--- title: "The Croods" year: 2013 kind: "film" canonical: "https://film.one/film/the-croods" fi1m_id: "the-croods" imdb_id: "tt0481499" tmdb_id: 49519 wikidata_id: "Q495850" fi1m_score: 60 critics_score: 52 critics_reviews: 17 published: "2026-10-05T12:53:04.841020+00:00" updated: "2026-10-05T12:53:10.466312+00:00" region: "SG" 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." --- # The Croods (2013) Directed by Kirk DeMicco, Chris Sanders · 1h 39m · Animation, Adventure, Family, Comedy ## Identity The Croods - **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/the-croods - **Type:** Film - **Fi1m ID:** the-croods - **IMDb ID:** tt0481499 - **TMDB ID:** 49519 - **Wikidata ID:** Q495850 - **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0481499/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/49519, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q495850 **Fi1m score: 60** · Critics 52 from 17 reviews *In a sentence:* Cavemen discover fire, shoes and the colour pink, in that order; the script discovers nothing new > Chris Sanders and Kirk DeMicco have built a forest full of animals nobody has drawn before and then walked a story everybody has seen before through it. For children under ten it is a fine evening. For the adults, it is the scenery. ## Synopsis Grug (Nicolas Cage) is the father of the last cave family left in a dry prehistoric valley, and he has kept them alive by one rule: nobody leaves the cave except to hunt, and everything new is to be feared. His wife Ugga (Catherine Keener), mother-in-law Gran (Cloris Leachman), son Thunk (Clark Duke) and feral baby Sandy do as they are told. His teenage daughter Eep (Emma Stone) does not. One night she follows a light outside and meets Guy (Ryan Reynolds), a lone boy with a torch, a pet sloth called Belt and a warning that the ground is about to break apart. When an earthquake buries the cave, the family has to follow Guy out into a jungle of unfamiliar animals, with Grug the only one who does not want to go. ## Review Chris Sanders and Kirk DeMicco write and direct a 99-minute cartoon about a family who have stayed alive by never going anywhere. Grug (Nicolas Cage) has one rule, which is that anything new will kill you, and he is not wrong about the neighbourhood. His daughter Eep (Emma Stone) wants out anyway. Then the ground gives way, the cave is gone, and the family has to walk. What follows is a road picture with a father who would rather have stayed home, and the verdict is easy to state: the places they walk through are worth seeing and the things they say on the way are not. The opening is the best stretch. The family hunts a single egg across a scrubland of rock and dust, and Darren T. Holmes cuts it like a rugby match, each Crood taking the ball and being flattened in turn while Gran (Cloris Leachman) bites an ankle. We laughed, properly, four or five times in that first ten minutes, which is a better rate than most live-action comedies manage. It is physical, fast and told almost without dialogue, and it sets a standard the writing does not keep. Once the cave collapses, Christophe Lautrette’s production design takes over, and it is the reason to watch. Yong Duk Jhun lights the valley in grey and brown and then the jungle beyond it in pink, turquoise and acid green, so that the family’s first step into it reads as a change of planet. The animals are the designers’ own: a sabre-toothed cat with the colouring of a parrot, a flock of tiny red birds that strip a beast to bone in seconds, a thing like a whale that walks, a land of flowers that eat. Children will want all of them as toys, and we found ourselves looking past the characters to see what was in the trees. The voices are better than the lines. Cage plays Grug as a worrier with a big chest, a man whose every pronouncement is a warning, and he finds something tender in the way the warnings get quieter as the film goes on. Stone gives Eep a growl and a grin. Ryan Reynolds plays Guy, the boy with fire and ideas, as a salesman who is slightly surprised anyone is buying, and Sanders himself voices Belt the sloth, whose single joke is a three-note sting at moments of peril. Catherine Keener has little to do as Ugga except keep the peace, and does it. The trouble is the script. John Cleese shares the story credit with the directors, and you will not hear him in it. The whole middle hour is one argument, father against new boy, replayed at each new location with a different animal in the background: Grug says stay put, Guy says keep moving, Eep sides with Guy, and the ground opens. The running gag in which Grug hopes Gran has died, and she has not, is the only line with any edge, and it is used a dozen times. Alan Silvestri’s score is brass for the chases and strings for the lessons, and it tells you how to feel a bar or two before the picture does. By the fourth set piece we were checking the time, which is not something a 99-minute film should allow. Sanders co-directed *How to Train Your Dragon* three years earlier, and that film had the same material, a large frightened father and a child who wants more, and treated it with patience. Here the lesson arrives in the first reel and is repeated until the last. Against the [*Ice Age*](https://film.one/film/ice-age) films, which cover the same ground, *The Croods* is far prettier and no wittier. And yet a late scene between Grug and Eep, which we will not describe, got to us more than we were ready for, mostly on the strength of Cage’s voice dropping to nothing. We are not sure the film had earned it. Most critics landed in the middle and so have we. The U certificate is honest, the pace never slackens, and a child of six will be delighted and a child of ten entertained. Grown-ups should sit at the back and watch the forest. *Fi1m score 60, published 5 October 2026.* ## What the critics say Most critics find The Croods handsome to look at and ordinary to listen to. The reviews lean mixed to negative, with the praise clustering almost entirely on the animation: the colourful landscapes, the invented creatures, the smoothly staged action and the restrained use of 3D are singled out even in the harshest notices. Nicolas Cage’s vocal performance as Grug draws regular compliments, and several reviews note that young children are well served. The reservations gather around the script. Critics describe the story as familiar, the humour as broad and old-fashioned, and the characters as stock, with The Guardian treating the film as a stand-in for the Ice Age series and Paste measuring it against Pixar and finding it short. The spread is wide, from a lively, well-made adventure at The Wrap and Digital Spy to a near-dismissal at the Los Angeles Times, with most settling in the middle: a pleasant enough afternoon for families, and not much more. ## Straight answers **Is The Croods worth watching?** *The Croods* is worth watching for children under ten, and we scored it 60. The jungle of invented animals and the near-wordless opening hunt are the reasons to put it on, but the script replays one argument between father and new boy for an hour, and adults will find themselves watching the scenery rather than the story. **How long is The Croods, and what is it rated?** *The Croods* runs 1h 39m. It is an animation and adventure film. **Where can I watch The Croods in Singapore?** *The Croods* is streaming on Amazon Prime Video in Singapore, and it is also available to rent from Apple TV from S$5.98. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service. **What should I watch after The Croods?** After *The Croods*, try [*How to Train Your Dragon*](https://film.one/film/how-to-train-your-dragon-2010) (2010, Fi1m 82): Sanders’s earlier father-and-child picture, with the same lesson taught more patiently. Then [*The Land Before Time*](https://film.one/film/the-land-before-time) (1988, Fi1m 72): Young creatures cross a broken world; shorter, sadder, and still frightening small children; and [*Finding Nemo*](https://film.one/film/finding-nemo) (2003, Fi1m 85): The overprotective father done properly, with an ocean instead of a jungle. ### Reviews we read (17) - **The Hollywood Reporter**, David Rooney (65/100, inferred): Rooney finds the film sweet and entertaining for young children, though its humor and storytelling are uneven. He praises the imaginative fantasy creatures and landscapes, while noting that the script lacks sophistication and consistent wit. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/croods-berlin-review-421866/) - **Screen Daily**, David D'Arcy (64/100, inferred): The available page identifies this as a review, but its critical verdict is hidden behind the paywall. No specific praise or complaint is visible in the accessible text. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/the-croods/5052103.article) - **RogerEbert.com**, Christy Lemire (2.5/4): The review gives the film a mixed verdict. It praises the animation while finding the story familiar. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-croods-2013) - **Time Out**, Catherine Bray (3/5): The available page metadata confirms this is a review but gives no readable critical verdict. It describes a prehistoric family surviving assorted dangers by staying put. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/the-croods) - **Vulture**, Bilge Ebiri (60/100, inferred): Ebiri finds the film familiar and not especially clever, but says its wit and pace keep it engaging. He praises Nicolas Cage’s vocal performance as Grug, while noting that the humor often feels old-fashioned. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2013/03/movie-review-the-croods.html) - **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (45/100, inferred): Bradshaw finds the film amiable enough, but sees it as a substitute for the Ice Age movies rather than a standout. He singles out its clichéd, simplistic writing as a weakness. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/mar/21/the-croods-review) - **Empire**, Phil de Semlyen (40/100, inferred): The review finds the film visually bold but ultimately ordinary, with clunky storytelling and too few witty ideas. It praises the colorful visuals, 3D, and creature designs, while noting that the story lacks emotional depth. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/croods-review/) - **Slant Magazine**, Chris Cabin (1.5/4): Cabin finds the film visually dazzling but ultimately let down by its flimsy, sentimental story. He praises the colorful forest and its bizarre creatures, while criticizing the broad family comedy and uneven storytelling. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/the-croods/) - **Variety**, Leslie Felperin (35/100, inferred): Felperin finds the film’s story unfunny and its subplots poorly integrated, limiting its appeal. She praises the smoothly animated action sequences and vivid, carefully rendered colors and lighting. [Read](https://variety.com/2013/film/markets-festivals/the-croods-1117949263/) - **Los Angeles Times**, Betsy Sharkey (30/100, inferred): Sharkey finds the film’s comedy and story weak, leaving the family adventure short on humor and emotional substance. She praises the imaginative, striking 3-D animation, especially during the film’s cataclysms. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-xpm-2013-mar-21-la-et-mn-the-croods-20130322-story.html) - **Digital Spy**, Ben Rawson-Jones (★★★★): The review says the film grows from a weak opening into a lively, family-friendly adventure. It praises the sight gags, colorful creatures, and Nicolas Cage’s performance as Glug. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a467160/the-croods-review-winning-animation-evokes-classic-simpsons/) - **The Wrap**, Alonso Duralde (80/100, inferred): The critic finds the film thoroughly entertaining and well made. They single out its dazzling visuals, genuine comedy, and compelling characters for praise. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/croods-review-dazzling-fun-proves-even-caveman-dad-can-evolve-81991/) - **Paste**, Tyler Chase (7.1/10): The critic finds The Croods enjoyable but limited, especially when measured against Pixar’s work. The visuals and subtle use of 3D, along with the voice performances by Emma Stone and Nicolas Cage, stand out. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/the-croods) - **Den of Geek**, Nick Allen (3/5): The critic finds the film an imperfect but welcome family comedy with sparks of cleverness. He praises its colorful creatures, rich visuals, and lively voice performances, while noting that its humor and dialogue often play it safe. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-croods-review/) - **The Skinny**, Chris Fyvie (★★): The critic finds the film loud, dull and lacking nuance, with little to offer adults. They single out its impressive visuals and brisk pace as insufficient to compensate for stock characters and a poor script. [Read](https://www.theskinny.co.uk/film/new-releases/the-croods) - **Eye for Film**, Jennie Kermode (35/100, inferred): Kermode finds the film formulaic and poorly served by its focus on Grug, though it can keep young children entertained. She praises the witty visual touches and the vivid environments the family travels through. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/the-croods-2013-film-review-by-jennie-kermode) - **The Playlist** (35/100, inferred): The review’s headline indicates a negative verdict, arguing that the film sacrifices story and character. It singles out the impressive 3D visuals as the film’s strength. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/review-animated-the-croods-sacrifices-story-character-on-altar-of-impressive-3d-visuals-20130320/) ## Details - **Director:** Kirk DeMicco, Chris Sanders - **Director:** Kirk DeMicco, Chris Sanders - **Screenplay:** Chris Sanders, Kirk DeMicco - **Story:** John Cleese, Chris Sanders, Kirk DeMicco - **Cinematography:** Yong Duk Jhun - **Editor:** Darren T. Holmes - **Music:** Alan Silvestri - **Production design:** Christophe Lautrette - **Producer:** Kristine Belson, Jane Hartwell - **Cast:** Nicolas Cage as Grug (voice); Emma Stone as Eep (voice); Ryan Reynolds as Guy (voice); Catherine Keener as Ugga (voice); Cloris Leachman as Gran (voice); Clark Duke as Thunk (voice); Chris Sanders as Belt (voice); Randy Thom as Sandy (voice) - **Runtime:** 1h 39m - **Release (Singapore):** 28 March 2013 - **Genres:** Animation, Adventure, Family, Comedy - **Budget:** $135 million - **Box office:** $587 million - **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fVCKy69zUY ## Where to watch in Singapore - Amazon Prime Video: streaming - Apple TV: rent S$5.98, hd - Apple TV: buy S$12.98, sd *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, 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. ## Awards - Academy Awards 2014: Best Animated Feature (nominated) - Annie Award for Best Animated Feature 2013: Annie Award for Best Animated Feature (nominated) - Critics' Choice Awards 2013: Best Animated Feature (nominated) ## If you liked this - *How to Train Your Dragon* (2010), Fi1m 82: Sanders’s earlier father-and-child picture, with the same lesson taught more patiently. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/how-to-train-your-dragon-2010.md) - *Early Man* (2018): Aardman’s Stone Age in plasticine, slower and a good deal funnier. - *Quest for Fire* (1981): For the adults: cavemen, no dialogue, no jokes, and real mud. - *The Land Before Time* (1988), Fi1m 72: Young creatures cross a broken world; shorter, sadder, and still frightening small children. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-land-before-time.md) - *Finding Nemo* (2003), Fi1m 85: The overprotective father done properly, with an ocean instead of a jungle. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/finding-nemo.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/the-croods