyone who grew up with the first film will feel it in the opening minutes.

Ramsey plays Molly as a teenager: bored of the island, sure of herself, wrong about most things. Her friendship with Frizzle (Josie Sedgwick-Davies), a hen who wants to go to the farm because the lorries look like fun, is the one relationship the film invents rather than inherits, and it is thin. They meet, they go, and the plot needs them in different rooms. The argument with her mother that sends Molly away is the film’s spine, resolved the usual way.

The first *Chicken Run* (2000), directed by Peter Lord and Nick Park, had one frightening idea, a farm that was a prison camp, and told every joke inside it. This one has a heist, a factory, a coming-of-age story and a marriage, and runs them side by side in 101 minutes, so none gets enough room. Mrs Tweedy returns, and we will say no more about how.

It is a PG, and rightly; nothing here will trouble a small child except the smiling. Watch it with one, at home, where the flat colours matter less and the rats get the laughs they are owed. If you loved the first film you will find this pleasant. Pleasant is not what you loved it for.

*Fi1m score 64, published 10 September 2026.*

## What the critics say

Most critics like Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget without loving it. The praise clusters almost entirely on Aardman’s stop-motion craft: the expressive chickens, the detailed sets and the heist set-pieces built on a Mission: Impossible template are singled out again and again, and several reviews find the action bolder in scope than the original’s.

The reservations cluster just as clearly. Many find the story repeats the first film’s beats, the jokes land less often, and the whole thing lacks the original’s spark, with the voice recasts a recurring complaint. The spread is fairly wide. The Telegraph calls it brilliant and uproarious and The AV Club reckons it more fun than the first film, while The Guardian finds it undercooked and short of fresh ideas. Slant Magazine is the notable dissenter on craft, seeing a flat look and bland design where nearly everyone else sees a case for the handmade approach.

## Straight answers

**Is Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget worth watching?**

*Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget* is worth watching for families with small children, and we scored it 64. It is tidy, handsome stop-motion with a well-cut heist and one properly unsettling image, a room full of smiling hens, but the jokes land softly and the recast leads are a loss. Anyone who loved the original will find it pleasant, which is not the same thing.

**How long is Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, and what is it rated?**

*Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget* runs 1h 41m and is rated U by the MK in Czechia. It is a family and animation film.

**Where can I watch Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget in Czechia?**

*Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget* is streaming on Netflix in Czechia. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How does Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget compare to Chicken Run?**

*Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget* is the weaker of the two films, and the original is the one to see first. The 2000 film had one frightening idea, a farm run as a prison camp, and told every joke inside it; the sequel runs a heist, a factory, a coming-of-age story and a marriage side by side, and none gets enough room. The clay is as good as ever; the gags are not.

**What should I watch after Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget?**

After *Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget*, try [*Chicken Run*](https://film.one/film/chicken-run) (2000, Fi1m 84): The original: one prison camp, one pie machine, and every joke sharper than here. Then [*The Great Escape*](https://film.one/film/the-great-escape) (1963, Fi1m 82): The film the first *Chicken Run* was quoting; tunnels, roll calls and a motorbike; and [*Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit*](https://film.one/film/wallace-and-gromit-the-curse-of-the-were-rabbit) (2005, Fi1m 87): Aardman at full stretch, with a dog whose eyebrows do more than most scripts.

### Reviews we read (21)

- **The Telegraph** (85/100, inferred): The critic calls it a brilliant, uproarious sequel that moves the story on with thrilling infiltration missions and mind-control schemes, drawing on the golden age of British comics and spy capers. [Read](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/chicken-run-dawn-of-the-nugget-review/)
- **The AV Club**, Luke Y. Thompson (B+): A rollicking animated followup that's even more fun than the original, using a Mission: Impossible template with strong teamwork and gadgets. The emotional hook is stronger in the finale grudge match with Mrs. Tweedy. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/chicken-run-dawn-of-the-nugget-movie-review-1851060029)
- **Variety**, Peter Debruge (80/100, inferred): The film delivers a delightful return to Aardman’s stop-motion style with an inventive Mission: Impossible-style plot. The critic praises the seamless animation, cheeky humor and detailed craftsmanship. [Read](https://variety.com/2023/film/reviews/chicken-run-dawn-of-the-nugget-review-aardman-1235754745/)
- **The New York Times**, Alissa Wilkinson (70/100, inferred): The sequel largely repeats the beats and characters of the original film. The critic highlights the expressive stop-motion chickens as the source of its comic appeal. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/14/movies/chicken-run-dawn-of-the-nugget-review.html)
- **Vulture**, Bilge Ebiri (70/100, inferred): Might not fully capture the magic of the original but is still fun, with visual comedy and daffy engineering as highlights. It is baggier, not as funny, and drags in parts but achieves its goal of entertaining kids and adults. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/article/movie-review-netflixs-chicken-run-dawn-of-the-nugget.html)
- **Slant Magazine**, David Robb (2/4): The film mostly fails to make a convincing case for Aardman’s old-school artisanal approach, with bland design and a flat look. It plods along as a functional joke vehicle fueled mostly by fond memories of the original. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/chicken-run-dawn-of-the-nugget-review/)
- **The Guardian** (40/100, inferred): The critic finds the sequel disappointingly undercooked and lacking fresh ideas compared to the original, though not entirely bad. The synthetic color palette and lack of new jokes are singled out for complaint. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/dec/10/chicken-run-dawn-of-the-nugget-review-sequel-aardman-animations)
- **Empire**, John Nugent: It is a gorgeously realised, resolutely British little adventure that retains Aardman's artisanal craft while adding bolder scope and Mission: Impossible-style set-pieces, delivering silly, witty family fun. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/chicken-run-dawn-of-the-nugget/)
- **Screen Daily**: Aardman’s long-awaited sequel looks set to become a family favourite by sticking with the successful formula and trading on family-friendly humour. It is a familiar, well-executed coming-of-age narrative with impressive stop-motion craft. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/chicken-run-dawn-of-the-nugget-london-review/5186903.article)
- **Sight and Sound**: The long-awaited sequel is at its best when it lets Aardman’s handcrafted charm shine through sprightly action, silly puns and visual gags. Connoisseurs may crave a more intricate story, but most family audiences will be sated. [Read](https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/chicken-run-dawn-nugget-endearing-second-helping-fowl-play)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Leslie Felperin: The critic finds it a worthy but not especially meaty sequel, better suited to little kids and grandparents than savvier viewers. It sticks closely to the Aardman look with situational humor but lacks cackle-worthy one-liners and has a predictable last act. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/chicken-run-dawn-of-the-nugget-review-1235618375/)
- **The i Paper**, Francesca Steele: The sequel lacks the original's spark and belly laughs, feeling more like genial chuckling and film-by-committee, though it remains decent festive entertainment with a lively voice cast and British charm. [Read](https://inews.co.uk/culture/film/chicken-run-dawn-of-nugget-review-cgi-spoils-charm-2802092)
- **The Times**, Kevin Maher (★★★☆☆): The review notes the film is technically impressive and witty in places but ultimately falls short of recapturing the original's magic after the long wait. Voice recasts and narrative choices are highlighted. [Read](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/film/article/chicken-run-dawn-of-the-nugget-review-aardman-sequel-is-witty-but-falls-short-59z50f0g2)
- **Total Film**: This charming, weird and enjoyable sequel is another feather in Aardman's cap, rallying the flock against fast food in a filmic riff-filled adventure that shines once it leaves the island sanctuary. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/chicken-run-dawn-of-the-nugget-review-netflix/)
- **NME**, Paul Bradshaw (4/5): The critic finds the sequel a fun, warm Aardman family film with inventive set pieces and cosy charm that still delivers essential holiday viewing. They note it has too much Netflix polish and lacks some of the original's spark. [Read](https://www.nme.com/reviews/film-reviews/chicken-run-2-dawn-of-the-nugget-review-3558901)
- **Digital Spy**, Ian Sandwell (75/100, inferred): The critic calls it a worthy, funny and brilliantly crafted follow-up that captures quintessential Aardman spirit and scales up the action effectively. They single out the controversial voice cast changes as the main element that prevents it from being perfect. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a45507483/chicken-run-2-review-dawn-of-the-nugget/)
- **/Film**, Josh Spiegel (7.5/10): The review finds it an enjoyable but slightly reheated sequel, praising the stop-motion animation and action sequences while noting the script feels less clever and the setup familiar. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/1469091/chicken-run-dawn-of-the-nugget-review/)
- **Film Stories**, James Harvey (70/100, inferred): The critic praises the heist premise and Aardman's animation and humor, but notes it lacks the original's narrative tightness and emotional depth. It honors the legacy well as a fun, imaginative sequel. [Read](https://filmstories.co.uk/reviews/chicken-run-dawn-of-the-nugget-review/)
- **Collider**, Emma Kiely (5/10): The critic finds the sequel disappointing with a dull, unoriginal plot and less charming characters than the original, though the Aardman animation remains spectacular. [Read](https://collider.com/chicken-run-2-dawn-of-the-nugget-review/)
- **Deadline**, Damon Wise: The critic finds the sequel refreshing and cleverly modern family entertainment that works to a formula without feeling committee-written. They single out the playful Mission: Impossible vibe bolstered by the score. [Read](https://deadline.com/2023/10/chicken-run-dawn-of-the-nugget-review-aardman-sequel-thandiwe-newton-zachary-levi-bella-ramsey-1235573022/)
- **The Wrap**: The critic finds it an uninspired sequel that's disappointing and serviceable but lacking wit and originality. They single out the borrowed ideas and uninspired giggles. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/chicken-run-dawn-of-the-nugget-review/)

## Details

- **Director:** Sam Fell
- **Director:** Sam Fell
- **Screenplay:** Karey Kirkpatrick, John O'Farrell, Rachel Tunnard
- **Writer:** Mark Burton
- **Story:** John O'Farrell, Karey Kirkpatrick
- **Cinematography:** Charles Copping
- **Editor:** Stephen Perkins
- **Music:** Harry Gregson-Williams
- **Production design:** Darren Dubicki
- **Producer:** Steve Pegram, Leyla Hobart
- **Cast:** Thandiwe Newton as Ginger (voice); Zachary Levi as Rocky (voice); Bella Ramsey as Molly (voice); Imelda Staunton as Bunty (voice); Lynn Ferguson as Mac (voice); David Bradley as Fowler (voice); Jane Horrocks as Babs (voice); Romesh Ranganathan as Nick (voice)
- **Runtime:** 1h 41m
- **Certificate (MK):** U
- **Release (Czechia):** 15 December 2023
- **Genres:** Family, Animation, Adventure, Comedy
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-Kz67kea8Q

## Where to watch in Czechia

- Netflix: streaming

*Checked 2026-09-10.*

Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, AZ, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, ID, IE, IL, IN, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, MY, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, SK, TH, TR, UA, US, VN, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## If you liked this

- *Chicken Run* (2000), Fi1m 84: The original: one prison camp, one pie machine, and every joke sharper than here. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/chicken-run.md)
- *The Great Escape* (1963), Fi1m 82: The film the first *Chicken Run* was quoting; tunnels, roll calls and a motorbike. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-great-escape.md)
- *Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit* (2005), Fi1m 87: Aardman at full stretch, with a dog whose eyebrows do more than most scripts. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/wallace-and-gromit-the-curse-of-the-were-rabbit.md)
- *Fantastic Mr. Fox* (2009), Fi1m 84: Wes Anderson’s stop-motion heist, drier and stranger, with farmers worth stealing from. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/fantastic-mr-fox.md)
- *Babe* (1995), Fi1m 88: A farmyard film that takes the abattoir seriously and earns its happy ending. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/babe.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/chicken-run-dawn-of-the-nugget