--- title: "The Incredibles: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/film/the-incredibles/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/film/the-incredibles" critics_score: 89 critics_reviews: 9 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 Incredibles (2004): what the critics said Critics' score 89 from 9 reviews: 9 positive, 0 mixed, 0 negative. The consensus is strongly positive, with praise clustering around Brad Bird’s blend of domestic comedy and superhero action. Most critics find that the family’s recognisable frustrations and relationships give the spectacle its appeal. The reviews repeatedly credit the animation’s expressive detail, the wit of the dialogue and the energy of the action sequences. Several also welcome the film’s willingness to explore conformity, excellence and the difficulty of keeping different parts of a life together. The differences are chiefly matters of emphasis rather than opposing verdicts. Some critics celebrate the film’s ideas, while The New York Times finds that its intellectual ambition raises expectations it cannot fully meet. Radio Times considers it slightly overlong, though its wit and sophistication compensate. Time Out identifies loose ends in the plotting and ideology but remains enthusiastic about the playfulness. These reservations qualify a broadly shared recommendation; they do not amount to a substantial dissent. ## Radio Times — Sloan Freer Rating 5/5. Calls it a spectacular triumph for Pixar's computer-animated magic with genuine characters and values from director Brad Bird. Notes it is slightly overlong but finds the sophistication, wit and skill more than compensate. [Read the review](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-ph92zh/the-incredibles/) ## The AV Club — Scott Tobias Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 2 November 2004. The critic praises it as a clever riff on superhero tropes with character-driven storytelling and auteur touches from Brad Bird. They single out the exploration of dual identity and the tension between specialness and societal conformity. [Read the review](https://www.avclub.com/the-incredibles-1798200097) ## The Guardian — Peter Bradshaw Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 19 November 2004. The critic calls it an all-conqueringly funny and blastingly energised family comedy with audacious things to say about meritocracy versus mediocrity. They single out the monologuing gag and the character of Edna Mode for particular praise. [Read the review](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2004/nov/19/the-incredibles-film-review) ## Variety — Todd McCarthy Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 31 October 2004. The critic calls it Pixar's most ambitious and genre-expanding film yet, full of excitement, imagination, wit and panache for all ages. Single out its impassioned rejection of mediocrity and the genuine family solidarity in the climax. [Read the review](https://variety.com/2004/film/awards/the-incredibles-3-1200529884/) ## The New Yorker — Anthony Lane Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 8 November 2004. The critic praises how the exaggerated but relatable characters and witty family story make the film work, rather than technical flash or plotting. Single out the Parrs' everyday frustrations and the film's retained innocence over cynicism. [Read the review](https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2004/11/15/illustrated-life) ## Slant Magazine — Ed Gonzalez Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 6 July 2004. Festival review. The critic views the film positively as redefining family-friendly entertainment through a defense of family and self-knowledge. They single out the emotional family dynamics and soul-searching elements for praise. [Read the review](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/the-incredibles/) ## The New York Times — A. O. Scott Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 5 November 2004. The critic finds the film visually splendid and ethically serious, with an unusual intellectual edge for a family cartoon, but notes it raises hopes it cannot fully satisfy. Single out its central theme rejecting mediocrity in favor of excellence. [Read the review](https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/05/movies/being-super-in-suburbia-is-no-picnic.html) ## Empire — Colin Kennedy 1 January 2011. Bird delivers a hybrid of domestic sitcom and superhero caper that stands out from the Pixar formula with organic gags and strong character work. The film is praised as the most human Pixar movie since Toy Story, with highlights in family interplay and set pieces. [Read the review](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/incredibles-review/) ## Evening Standard The Incredibles is a brilliant piece of Pixar animation that works perfectly for families, blending character-driven drama adults can appreciate with excitement for kids. It stands out as one of the year's more literate blockbusters thanks to its animators' flair and attention to expressive detail. [Read the review](https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/yes-its-incredible-7236884.html) ## Screen Daily 1 November 2004. Hails a technically brilliant CG animation that introduces muscular action and real family drama to the genre. Finds it a beautifully rounded family movie experience that should appeal widely despite a slightly more adult slant. [Read the review](https://www.screendaily.com/the-incredibles/4020707.article) ## The Hollywood Reporter — Kirk Honeycutt 1 November 2004. The critic praises the film as Pixar's best yet, an imaginative and funny superhero action adventure directed by Brad Bird that pushes animation boundaries. They single out the action sequences and witty domestic scenes for their suspense and intelligence. [Read the review](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/incredibles-review-movie-2004-1245609/) ## Time Out — NB Praises the film as a triumph of design, wit and zip that blends comic-book caper, domestic comedy and sci-fi spy fantasy. Notes some plot logic and ideological loose ends but finds the pastiche and playfulness highly engaging. [Read the review](https://www.timeout.com/london/film/the-incredibles) ## Eye for Film — Josh Morrall Rating 5/5. 26 November 2004. The critic praises the originality of the story and risks taken in telling a simple family tale of superheroes living incognito, along with strong character development and faultless animation. It is described as an admirable and very loveable family treat that stands out despite its genre constraints. [Read the review](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/the-incredibles-film-review-by-josh-morrall) ## Den of Geek — David Crow Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 25 November 2012. The critic finds The Incredibles a witty and touching satire of suburban domesticity that remains one of Pixar’s most mature and stylish films. They single out its focus on family, love and relationships as the key to its lasting appeal despite a somewhat predictable storyline. [Read the review](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-incredibles-lookback-review/) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/film/the-incredibles.md