---
title: "Megamind"
year: 2010
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/megamind"
fi1m_id: "megamind"
imdb_id: "tt1001526"
tmdb_id: 38055
wikidata_id: "Q81205"
fi1m_score: 72
critics_score: 69
critics_reviews: 20
published: "2026-10-05T11:59:57.221527+00:00"
updated: "2026-10-05T11:59:57.852205+00:00"
region: "AU"
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."
---

# Megamind (2010)

Directed by Tom McGrath · 1h 36m · ACB PG · Animation, Action, Comedy, Family, Science Fiction

## Identity

Megamind

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/megamind
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** megamind
- **IMDb ID:** tt1001526
- **TMDB ID:** 38055
- **Wikidata ID:** Q81205
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1001526/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/38055, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q81205

**Fi1m score: 72** · Critics 69 from 20 reviews

*In a sentence:* A supervillain with a head like a lightbulb finally wins and discovers that evil needs an audience

> Tom McGrath’s animated comedy asks what a villain does once the hero is gone, and answers with 96 brisk, well-built minutes. The jokes are sharper than the story, which runs on rails laid by other films, but Will Ferrell’s blue egomaniac is good company.

## Synopsis

Two infants are fired from two dying planets. One lands in a mansion in Metro City and grows into Metro Man (Brad Pitt), a square-jawed hero adored by the town. The other crashes into the yard of the local prison and grows into Megamind (Will Ferrell), blue and bulb-headed, who learns right and wrong from the inmates and gets it backwards. By adulthood their routine is fixed: Megamind kidnaps the television reporter Roxanne Ritchi (Tina Fey), Metro Man rescues her, Megamind goes back to his cell. His only friend is Minion (David Cross), a fish in a bowl bolted to a robot gorilla. Then, at the opening of the Metro Man museum, one of his plans works, and the villain is left running a city with nothing to fight.

## Review

Tom McGrath takes the oldest superhero story there is, the baby rocketed away from a dying world, and tells it twice at once. The infant who lands in the mansion grows up to be the hero; the one who lands in the prison yard grows up to be the villain. The film’s question is what the villain is for once he has won. It is a good question for a family comedy, and *Megamind* holds on to it longer than we expected. It is a good film rather than a great one, and brisker and cleverer than its reputation.

Will Ferrell does the voice at a slight remove from his usual bellow. Megamind learned English from convicts and television, and Ferrell gives him a vocabulary of small, confident errors: Metro City comes out as Metrocity, to rhyme with atrocity, and school gains a syllable. We laughed, properly and more than once, at a blue head the size of a watermelon saying these things with total assurance. The writers, Alan Schoolcraft and Brent Simons, have understood that he is not wicked so much as an actor who has only ever been offered one part, and the film’s best stretch is the one where the show closes.

That stretch begins after the museum. Megamind has the city, the mayor’s chair and nothing to put in his diary. He spins in the chair, orders the citizens to admire him, and finds that winning has left him with nobody to talk to. We felt a small, unexpected sadness watching it, which is not what we had come to a film with a robot gorilla for. David Cross’s Minion, the fish in the gorilla, is the one who sees it coming, and Cross plays him as an anxious valet rather than a henchman.

Tina Fey gives Roxanne Ritchi the dry patience of a woman who has been kidnapped so often she corrects the villain’s technique. Her scenes with Megamind, once he starts courting her under a borrowed face, are written with more care than any of the action, and Fey and Ferrell play off each other as if they were in the same room, which in animation is rare. Brad Pitt plays Metro Man as a man so used to applause he has stopped hearing it, and the film finds something sharper in him than the spoof suggests; we will leave it there. Jonah Hill’s Tighten, who arrives in the second half, is the one voice that grates, a whine with no joke underneath it.

David James designs Metro City as a clean grid of pale towers and Megamind’s lair as a black warehouse lit blue by its own machines, and the people in both places are long-limbed and thin, with heads out of proportion to their bodies, so a sight gag reads in a second. Michael Andrews cuts the two childhoods into a single montage before the title card and keeps that pace for most of the film; it does not wait to see whether a joke has landed before trying the next. Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe write heroic brass at a size the pictures do not need, which is the point, and the pop songs Megamind plays himself on to are chosen exactly as the villain would choose them.

The story is the weak part. It runs on rails laid by [*Superman*](https://film.one/film/superman) (1978) and by a dozen comedies in which a villain discovers he has a heart, and anyone who has read the synopsis above could sketch the last half hour unaided. The climax is the usual thing, a fight over a city with towers coming down and a reporter in peril, and it is the one passage where the camera flails, swinging round the action because the film has run out of jokes to put in front of it. The references will pass over most children, though the gorilla and the mispronunciations are for them.

Against [*The Incredibles*](https://film.one/film/the-incredibles) (2004), which every critic reaches for and so will we, it is slighter and less sure of what it feels. Against [*Despicable Me*](https://film.one/film/despicable-me), out the same year with its own villain in the lead, it is funnier and far better built. It runs 96 minutes and carries a PG. Watch it with the sound up and a child beside you. You will not remember how it ends, and you will remember how he says Metrocity.

*Fi1m score 72, published 5 October 2026.*

## What the critics say

Most critics like Megamind, and the praise gathers in two places: the jokes and the look. The reviews describe a brisk, witty comedy that plays with superhero conventions rather than simply spoofing them, with a steady supply of sight gags and sharp one-liners. Will Ferrell’s voice work is singled out more than once for being funnier and more restrained than expected, and several critics note that the 3D is handled with care, built into the visuals rather than thrown at the audience.

The reservations cluster around the story. A number of reviews call the plot predictable or derivative, and a few find the film short on real feeling beneath the gags. The comparison nobody avoids is Pixar: The Incredibles comes up again and again as the film this is not. The spread is otherwise narrow, with most scores in the 60s and 70s; Variety is the one outright dissenter, finding the nonstop jokiness and pop-culture references wearing.

## Straight answers

**Is Megamind worth watching?**

*Megamind* is worth watching for families and for anyone who enjoys a superhero spoof with a proper idea behind it, and we scored it 72. Will Ferrell's blue egomaniac is funnier and sadder than the premise suggests, and the film stays brisk for all of its 96 minutes. The story runs on rails laid by other films, so do not expect to remember the ending.

**How long is Megamind, and what is it rated?**

*Megamind* runs 1h 36m and is rated PG by the ACB in Australia. It is an animation and action film.

**Where can I watch Megamind in Australia?**

*Megamind* is streaming on Stan in Australia, and it is also available to rent from Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV from A$2.99. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How does Megamind compare to The Incredibles?**

*Megamind* is the slighter of the two films, funnier line for line but less sure of what it feels, and [*The Incredibles*](https://film.one/film/the-incredibles) is the better one. Brad Bird's film builds a family with recognisable grievances and an adventure that involves you; McGrath's builds one good joke about a villain who has won and plays it well. Watch *The Incredibles* for the story and *Megamind* for the voice work.

**What should I watch after Megamind?**

After *Megamind*, try [*The Incredibles*](https://film.one/film/the-incredibles) (2004, Fi1m 88): The film every critic measured this against, and the one it most wants to be. Then [*Despicable Me*](https://film.one/film/despicable-me) (2010, Fi1m 74): The same year’s other villain-led cartoon, warmer and noisier and not as sharp; and [*Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse*](https://film.one/film/spider-man-into-the-spider-verse) (2018, Fi1m 87): Superhero origins told several times at once, with the wit this one reaches for.

### Reviews we read (20)

- **The AV Club**, Tasha Robinson (B+): Robinson finds the film clever and melancholic, though its story is predictable and its references may leave children behind. She praises its unexpected depth in portraying the codependent relationship between hero and villain. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/megamind-1798166419)
- **Radio Times**, Terry Staunton (4/5): Staunton says the fast-paced animation will delight children, adults and superhero fans. He praises its plentiful sight gags and sharp one-liners. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-fi4m91/megamind/)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Todd McCarthy (80/100, inferred): McCarthy finds Megamind lively, good-natured fun that refreshes familiar superhero ideas with nimble plotting. He especially praises the 3D, noting how naturally it is integrated into the film’s visuals. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/todd-mccarthys-film-review-megamind-33933/)
- **Total Film**, Ken McIntyre (4/5): The critic calls it a polished, very funny entertainment that is very good, though not quite great. They praise Tom McGrath’s pacing and smart gags, along with the film’s effective use of 3D. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/megamind-review/)
- **Slant Magazine**, Simon Abrams (3/4): The critic finds the film smarter, funnier, and more sympathetic than its initial spoof-like setup suggests, though its humor can be sloppy. He praises McGrath’s use of space and the chemistry between Fey and Ferrell in the memorial scene. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/megamind/)
- **The New York Times**, A.O. Scott (75/100, inferred): Scott gives the film a positive verdict, finding its superhero premise entertainingly inventive. He particularly praises its sly humor and playful treatment of familiar superhero conventions. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/05/movies/05mega.html)
- **Empire**, Sam Toy (70/100, inferred): Toy finds Megamind fun and energetic, though it falls short of its potential. He praises the fast-moving gags and slick animation, while noting the cast and script seem held back from being funnier. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/megamind-review/)
- **Evening Standard** (70/100, inferred): The critic finds the film playful and technically accomplished, though lacking real emotion. They single out its clever idea of Megamind becoming bored after winning as its best trick. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/who-are-you-calling-a-big-head-in-megamind-7422829.html)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Betsy Sharkey (65/100, inferred): Sharkey finds the animated comedy amusing and often clever, though it loses focus at times. She praises its crisp, minimalist visual style and the sight gags it makes possible. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-nov-05-la-et-megamind-20101105-story.html)
- **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (65/100, inferred): Bradshaw finds the animation entertaining, funnier and more visually exciting than a comparable film, though it falls short of the best in the genre. He praises its comic lines and inventive evil inventions, while noting that it lacks the passion and brilliance of The Incredibles or Toy Story. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2010/dec/02/megamind-review)
- **Screen Daily**, Brent Simon (64/100, inferred): The review’s verdict is unavailable in the accessible page text. No specific praise or complaint can be identified from the visible material. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/megamind/5020002.article)
- **IndieWire**, Christopher Campbell (60/100, inferred): Campbell finds Megamind enjoyable but less accomplished than The Incredibles. He praises its simple villain-turned-good story while criticizing its camera movement as overwhelming. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/news/general/megamind-is-the-social-network-for-kids-227099/)
- **Time Out**, David Jenkins (3/5): The review gives the film a middling three-star assessment, finding its superhero conventions treated with a wink. It singles out the hyperactive animation and steady stream of genre conventions. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/megamind)
- **Variety**, Justin Chang (30/100, inferred): Chang finds the film derivative despite some clever twists, wit, and emotion. He praises its elastic take on the superhero genre’s good-versus-evil conventions, but criticizes its nonstop jokey humor and pop-culture references. [Read](https://variety.com/2010/digital/reviews/megamind-1117943959/)
- **Digital Spy**, Mayer Nissim (85/100, inferred): The critic finds the film charming, witty, and unusually full of spark. They single out its clever screenplay and Will Ferrell’s emotionally engaging voice performance. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a290071/megamind/)
- **Den of Geek**, Ryan Lambie (4/5): Lambie finds the film a charming, witty action comedy with enough style to overcome its derivative moments. He especially praises the humour and geek references, singling out Ferrell’s restrained performance and Marlon Brando impression. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/megamind-review/)
- **HeyUGuys**, Adam Lowes (78/100, inferred): The critic finds Megamind a welcome, thoroughly entertaining addition to DreamWorks’ animated films. They praise its brisk plotting, well-observed character moments, and playful pop-culture references. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/megamind-review/)
- **Eye for Film**, Andrew Grant (75/100, inferred): Grant finds Megamind a consistently funny, emotionally nuanced, and notably strong DreamWorks effort. He praises its character development and voice performances, especially the leads, while noting it lacks Pixar’s broad appeal. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/megamind-film-review-by-andrew-grant)
- **NME**, James McMahon (65/100, inferred): McMahon finds Megamind entertaining and watchable, though it falls short of being truly impressive. He praises its cast and lively animation, while noting that Pixar’s storytelling makes the film feel comparatively cheap. [Read](https://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews-movie-11761-321423)
- **Paste**, Josh Jackson (55/100, inferred): Jackson finds the film amusing and silly, though its predictable story keeps it from being especially funny or touching. He praises its clever jokes for adult viewers but says Pixar’s superhero animation remains unmatched. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/megamind-review)

## Details

- **Director:** Tom McGrath
- **Director:** Tom McGrath
- **Writer:** Alan Schoolcraft, Brent Simons
- **Editor:** Michael Andrews
- **Music:** Lorne Balfe, Hans Zimmer
- **Production design:** David James
- **Producer:** Lara Breay, Denise Nolan Cascino
- **Cast:** Will Ferrell as Megamind (voice); Brad Pitt as Metro Man (voice); Tina Fey as Roxanne Ritchi (voice); Jonah Hill as Tighten (voice); David Cross as Minion (voice); Ben Stiller as Bernard (voice); Justin Theroux as Megaminds's Father (voice); Jessica Schulte as Megamind's Mother (voice)
- **Runtime:** 1h 36m
- **Certificate (ACB):** PG
- **Release (Australia):** 3 December 2010
- **Genres:** Animation, Action, Comedy, Family, Science Fiction
- **Budget:** $130 million
- **Box office:** $322 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bixkC-ZrH34

## Where to watch in Australia

- Stan: streaming, hd
- Amazon Prime Video: rent A$2.99, hd
- Apple TV: rent A$2.99, hd
- Amazon Prime Video: buy A$7.99, hd
- Apple TV: buy A$7.99, hd

*Checked 2026-10-05.*

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, ID, IE, IL, IN, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, MY, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, TH, TR, UA, US, VN, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## If you liked this

- *The Incredibles* (2004), Fi1m 88: The film every critic measured this against, and the one it most wants to be — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-incredibles.md)
- *Despicable Me* (2010), Fi1m 74: The same year’s other villain-led cartoon, warmer and noisier and not as sharp — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/despicable-me.md)
- *Mystery Men* (1999): Live-action misfits in capes, with the same affection for heroes who are not much good
- *The Wrong Trousers* (1993): A penguin plans a heist in a northern terrace; thirty minutes of perfect villainy
- *Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse* (2018), Fi1m 87: Superhero origins told several times at once, with the wit this one reaches for — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/spider-man-into-the-spider-verse.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/megamind