---
title: "Fantastic Mr. Fox"
year: 2009
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/fantastic-mr-fox"
fi1m_id: "fantastic-mr-fox"
imdb_id: "tt0432283"
tmdb_id: 10315
wikidata_id: "Q465275"
fi1m_score: 84
critics_score: 83
critics_reviews: 12
published: "2026-09-15"
updated: "2026-09-18T08:37:44.571597+00:00"
region: "US"
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."
---

# Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Directed by Wes Anderson · 1h 27m · MPA PG · Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Family

## Identity

Fantastic Mr. Fox

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/fantastic-mr-fox
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** fantastic-mr-fox
- **IMDb ID:** tt0432283
- **TMDB ID:** 10315
- **Wikidata ID:** Q465275
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0432283/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/10315, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q465275

**Fi1m score: 84** · Critics 83 from 12 reviews

*In a sentence:* A fox with George Clooney’s voice is bound to think he’s being reasonable

> Wes Anderson’s handmade animal caper is funny, warm and good on family irritation. The script sometimes enjoys its own cleverness too much, but the voices and the stop-motion give it plenty of life.

## Synopsis

Mr Fox (George Clooney) is an animal with domestic responsibilities and wild instincts that do not always suit family life. Mrs Fox (Meryl Streep) shares a household of competing personalities, with Ash Fox (Jason Schwartzman) and Kristofferson Silverfox (Eric Chase Anderson) among those caught up in its disputes. A caper brings the animals’ appetites and family loyalties into play, alongside characters including Kylie (Wallace Wolodarsky), Clive Badger (Bill Murray) and Rat (Willem Dafoe). Wes Anderson’s stop-motion adaptation of Roald Dahl’s novel follows animals whose domestic troubles resemble those of the humans watching them.

## Review

*Fantastic Mr. Fox* is a warm, funny family caper, with a little too much fussing over its own cleverness. Wes Anderson and co-writer Noah Baumbach adapt Roald Dahl’s novel with an interest in animals who have domestic responsibilities and still want to behave like animals. The stop-motion gives that problem a useful physical form: furred creatures carry familiar human grievances, and their appearance makes the complaints funnier. At 87 minutes, the film has room for both the family and the adventure.

Production designer Nelson Lowry gives the animals surroundings that look made by hand and reward close inspection. The puppets retain the slightly awkward presence of physical objects, while cinematographer Tristan Oliver’s autumnal colours make their fur part of the pleasure of looking. This is animation that lets us notice the materials without losing interest in the characters. Even when the conversation becomes sophisticated, the animals remain amusing things to have put in front of a camera.

George Clooney makes Mr Fox sound like a fellow who has rarely doubted the value of his own suggestions. We laughed at that assured voice coming from a furry face, because he sounds certain that charm will settle any objection. Meryl Streep’s Mrs Fox has enough irritation in her voice to suggest considerable experience of this confidence. Their exchanges suggest a long domestic history without requiring the screenplay to stop and provide one.

Jason Schwartzman’s prickly Ash gives the family scenes an awkwardness that stops them becoming too comfortable. Eric Chase Anderson’s Kristofferson offers a gentler voice, and the difference is useful even before we consider what either character says. Wes Anderson and Baumbach allow affection to coexist with relatives finding one another tiresome. That is a recognisable basis for a family comedy, and the cast handles it without asking for sympathy at the end of every exchange.

Editors Stephen Perkins and Ralph Foster favour a brisk pace, which suits the caper and the dry delivery of the jokes. Much of the pleasure lies in how quickly the film moves past a funny detail, trusting us to have caught it. Alexandre Desplat’s score helps keep the action buoyant without making the domestic scenes sound unduly solemn. There is a welcome lightness to the music in a film already busy with voices and incident.

The trouble comes when that speed begins to hurry things that deserve a little more time. Anderson and Baumbach’s screenplay occasionally jumps between set pieces before the quieter family exchanges have had enough room, and some of the knowing dialogue sounds too pleased with itself. We wanted the characters to be allowed to feel awkward for longer, without another clever remark coming along. Those interruptions are a modest frustration, but they make the emotional moments less persuasive than the comic ones.

As family animation, it is pleasingly relaxed about characters who are vain, difficult or simply bad company. The wild-animal behaviour keeps the domestic complaints from taking over, and there is enough affection to make the squabbling worth attending to. That gives adults something to recognise without making the film depend on adult recognition. Choose it for a family evening when nobody needs the animals to set a good example.

*Fi1m score 84, published 15 September 2026.*

## What the critics say

The consensus is strongly positive, with praise centred on the handmade stop-motion animation and the fit between Wes Anderson’s style and Roald Dahl’s subversive humour. Critics repeatedly single out the puppets, tactile detail and voice performances, particularly Clooney and Streep. The family tensions also draw approval: many reviews find warmth and emotional depth beneath the eccentric behaviour, while the brisk caper storytelling keeps Anderson’s stylistic habits from becoming a distraction.

The differences concern how much substance accompanies the charm, rather than whether the film works. Slant Magazine finds the treatment of family themes somewhat superficial, while The Playlist regards it as an enjoyable but minor work. The Hollywood Reporter notes an overly knowing screenplay and jumpy transitions between set pieces. These are reservations within favourable assessments; the broader spread runs from affectionate approval to claims that animation gives Anderson’s filmmaking fresh energy and greater feeling.

## Straight answers

**Is Fantastic Mr. Fox worth watching?**

*Fantastic Mr. Fox* is worth watching for anyone who enjoys a warm, funny family caper with handmade stop-motion animals, and we scored it 84. George Clooney's assured Mr Fox and Meryl Streep's exasperated Mrs Fox carry the domestic comedy well. The script sometimes hurries past its quieter moments to get to the next clever line, so the emotional beats land less firmly than the jokes.

**How long is Fantastic Mr. Fox, and what is it rated?**

*Fantastic Mr. Fox* runs 1h 27m and is rated PG by the MPA in the US. It is an adventure and animation film.

**Where can I watch Fantastic Mr. Fox in the US?**

*Fantastic Mr. Fox* is streaming on Disney+ and Pluto TV in the US, and it is also available to rent from Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV from $3.99. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How does Fantastic Mr. Fox compare to Ernest & Celestine?**

*Fantastic Mr. Fox* is the busier, sharper film, while [*Ernest & Celestine*](https://film.one/film/ernest-and-celestine) is gentler and slighter, drawn like a wet page rather than built by hand. Both enjoy animal misbehaviour and distrust respectable adults. Choose the fox for dry, fast comedy about a squabbling family; choose the mouse and bear for kindness and a calmer evening with younger children.

**Is Fantastic Mr. Fox based on a true story or a book?**

*Fantastic Mr. Fox* is based on Roald Dahl's children's novel, not a true story. Wes Anderson and co-writer Noah Baumbach adapt it with an added interest in a fox who has family responsibilities and still wants to behave like an animal, so the domestic squabbling is theirs as much as Dahl's. Knowing the book is not needed to follow or enjoy the film.

**What should I watch after Fantastic Mr. Fox?**

After *Fantastic Mr. Fox*, try [*Ernest & Celestine*](https://film.one/film/ernest-and-celestine) (2012, Fi1m 84): For animal misbehaviour, unlikely companionship and a welcome distrust of respectable adults. Then [*The Royal Tenenbaums*](https://film.one/film/the-royal-tenenbaums) (2001, Fi1m 84): Anderson gives another difficult family room to be funny and unhappy.

### Reviews we read (16)

- **Empire**, Ian Nathan (85/100, inferred): The critic praises the idiosyncratic, charming fusion of Roald Dahl’s story with Wes Anderson’s quirky style in lo-fi stop-motion animation. It highlights the excellent voice work, particularly Clooney and Streep, and the film’s humorous take on dysfunctional families. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/fantastic-mr-fox-review/)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Kenneth Turan (85/100, inferred): The review calls the film a playful, cerebral delight that reanimates Anderson’s career with fresh energy. It singles out the stop-motion process and the balance between wild-animal instincts and domestic family dynamics for praise. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-nov-13-et-fox13-story.html)
- **Evening Standard** (80/100, inferred): The review calls the film brilliantly eccentric and a cult classic in the making, noting Anderson’s distinctive lo-fi stop-motion approach and how it updates the source material while retaining its narrative thrust. It singles out Clooney’s voicing of the roguish title character for praise. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/oddball-wes-anderson-creates-a-truly-fantastic-mr-fox-7417039.html)
- **Little White Lies**, Matt Bochenski (2/4/4): The critic calls the film a revelation and Anderson’s best since The Royal Tenenbaums, praising its stop-motion animation, production design, score and voice performances as a successful return to form. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/fantastic-mr-fox)
- **Screen Daily** (80/100, inferred): The critic praises the witty adaptation that matches Anderson’s sensibility with Dahl’s subversive spirit, highlighting the charming puppets, expanded characters and memorable asides in this fun, old-fashioned stop-motion film. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/fantastic-mr-fox/5006827.article)
- **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (80/100, inferred): Peter Bradshaw calls the film eccentric, whip-smart and very funny, praising its beguiling old-school stop-motion animation and how pitching it at children restored Anderson's sweet-natured charm and heart. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2009/oct/22/fantastic-mr-fox-review)
- **Time Out**, Dave Calhoun (4/5): The review finds the stop-motion animation light on its feet and fun, with a strong cast and caper pacing that suits Anderson’s style while adapting Dahl effectively. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/fantastic-mr-fox-1)
- **Slant Magazine**, Nick Schager: The review highlights the film's playful, rambunctious stop-motion animation and Anderson's signature style applied to quirky characters and family themes, but finds it prioritizes lighthearted humor over deeper exploration, resulting in a charming but somewhat superficial take. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/fantastic-mr-fox/)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Sheri Linden: The critic calls it a visually inventive, stylized stop-motion world that blends kid-friendly Dahl adaptation with adult appeal, praising the textures, design, and family dynamics while noting the screenplay can feel overly winking and jumpy between set pieces. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/fantastic-mr-fox-review-movie-2009-93658/)
- **The New York Times**, A.O. Scott (Critic’s Pick): The critic finds the film Anderson’s most fully realized and satisfying work to date. It stands out for its proudly handmade stop-motion animation and sly emotional undercurrents amid the visual style. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/13/movies/13fantastic.html)
- **Collider**, Matt Goldberg (A): The critic praises Wes Anderson for turning his stylistic tendencies into a strength in this stop-motion adaptation, calling it one of the best films of the year and his best since The Royal Tenenbaums. He singles out the meticulous stop-motion animation with its furred animals, bright colors, and clever tone that fits the story perfectly, along with the sly family dynamics and voice performances. [Read](https://collider.com/fantastic-mr-fox-review/)
- **/Film**, Hunter Stephenson (90/100, inferred): The review calls it the best animated film of the year and a perennial classic, celebrating its sophisticated family focus, stop-motion craft, and embodiment of Dahl's subversive spirit through visible handmade artistry and thematic depth. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/506357/movie-review-fantastic-mr-fox/)
- **The Wrap**, Mali Perl (90/100, inferred): The critic finds it a standout Wes Anderson film and a great movie overall, praising its hand-crafted stop-motion world that feels more human and alive than previous works, along with its smart humor and creativity. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/fantastic-mr-fox-11952/)
- **Eye for Film**, Anton Bitel (85/100, inferred): The critic praises this as a fantastic adaptation that surpasses its source while remaining true to its spirit. Anderson's idiosyncratic style merges beautifully with Dahl's, creating a quirky, witty confection full of charm through stop-motion animation and autumnal visuals. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/fantastic-mr-fox-film-review-by-anton-bitel)
- **The Playlist**, Rodrigo Perez (B): It is a nice, charming return to form that is Anderson's most enjoyable since The Royal Tenenbaums, with delightful stop-motion visuals, witty dialogue, and strong voice work. Though small, slight, and minor overall, it feels vibrantly alive and economically told. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/review-fantastic-mr-fox-is-nice-20091110/)
- **Den of Geek**, Michael Leader (4 out of 5): The critic praises the film's charming stop-motion animation, retro feel, and fusion of Anderson's style with Dahl's story, highlighting the voice work and score, but notes some clunkiness in quieter thematic moments. It is a joyful, entertaining ride. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/fantastic-mr-fox-review-2/)

## Details

- **Director:** Wes Anderson
- **Director:** Wes Anderson
- **Screenplay:** Noah Baumbach, Wes Anderson
- **Novel:** Roald Dahl
- **Cinematography:** Tristan Oliver
- **Editor:** Ralph Foster, Stephen Perkins
- **Music:** Alexandre Desplat
- **Production design:** Nelson Lowry
- **Producer:** Wes Anderson, Allison Abbate, Jeremy Dawson
- **Cast:** George Clooney as Mr. Fox (voice); Meryl Streep as Mrs. Fox (voice); Jason Schwartzman as Ash Fox (voice); Eric Chase Anderson as Kristofferson Silverfox (voice); Wallace Wolodarsky as Kylie (voice); Willem Dafoe as Rat (voice); Michael Gambon as Franklin Bean (voice); Robin Hurlstone as Walter Boggis (voice)
- **Runtime:** 1h 27m
- **Certificate (MPA):** PG
- **Release (the US):** 25 November 2009
- **Genres:** Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Family
- **Budget:** $40 million
- **Box office:** $46 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuIaCvIFWIA

## Where to watch in the US

- Disney+: streaming, hd
- Pluto TV: free
- Amazon Prime Video: rent $3.99, hd
- Apple TV: rent $4.99, hd
- Amazon Prime Video: buy $4.99, hd
- Apple TV: buy $4.99, hd

*Checked 2026-09-15.*

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

## Awards

- Academy Awards 2010: Best Animated Feature (nominated); Best Original Score (nominated)
- Annecy Cristal for a Feature Film 2010: Annecy Cristal for a Feature Film (won)
- BAFTA Film Awards 2010: BAFTA's Children & Young People Award - Feature Film (nominated)
- Annie Award for Best Animated Feature 2009: Annie Award for Best Animated Feature (nominated)
- Critics' Choice Awards 2009: Best Animated Feature (nominated)

## If you liked this

- *The Wrong Trousers* (1993): Another small-scale criminal enterprise where handmade details make the danger funnier.
- *Ernest & Celestine* (2012), Fi1m 84: For animal misbehaviour, unlikely companionship and a welcome distrust of respectable adults. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/ernest-and-celestine.md)
- *The Royal Tenenbaums* (2001), Fi1m 84: Anderson gives another difficult family room to be funny and unhappy. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-royal-tenenbaums.md)
- *The Tale of the Fox* (1937): An earlier stop-motion fox, with equally little respect for good behaviour.
- *The Taste of Tea* (2004): A stranger, gentler family comedy that gives everyone’s private oddness a hearing.

---
© 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/fantastic-mr-fox