---
title: "Frozen"
year: 2013
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/frozen"
fi1m_score: 75
critics_score: 76
critics_reviews: 23
published: "2026-09-17T06:49:11.200765+00:00"
updated: "2026-09-17T06:49:27.557837+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."
---

# Frozen (2013)

Directed by Jennifer Lee, Chris Buck · 1h 42m · MPA PG · Animation, Family, Adventure, Fantasy

**Fi1m score: 75** · Critics 76 from 23 reviews

*In a sentence:* A snowman who dreams of summer, a queen who wants to be left alone, and a kingdom that would like its weather back

> Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee make a musical about two sisters, and its first forty minutes are the best Disney has managed in years. The second half wanders in the snow. Worth your evening, especially with children.

## Synopsis

In the kingdom of Arendelle, the elder princess, Elsa (Idina Menzel), can make ice and snow from her hands. Playing one night she strikes her sister Anna (Kristen Bell) by accident, and the troll elder Pabbie (Ciarán Hinds) heals the child by taking away her memory of the magic. The castle gates are shut and the sisters grow up apart. On Elsa’s coronation day the gates open, Anna falls for a visiting prince, Hans (Santino Fontana), and asks her sister’s blessing to marry him that night. Elsa refuses, loses control in front of the court and flees into the mountains, leaving the kingdom in midsummer snow. Anna rides after her and hires Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), an ice harvester, to take her up.

## Review

Disney has been making films about princesses since 1937, and most of them end with a wedding. *Frozen* is the studio’s attempt to make one that does not need to. Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee take the bones of Hans Christian Andersen’s *The Snow Queen*, throw out the queen as villain, and make her a frightened elder sister instead. It is a warm, funny film with a first half as good as anything the studio has done since the early nineties, and a second half that gets lost on the way up the mountain. We recommend it, and we would not blame you for nodding off during the trolls.

The opening twenty minutes are the film’s case for itself. Two small girls build a snowman in a ballroom at night, the elder making snow from her hands; then there is an accident, and the doors close. Jeff Draheim cuts the years that follow to a single song, Anna singing through her sister’s bedroom door while both of them grow up on either side of it, and the door does the work a page of dialogue could not. We were moved more than we had expected to be by a cartoon about a door. It is the repetition that does it: a child asking to play, every year, and the answer always the same.

David Womersley’s production design puts Arendelle at the head of a fjord, with steep roofs, painted flowers on every hem and shutter, and mountains behind that look cold rather than decorative. When Elsa runs, the animators are let off the leash. Her palace goes up in one number, walls of blue ice growing out of a staircase and snowflake patterns spreading across the floor as she walks, and Idina Menzel sings “Let It Go” with a Broadway belt that turns a fairy tale about restraint into something closer to a coming-out. Christophe Beck’s score underneath, with its chanted Nordic voices, gives the first act a chill the songs then thaw.

The comedy is handed to the men and a snowman, and it mostly lands. Josh Gad’s Olaf, a snowman who dreams of lying on a beach in July, is the kind of sidekick the studio usually gets wrong and here gets right; he is sweet, and Gad’s timing keeps the jokes about melting funny past the point where they should have worn out. Jonathan Groff plays Kristoff, an ice harvester who supplies his own reindeer’s voice and is not sure he likes people, as the straight man, which suits him. Kristen Bell’s Anna talks too much, falls over and proposes to a man she has known for a day; Bell makes a proper heroine out of the clumsiness, and Santino Fontana’s Hans is smooth enough that we understand why.

Then the film goes up the mountain and slows down. Elsa, the most interesting person in it, is left in her palace for most of an hour while the others walk towards her, and the songs, so thick in the first forty minutes, thin to almost nothing. What remains is a number for the trolls, a family of rolling boulders who want Anna to marry Kristoff, and it stops the picture dead. We were bored, and then we were irritated, because the same writers had just shown they could do better. Alan Tudyk’s Duke, a nervous visiting nobleman, is set up as a comic threat and given nothing to threaten. Lee’s script is building towards an ending about two sisters, and for most of the middle hour one of them is offstage.

The character design is the other soft spot. Elsa’s face is the same doll’s face Disney has used for a decade; her powers are strange and her cheekbones are not. Anna has freckles, a crooked smile and a great deal more life. Set against the studio’s own musicals, this sits below [*Beauty and the Beast*](https://film.one/film/beauty-and-the-beast), which never lost its villain or its nerve, and clearly above most of what came between. The last act takes a turn we will not describe, and it is the turn that has made the film’s reputation. It is earned, mostly, and it arrives inside 102 minutes, which is about right.

Watch it with a child, if one is available, and watch the child during the door song. The big number will be in the house for a week afterwards. We are not sure that counts as a criticism.

*Fi1m score 75, published 17 September 2026.*

## What the critics say

Most critics are won over, and none is hostile: twenty of the twenty-three reviews are positive. The praise gathers in the same places. The bond between the two sisters, which outranks the usual romance, is the thing critics keep returning to, along with a finale that upends fairy-tale convention. The songs are widely liked, the snow-and-ice landscapes are admired, and Olaf the snowman, voiced by Josh Gad, is singled out again and again as the comic asset.

The reservations are about plot rather than feeling. Several critics find the story formulaic, the first act slow and the middle baggy, and a few think the songs uneven. Empire notes that the comedy belongs to the men while Anna is pushed aside; the Evening Standard feels the animators lose their nerve with Elsa’s design. The spread runs from raves to lukewarm, with Paste the coolest, calling it a tribute act without a soul.

### Reviews we read (23)

- **Financial Times**, Nigel Andrews (90/100, inferred): Disney’s Frozen is a jolly, spectacular and funny fairy tale. It is jolly, spectacular and sumptuously 3D’d, with the snowman as a particular comic treat voiced drolly by Josh Gad. [Read](https://www.ft.com/content/d81bfd2a-5da6-11e3-b3e8-00144feabdc0)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Betsy Sharkey (90/100, inferred): The critic hails the film as a return to form for Disney animation with its contemporary fairy-tale spin, dramatic Nordic visuals, and soaring Broadway-style songs. The scene-stealing snowman Olaf and strong voice ensemble led by Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel are singled out for praise. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-frozen-20131122-story.html)
- **Evening Standard**, Charlotte O'Sullivan (80/100, inferred): Disney’s new princess cartoon offers the sort of experience that could restore your faith in cinema thanks to its surprise ending and focus on the sisters. The film is full of nifty characters and great songs, though the animators lose their nerve with Elsa’s design. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/frozen-3d-film-review-8987794.html)
- **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (80/100, inferred): The critic calls it a big-hearted charmer of a family film with terrific musical numbers and a robust, satisfying story with a big heart and a neat twist. The spectacle is great and the song lyrics are a joy. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/dec/05/frozen-review)
- **Time Out**, Catherine Bray (4/5): Praises the tunes, darkness, and especially the formula-defying finale that subverts fairytale norms; says more of this please from Disney. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/frozen-5)
- **The AV Club**, Kevin McFarland (B): It advances depictions of Disney princesses through a focus on sisterly bonds and female independence, delivering simple pleasures and a strong moral undercurrent. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/frozen-is-another-step-forward-for-disney-princesses-1798178823)
- **The Independent** (75/100, inferred): The plotting may be formulaic but this is still a film of considerable charm and formal accomplishment. The computer animation of the characters is expressive and detailed while the film-makers work wonders with glacial landscapes. [Read](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/frozen-3d-film-review-a-formulaic-plot-but-this-is-still-a-film-of-considerable-charm-8986823.html)
- **Total Film** (75/100, inferred): Frozen finds the studio on firmer ground. Relief comes in the film’s modern sensibilities as Elsa and Anna’s relationship outranks any tired romance, the musical numbers are a plus and Anna boasts a triumphantly single-minded female role model. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/frozen-3-review/)
- **Empire**, Helen O'Hara (70/100, inferred): The emotional moments are powered by the bond between the sisters but the comedy comes largely from the buddy relationships between the guys, leaving Anna playing second fiddle. Thankfully the jokes consistently land, the snowy animation is impeccable and the big songs are appropriately stirring. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/frozen-3-review/)
- **Screen Daily** (70/100, inferred): Calls it a tasty dose of old-fashioned Disney animation magic with fun adventure and a good-natured snowman that should appeal to families, though it lacks Pixar-level wit. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/frozen/5063466.article)
- **Slant Magazine**, R. Kurt Osenlund (70/100, inferred): Empowering themes of feminine strengths and bonds flourish in novel fashion, highlighted by Elsa's liberating "coming out," though the first act is weak and the overall execution uneven. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/frozen-2013/)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Todd McCarthy (70/100, inferred): The critic praises the film's energetic, humorous take on the fairy tale with female empowerment touches, strong songs, and visuals that make it broadly appealing while upgrading studio animated fare. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/frozen-film-review-2-652699/)
- **The New York Times**, Stephen Holden (Critic's Pick): The critic praises the film's departure from traditional Disney princess formulas through its focus on sisterly bonds and psychologically complex characters. The visually captivating snow-and-ice world stands out as a highlight amid coherent storytelling. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/27/movies/disneys-frozen-a-makeover-of-the-snow-queen.html)
- **Variety**, Scott Foundas (70/100, inferred): The critic finds the widescreen winter visuals and Olaf the snowman the main assets of this classical but formulaic Disney animated feature. The story of two sisters proves longer on striking imagery than on deeply memorable characters. [Read](https://variety.com/2013/film/reviews/frozen-review-1200782020/)
- **Vulture**, Bilge Ebiri (70/100, inferred): It captures the classic Disney spirit with emotional resonance around loneliness, family, and childhood feelings, though some elements feel predictable or Broadway-ready. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2013/11/movie-review-frozen.html)
- **Little White Lies**, David Jenkins (3/3/3): The critic finds it a decent seasonal Disney feature that refreshes the princess template with sisterly empowerment and a subversive finale, but notes some plot bagginess and conventional design. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/frozen)
- **Collider**, Matt Goldberg (A): The critic finds Frozen among Disney Animation's best, gracefully avoiding tired conventions while blending strong music, endearing characters, and distinctive 3D artistry. It honors predecessors yet carves its own path with precise storytelling and emotional impact. [Read](https://collider.com/frozen-review/)
- **Den of Geek**, Simon Brew (5 out of 5): The critic calls it the best Walt Disney Animation Studios movie in a generation and the best family movie of the year. Singles out the story of two sisters, the music (esp. 'Do You Want To Build A Snowman?' and 'Let It Go'), and the voice cast. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/disneys-frozen-review/)
- **Digital Spy**, Emma Dibdin (5): It's an exhilarating, joyous, human story... impossible to imagine a more perfect celebration of everything Disney is at its best. Praises the sister relationship, songs, and inversion of fairytale tropes. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a528722/frozen-review-heartfelt-fairytale-musical-is-a-new-disney-classic/)
- **The Wrap**, Alonso Duralde (90/100, inferred): The critic calls it Disney's best animated musical since Beauty and the Beast, praising its proactive princesses and catchy tunes as a winning combo in this update of The Snow Queen. The script delivers characters to care about along with nifty twists and surprises. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/frozen-review-proactive-princesses-catchy-tunes-make-winning-combo/)
- **HeyUGuys**, Stefan Pape (4/5): The critic finds Frozen a charming, traditional Disney musical that embraces classic storytelling with strong female leads and an empathetic anti-villain in Elsa. Olaf stands out as a brilliant comic creation that enhances the film's appeal. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/disney-frozen-review/)
- **Eye for Film**, David Graham (60/100, inferred): Frozen pleases families with its female empowerment themes and brisk pace but falls short of classic status due to uneven songs and a lack of real peril or darkness. The strong characterization of Elsa and Anna is praised amid otherwise conventional elements. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/frozen-2013-film-review-by-david-graham)
- **Paste**, Geoff Berkshire (6.8): Frozen revives the animated musical formula with nostalgia and solid animation but feels like a tribute act lacking soul, delivering mixed results compared to stronger recent Disney entries. The story sidelines the most compelling character and features mostly forgettable songs despite some bright spots. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/frozen)

## Details

- **Director:** Jennifer Lee, Chris Buck
- **Director:** Jennifer Lee, Chris Buck
- **Screenplay:** Jennifer Lee
- **Story:** Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee, Shane Morris
- **Editor:** Jeff Draheim
- **Music:** Christophe Beck, Jake Monaco
- **Production design:** David Womersley
- **Producer:** Peter Del Vecho
- **Cast:** Kristen Bell as Anna (voice); Idina Menzel as Elsa (voice); Jonathan Groff as Kristoff (voice); Josh Gad as Olaf (voice); Santino Fontana as Hans (voice); Alan Tudyk as Duke (voice); Ciarán Hinds as Pabbie / Grandpa (voice); Chris Williams as Oaken (voice)
- **Runtime:** 1h 42m
- **Certificate (MPA):** PG
- **Release (the US):** 27 November 2013
- **Genres:** Animation, Family, Adventure, Fantasy
- **Budget:** $150 million
- **Box office:** $1.27 billion
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbQm5doF_Uc

## Where to watch in the US

- Disney+: streaming, uhd
- Amazon Prime Video: rent $3.99, uhd
- Apple TV: rent $3.99, hd
- Amazon Prime Video: buy $9.99, uhd
- Apple TV: buy $19.99, hd

*Checked 2026-09-17.*

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

## Awards

- Academy Awards 2014: Best Animated Feature (won)
- Annie Award for Best Animated Feature 2014: Annie Award for Best Animated Feature (won)
- BAFTA Film Awards 2014: BAFTA's Children & Young People Award - Feature Film (nominated); Best Animated Film (won)
- Critics' Choice Awards 2014: Best Animated Feature (won)
- Golden Globes 2014: Best Animated Feature Film (won)
- Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Animated Movie 2014: Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Animated Movie (won)
- Saturn Awards 2014: Best Animated Film (won)

## If you liked this

- *The Snow Queen* (1957): The Soviet Andersen, hand-drawn and severe, with the queen still allowed to be frightening.
- *Song of the Sea* (2014), Fi1m 82: An Irish brother and sister, a coastal winter, and grief drawn in watercolour. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/song-of-the-sea.md)
- *My Neighbour Totoro* (1988), Fi1m 89: Two sisters, an absent parent and a countryside that looks after them. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/my-neighbor-totoro.md)
- *Tangled* (2010), Fi1m 75: The same studio warming up: a princess, a tower and a horse who steals it. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/tangled.md)
- *Enchanted* (2007): Disney teasing its own princesses in live action, with Amy Adams singing in a park.

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© 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/frozen