---
title: "Shaun the Sheep Movie"
year: 2015
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/shaun-the-sheep-movie"
fi1m_id: "shaun-the-sheep-movie"
imdb_id: "tt2872750"
tmdb_id: 263109
wikidata_id: "Q15545272"
fi1m_score: 80
critics_score: 79
critics_reviews: 23
published: "2026-10-02T23:02:06.292819+00:00"
updated: "2026-10-02T23:02:06.864829+00:00"
region: "GB"
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."
---

# Shaun the Sheep Movie (2015)

Directed by Mark Burton, Richard Starzak · 1h 25m · BBFC U · Family, Animation, Comedy, Adventure

## Identity

Shaun the Sheep Movie

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/shaun-the-sheep-movie
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** shaun-the-sheep-movie
- **IMDb ID:** tt2872750
- **TMDB ID:** 263109
- **Wikidata ID:** Q15545272
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2872750/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/263109, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15545272

**Fi1m score: 80** · Critics 79 from 23 reviews

*In a sentence:* A flock of sheep put on an overcoat and take the bus to town, and nobody in the film says a word

> Aardman send the flock to the city after their lost farmer and never let anyone say a word, and most of it is as neatly built as the best television episodes. The middle runs short of ideas; the rest does not.

## Synopsis

Mossy Bottom Farm, where every day is the same: up, breakfast, herded by Bitzer the sheepdog (John Sparkes), shorn. Shaun (Justin Fletcher) wants a day off. His plan is to send the Farmer (also Sparkes) to sleep by having the flock jump a gate while he counts them, then park him in his caravan. It works too well. The caravan rolls down the hill to the Big City, Bitzer chasing it, and the Farmer bumps his head and wakes in hospital with no idea who he is. Shaun takes the bus to town to fetch him. The flock, including Shirley (Rich Webber) and Timmy, follow in a stolen coat, pursued by Trumper (Omid Djalili), an animal containment officer, and helped by a stray called Slip (Tim Hands).

## Review

Shaun first turned up in 1995, in *A Close Shave*, as a lamb who got mixed up with Wallace and Gromit, and has spent the years since in short television episodes that owe more to silent comedy than to anything else made for children. Mark Burton and Richard Starzak, who write and direct, have taken the obvious risk with a feature: eighty-five minutes, a plot, a whole city, and still not a word of dialogue. The humans mumble, the sheep bleat, and the story is carried by faces made of clay and the people who move them. It works for most of its length, and we recommend it, with one caveat we will come to.

The first twenty minutes are as good as anything Aardman have made. An opening montage, shot like old home-cine footage, shows the Farmer as a young man raising Shaun from a lamb and Bitzer from a pup, and we did not expect to be moved by a photograph of a clay man holding a clay lamb. We were, and we are not going to apologise for it. Then the plan. The flock jump a gate in a loop while the Farmer counts, his eyelids go, Bitzer’s go too, and Sim Evan-Jones cuts the repetitions so that each lap lands a little heavier than the last. We laughed properly, in a cinema where the only other people laughing at that particular beat were about six years old.

Matt Perry’s Big City is a British town of a recognisable kind: a bus station, a hospital, a department store, a restaurant with white tablecloths, and Trumper’s animal containment centre, which is a lock-up with cells and a noticeboard of wanted animals. Charles Copping and Dave Alex Riddett shoot the farm in soft, warm daylight and the city in flatter, bluer light, so you feel the flock’s homesickness before the film shows it to you. The restaurant is the best sustained sequence: the sheep stacked three high inside one overcoat, Shaun on top working the head, trying to copy the table manners of the diners around them and getting a bread roll badly wrong. The whole gag is built and paid off in looks.

With no words, the voices still matter. Justin Fletcher gets a surprising amount out of a bleat, and John Sparkes does both the Farmer, a grumbler, and Bitzer, a whimperer, without either sounding like the other. Omid Djalili’s Trumper is all snarls and throat-clearing, a man who enjoys his work in a way nobody should. Ilan Eshkeri’s score has to do the talking, and mostly it does, with a soft tune for the farm and marching brass whenever Trumper’s van turns a corner. There is also a pop song that comes back more often than it needs to.

The caveat is the hour mark. The Farmer’s new life in the city, which we will not describe, is funny for one scene and is then run through variations on the same idea, and Trumper’s pursuit of the flock starts to feel like a chase the film is doing because features are supposed to have chases. Trumper himself is a thinner villain than Aardman usually manage: a uniform and a bad temper, no history. There are nods to films the children will not have seen, and they are brief enough not to clutter things, but around here we noticed we were counting them, which is not a good sign.

Against the studio’s own standards it is smaller than [*Chicken Run*](https://film.one/film/chicken-run) and [*Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit*](https://film.one/film/wallace-and-gromit-the-curse-of-the-were-rabbit), and it knows it. The plot would fit on a postcard. What it offers instead is about as many good jokes per minute as either of those and a steadiness of tone that never tips into noise. The animation is as fine as it has ever been: watch Bitzer, alone in a hospital corridor in a borrowed white coat, trying to decide whether to be a dog or a doctor. At 85 minutes it is finished before the smallest person in the audience has started kicking the seat in front.

Take a child if you have one to hand. If you have not, go anyway and sit near the back, where the adults are, and listen to who laughs first.

*Fi1m score 80, published 2 October 2026.*

## What the critics say

Most critics are won over. Nineteen of the twenty-three reviews are positive and none is negative, and the praise lands in the same two places: the handmade stop-motion animation, with its detailed sets and expressive, small-scale acting, and the decision to tell the whole story without dialogue. Several reviewers treat the wordless slapstick as the film’s chief virtue, arguing that it sharpens the comic timing and gives the quiet emotional beats more weight. Many add that adults will enjoy it at least as much as children.

The reservations are mild and cluster around the story. A handful of critics find it thin, episodic or overlong, and some think it delivers fewer big laughs than Aardman’s earlier features. The Hollywood Reporter is the most doubtful, finding the plot woolly and questioning how far the film reaches beyond its existing fans, and Paste thinks it too pleasant for its own good. The spread is narrow: even the mixed reviews call it charming.

## Straight answers

**How long is Shaun the Sheep Movie, and what is it rated?**

*Shaun the Sheep Movie* runs 1h 25m and is rated U by the BBFC in the UK. It is a family and animation film.

**Where can I watch Shaun the Sheep Movie in the UK?**

*Shaun the Sheep Movie* is streaming on BBC iPlayer, Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video in the UK, and it is also available to rent from Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video from £3.49. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**What should I watch after Shaun the Sheep Movie?**

After *Shaun the Sheep Movie*, try [*Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit*](https://film.one/film/wallace-and-gromit-the-curse-of-the-were-rabbit) (2005, Fi1m 87): The same studio with a bigger plot, a vegetable competition and a dog who can drive. Then [*Mr. Hulot's Holiday*](https://film.one/film/monsieur-hulots-holiday) (1953, Fi1m 86): Tati’s seaside comedy, where the jokes are built the same way and nobody explains them; and [*Babe*](https://film.one/film/babe) (1995, Fi1m 88): A farm, a pig who herds sheep, and more feeling than you are braced for.

### Reviews we read (23)

- **IndieWire**, Charles Solomon (90/100, inferred): Solomon praises the film as an original, engaging family feature and a welcome respite from talk-heavy Hollywood animation. He singles out the subtle, expressive stop-motion acting and its ability to tell the story without dialogue. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/culture/review-shaun-the-sheep-movie-123193/)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Kenneth Turan (90/100, inferred): Turan finds the film playful, absurd, and endearingly inventive, with appeal for adults as well as children. He especially praises its sustained visual comedy, including gags that continue through the end credits. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-shaun-sheep-review-20150805-column.html)
- **Vulture**, Bilge Ebiri (90/100, inferred): Ebiri calls the film a winning kids’ movie and a sly artistic manifesto, praising its wisdom and humanity. He singles out the dialogue-free storytelling for adding urgency and making small emotional moments resonate. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2015/08/movie-review-shaun-the-sheep.html)
- **Evening Standard**, Charlotte O'Sullivan (85/100, inferred): O'Sullivan gives the film a warm, enthusiastic verdict, praising its ability to delight both adults and children. She singles out its dialogue-free storytelling and emotional warmth, comparing its exhilaration favorably with Babe: Pig In The City. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/shaun-the-sheep-movie-film-review-10028921.html)
- **Variety**, Guy Lodge (85/100, inferred): Lodge finds the film a sweet-natured delight that should entertain children and adults alike. He especially praises its detailed stop-motion design and wordless physical comedy. [Read](https://variety.com/2015/film/reviews/sundance-film-review-shaun-the-sheep-movie-1201411394/)
- **Empire**, William Thomas (80/100, inferred): Thomas finds the film charming and tightly packed, with a smaller scale that suits its world. He particularly praises the stop-motion animation and its superb physical comedy. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/shaun-sheep-movie-review/)
- **Little White Lies**, Adam Woodward (4/4/4): The review finds the film effortlessly charming and a strong showcase for Aardman. It praises the stop-motion craftsmanship, attention to detail and visual humour. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/shaun-the-sheep-movie)
- **Radio Times**, Jamie Healy (4/5): The critic describes the film as a fun-packed Aardman adventure. They praise its lively mischief and comic escapades. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-amwcgh/shaun-the-sheep-movie/)
- **The Guardian**, Andrew Pulver (80/100, inferred): Pulver finds the film a charming, successful extension of the television series. He praises Aardman’s beautifully rendered stop-motion and its generous, inclusive vision of contemporary England. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/jan/26/shaun-the-sheep-the-movie-review-aardman-have-woolly-mammoth-hit-as-on-the-lamb)
- **Time Out**, Dave Calhoun (4/5): Calhoun gives the film a positive four-star assessment. He highlights Aardman's ability to turn industrial amounts of material into an irresistible movie. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/shaun-the-sheep-the-movie)
- **The AV Club**, Jesse Hassenger (B): Hassenger finds the film gentle and amusing, though a lesser effort than Aardman’s best work. He praises its quiet, dialogue-light slapstick and the playful farm-side characters. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/animation-fans-may-enjoy-the-relative-silence-of-aardma-1798184552)
- **Slant Magazine**, Elise Nakhnikian (3/4): The critic finds the film warmly inventive but somewhat overlong and predictable. She praises its tactile, expressive Claymation and lively visual gags. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/shaun-the-sheep-movie/)
- **Screen Daily**, Mark Adams (65/100, inferred): The accessible page does not reveal the critic’s verdict. No specific element of praise or complaint is available in the visible text. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/shaun-the-sheep-movie/5082138.article)
- **The New York Times** (65/100, inferred): The review text is unavailable, so its verdict cannot be determined. No specific praise or complaint can be verified from the accessible page. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/05/movies/review-in-shaun-the-sheep-movie-a-flock-heads-to-the-city-to-find-its-farmer.html)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Leslie Felperin (60/100, inferred): Felperin finds the film warm and amusing but somewhat woolly in its story and limited in crossover appeal. She praises the tactile animation and comic set pieces, while noting that the episodes do not always cohere into a satisfying narrative. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/shaun-sheep-movie-sundance-review-766037/)
- **Deadline**, Pete Hammond (90/100, inferred): Hammond gives the film an exuberant, strongly positive verdict, calling it a comic gem for audiences of all ages. He especially praises its mostly silent humor and the laughs it draws without relying on celebrity voice performances. [Read](https://deadline.com/2015/08/shaun-the-sheep-review-shear-animated-genius-from-the-oscar-winning-aardman-1201490247/)
- **Consequence**, Don R. Lewis (85/100, inferred): The critic strongly recommends the film as clever, funny family entertainment. They especially praise its near-silent storytelling and claymation gags, while criticizing a potentially discouraging message about improving one’s circumstances. [Read](https://consequence.net/2015/08/film-review-shaun-the-sheep-movie/)
- **Digital Spy**, Simon Reynolds (85/100, inferred): The critic finds the feature-length expansion charming, witty, and full of invention. They especially praise its carefully timed visual gags and the warmth that gives the modest-scale story heart. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a626731/shaun-the-sheep-the-movie-review-home-is-where-the-heart-is-for-aardman/)
- **HeyUGuys**, Aleyha Ahmed (85/100, inferred): Ahmed gives the film an enthusiastic verdict, calling it a timeless Aardman classic with plenty of heart. She praises its silent slapstick comedy and clever film references, while noting that some younger viewers may find the lack of dialogue challenging. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/shaun-the-sheep-movie-review/)
- **The Wrap** (80/100, inferred): The critic finds the film delightful, buoyant entertainment, though its story is not especially memorable. They praise its steady stream of inspired gags and the joy of its dialogue-free pantomime, while faulting the soundtrack’s songs. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/shaun-the-sheep-review-wallace-and-gromit-spin-off-aardman-richard-starzak-mark-burton/)
- **Den of Geek**, Simon Brew (4 out of 5): Brew finds the film charming, skillfully made family entertainment, even if it delivers fewer big laughs than some earlier Aardman films. He especially praises the painstakingly staged physical comedy and expressive animation. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/shaun-the-sheep-the-movie-review/)
- **Eye for Film**, Andrew Robertson (75/100, inferred): The critic finds the film charming and entertaining despite its slight story. They especially praise the lovely stop-motion animation and the detailed sets. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/shaun-the-sheep-the-movie-2015-film-review-by-andrew-robertson)
- **Paste**, Tim Grierson (6.9/10): Grierson finds the film charming and witty, but overly pleasant and somewhat overlong. He praises Aardman’s handmade animation and deadpan visual humor, while faulting the thin narrative and repetitive pacing. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/shaun-the-sheep-movie)

## Details

- **Director:** Mark Burton, Richard Starzak
- **Director:** Mark Burton, Richard Starzak
- **Writer:** Mark Burton, Richard Starzak
- **Cinematography:** Charles Copping, Dave Alex Riddett
- **Editor:** Sim Evan-Jones
- **Music:** Ilan Eshkeri
- **Production design:** Matt Perry
- **Producer:** Paul Kewley, Julie Lockhart
- **Cast:** Justin Fletcher as Shaun / Timmy (voice); John Sparkes as Bitzer / The Farmer (voice); Omid Djalili as Trumper (voice); Rich Webber as Shirley (voice); Kate Harbour as Timmy's Mum / Meryl (voice); Tim Hands as Slip (voice); Simon Greenall as Twins (voice); Andy Nyman as Nuts (voice)
- **Runtime:** 1h 25m
- **Certificate (BBFC):** U
- **Release (the UK):** 6 February 2015
- **Genres:** Family, Animation, Comedy, Adventure
- **Budget:** $25 million
- **Box office:** $106 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6qLSo9RsaE

## Where to watch in the UK

- BBC iPlayer: free
- Apple TV: add-on, hd
- Amazon Prime Video: add-on
- Apple TV: rent £3.49, hd
- Amazon Prime Video: rent £3.49, hd
- Apple TV: buy £4.99, sd
- Amazon Prime Video: buy £4.99, sd

*Checked 2026-10-02.*

Also available in: AR, AT, AU, BE, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, HU, IE, IN, IT, JP, KR, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PL, SE, US. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## Awards

- Academy Awards 2016: Best Animated Feature (nominated)
- Annie Award for Best Animated Feature 2015: Annie Award for Best Animated Feature (nominated)
- BAFTA Film Awards 2015: BAFTA's Children & Young People Award - Feature Film (nominated)
- Critics' Choice Awards 2015: Best Animated Feature (nominated)
- European Film Award for Best Animated Feature Film 2015: European Film Award for Best Animated Feature Film (nominated)

## If you liked this

- *Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit* (2005), Fi1m 87: The same studio with a bigger plot, a vegetable competition and a dog who can drive. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/wallace-and-gromit-the-curse-of-the-were-rabbit.md)
- *Mr. Hulot's Holiday* (1953), Fi1m 86: Tati’s seaside comedy, where the jokes are built the same way and nobody explains them. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/monsieur-hulots-holiday.md)
- *Babe* (1995), Fi1m 88: A farm, a pig who herds sheep, and more feeling than you are braced for. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/babe.md)
- *A Town Called Panic* (2009): Belgian stop-motion with plastic toys, far more frantic and twice as strange.
- *Ernest & Celestine* (2012), Fi1m 84: A bear and a mouse, hand-drawn and gentle, for the same sofa an hour later. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/ernest-and-celestine.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/shaun-the-sheep-movie