---
title: "The Lego Movie"
year: 2014
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/the-lego-movie"
fi1m_id: "the-lego-movie"
imdb_id: "tt1490017"
tmdb_id: 137106
wikidata_id: "Q2608065"
fi1m_score: 83
critics_score: 82
critics_reviews: 14
published: "2026-09-16"
updated: "2026-09-18T08:37:43.883730+00:00"
region: "EC"
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 Lego Movie (2014)

Directed by Phil Lord, Christopher Miller · 1h 40m · Animation, Family, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy

## Identity

The Lego Movie

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/the-lego-movie
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** the-lego-movie
- **IMDb ID:** tt1490017
- **TMDB ID:** 137106
- **Wikidata ID:** Q2608065
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1490017/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/137106, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2608065

**Fi1m score: 83** · Critics 82 from 14 reviews

*In a sentence:* A box of bricks puts Batman’s dignity under considerable strain

> Phil Lord and Christopher Miller make a funny, inventive defence of playing without permission. The pace can wear us down, but the affection for ordinary people gives the cleverness a purpose.

## Synopsis

Emmet Brickowski (Chris Pratt) is the ordinary figure at the centre of an adventure built from Lego, with everybody’s safety at stake. He shares this brick-built world with Wyldstyle (Elizabeth Banks), Vitruvius (Morgan Freeman) and Batman (Will Arnett), as well as Lord Business (Will Ferrell) and Bad Cop (Liam Neeson). The surroundings can be taken apart and rebuilt, making the bricks themselves part of the action. For Emmet, the challenge is to find what he can contribute among these competing personalities, as creativity comes up against the pressure to conform.

## Review

Phil Lord and Christopher Miller have made a funny, generous film out of material that could easily have produced a long catalogue. It takes playing seriously without requiring its characters to behave with any dignity. Much of the pleasure comes from seeing what can be built, altered and made ridiculous with recognisable plastic pieces. We recommend it warmly, even if its determination to keep us entertained occasionally becomes tiring.

Grant Freckelton’s production design makes the bricks recognisable as things someone might have left on the floor. Their hard little shapes give the fantasy a pleasing awkwardness, and the construction itself supplies a good share of the humour. The cinematography credited to Pablo Plaisted and Barry Peterson helps preserve that tactile quality instead of smoothing it away. The images invite us to look at how things fit together, even when the action is trying to hurry us past them.

Chris Pratt makes Emmet Brickowski’s ordinariness likeable, which is harder than giving a hero a collection of quirks. The voice is warm enough for the film’s faith in unexceptional people to seem credible. We laughed more than we expected at Will Arnett’s Batman. His solemn delivery makes the little plastic figure’s self-importance look all the sillier, and the performance is funny without requiring an exhaustive knowledge of the character.

Writing as well as directing, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller are sharp about the appeal of fitting in. Their jokes about consumer culture do not make the Lego branding disappear, and we would not mistake them for an attack on the toy business. What keeps that contradiction from becoming irritating is the attention paid to making things, changing them and enjoying the mess. The film’s enthusiasm for what people might do with the bricks is persuasive enough to overcome much of our suspicion.

The weakness is the speed. Editors David Burrows and Chris McKay keep the jokes coming so quickly that some lose the space in which they might have been funnier, and the middle can become tiring. Mark Mothersbaugh’s music adds to the bustle; we occasionally wanted it to give the voices and pictures more room. At 100 minutes the film is not long, but it is busy enough to feel overfilled in places.

There is also a tendency to explain a point after the pictures have already made it. The screenplay’s belief in creativity is appealing, but it need not be underlined quite so firmly. The characters have been funny enough, and treated kindly enough, for the earnestness to seem sincere. That makes the insistence easier to forgive, although a little less explanation would have helped.

As family animation, it works because the pictures offer enough to enjoy without requiring recognition of every familiar character. The visual comedy deserves as much attention as the voices, and a second viewing need not be spent waiting for favourite lines. We would choose it for a shared evening when a little disorder is welcome. Just do not expect much quiet.

*Fi1m score 83, published 16 September 2026.*

## What the critics say

Most critics are delighted, and more surprised than they expected to be: a film built to sell plastic bricks turns out, in their view, to be fast, funny and warmer than it has any right to be. Praise clusters on Phil Lord and Christopher Miller’s script and direction, on the tactile, brick-by-brick animation that several reviewers compare to stop-motion, and on the voice cast, with Batman singled out more than once. Many also enjoy the satire of consumer culture and conformity, and a good number are caught off guard by an ending they find moving and decline to describe.

The spread is narrow; thirteen of fourteen reviews are positive, most at four stars or thereabouts. Reservations are small: a middle section some find chaotic, pacing that occasionally flags, and a debt to The Matrix that Slant Magazine notes without much complaint. The lone dissenter is The Wrap, which enjoys the pop-culture mashups but thinks the film stops dead to spell out its moral about creativity, and finds the spoon-feeding insulting.

## Straight answers

**Is The Lego Movie worth watching?**

*The Lego Movie* is worth watching for families who can put up with a great deal of noise, and we scored it 83. Phil Lord and Christopher Miller make the bricks funny and treat their ordinary hero kindly, with Will Arnett's solemn Batman the best of the jokes. The pace is relentless and the middle can tire you, and the film explains its point after the pictures have already made it.

**How long is The Lego Movie, and what is it rated?**

*The Lego Movie* runs 1h 40m. It is an animation and family film.

**Where can I watch The Lego Movie in Ecuador?**

*The Lego Movie* is streaming on HBO Max and Disney+ in Ecuador. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**What should I watch after The Lego Movie?**

After *The Lego Movie*, try [*PlayTime*](https://film.one/film/playtime) (1967, Fi1m 88): Patient visual comedy finds endless absurdity in buildings, gadgets and organised modern life. Then [*Kiki's Delivery Service*](https://film.one/film/kikis-delivery-service) (1989, Fi1m 86): A young heroine discovers that useful work and self-belief take practice; and [*The Mitchells vs. the Machines*](https://film.one/film/the-mitchells-vs-the-machines) (2021, Fi1m 76): Another family animation whose frantic visual jokes leave room for awkward affection.

### Reviews we read (17)

- **Variety**, Peter Debruge (90/100, inferred): The critic praises the film as a clever, irreverent homage to Lego that skewers consumer culture while delivering nonstop laughs and ingenuity through its animation and structure. [Read](https://variety.com/2014/film/reviews/film-review-the-lego-movie-1201082797/)
- **Vulture**, Bilge Ebiri (90/100, inferred): The critic hails the film as a rare animated free-for-all mixing shameless fun with razor-sharp wit and pure joy while tackling deeper issues. It singles out the third-act developments that shift into poignant questions about creation and the nature of a benevolent versus vengeful creator. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2014/02/movie-review-the-lego-movie.html)
- **Empire**, Olly Richards (85/100, inferred): Lord and Miller deliver a weird, creative, ambitious film that captures Lego's surreal nature with visual humor and a moving ending, despite some chaos in the middle. It's enthusiastic and exciting, sure to delight Lego fans. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/lego-movie-review/)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Betsy Sharkey (85/100, inferred): The review celebrates the film's subversive humor, hyper-kinetic energy, and inventive design that celebrates creativity over conformity, highlighting the voice cast and balance of kid-friendly fun with adult appeal. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-lego-movie-20140207-story.html)
- **Evening Standard** (80/100, inferred): The critic finds the film a clever, ironic celebration of Lego that pokes fun at positivity and product placement but succeeds with its inventive story and characters, especially Batman. The climax provides a genuine visual and thematic jolt that affirms ordinary people are special. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/the-lego-movie-film-review-every-little-bit-clicks-into-place-9127560.html)
- **Little White Lies**, Chris Blohm (2/4/4): The film is a raucous and highly caffeinated treat that turns out to be a whimsical and hilarious piece of animated nostalgia rather than a shameless toy tie-in. The critic singles out the inventive, tactile brick-based visual tomfoolery and set-pieces for praise. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/the-lego-movie)
- **Radio Times**, Jamie Healy (4/5): Directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller have created a film every bit as imaginative, colourful and cleverly constructed as their plastic inspiration. The critic singles out the positively inspiring message about freedom of expression and the block-busting action for praise. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-br1i8z/the-lego-movie/)
- **Screen Daily** (80/100, inferred): The film is a smoothly blended concoction of spry sensory pleasures and considerable heart, a terrific family-friendly adventure with sincere verve and pop. The critic singles out the deep reservoir of genuine pan-generation feeling and sly digs at consumer culture for praise. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/the-lego-movie/5066092.article)
- **Slant Magazine**, R. Kurt Osenlund (80/100, inferred): The critic notes the film's heavy debt to The Matrix but finds appreciation in its self-reflexive world-building and visual assembly of structures. It singles out the twist that instills heart and the message promoting common specialness over exceptionalism. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/the-lego-movie/)
- **Time Out**, Tom Huddleston (4/5): The result is bold, berserk and strangely beautiful, sheer joy with a witty script, surprisingly pointed satire and tactile, imaginative animation. The critic singles out the deeply sentimental but oddly touching climax for note, despite occasional pacing issues. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/the-lego-movie)
- **The Guardian**: The film is an unexpected joy and a work of unbridled imagination that delights viewers of all ages. It respects Lego logic in its changeable universe while delivering satirical gags and a tactile, DIY charm reminiscent of Aardman animations. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/feb/13/the-lego-movie-review)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, THR Staff: The critic calls the film a full-throttle, giddily inventive all-ages joyride that boosts the bar for 3D computer-animated movies. Praise centers on its non-stop irreverence, dazzling CGI, and pitch-perfect voice cast. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/lego-movie-film-review-676345/)
- **Collider**, Matt Goldberg (A): The critic praises the film as a brilliant, imaginative work that transcends its toy-ad origins through wit, humor, and heart, encouraging creativity. They single out the clever storytelling twists and the stop-motion style animation that pays tribute to LEGO's roots while delivering constant laughs and emotional resonance. [Read](https://collider.com/the-lego-movie-review/)
- **/Film**, Angie Han (9.0/10): The film delivers a fresh, joke-packed take on the hero's journey that pokes fun at clichés while moving at a brisk pace. Lord and Miller show sincere affection for the Lego experience, turning what could have been a cynical ad into a love letter that appeals to kids and adults alike. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/530235/the-lego-movie-review-phil-lord-and-chris-miller-build-another-awesome-adventure/)
- **Digital Spy**, Simon Reynolds (80/100, inferred): The critic finds it wittier and smarter than expected, fast and funny enough for all ages while celebrating creativity and imagination. They single out the clever third-act reveal that recontextualises the story and delivers a moving emotional hit. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a548583/the-lego-movie-review-a-wildly-inventive-rollercoaster-with-bricks/)
- **The Wrap** (40/100, inferred): The film offers fun pop-culture mashups and creative playfulness but grinds to a halt to deliver a heavy-handed moral about conformity and creativity. This spoon-feeding approach insults viewers and sucks the fun out of an otherwise fast-moving animated comedy-adventure. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/lego-movie-review-lots-funny-pieces-dont-click-place/)
- **Den of Geek**, Simon Brew (4 out of 5): The critic calls it a fast, frenetic and bonkers comedy packed with nerdy references and surprises that works surprisingly well despite corporate involvement. They single out the daring and brilliant ending for particular praise. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-lego-movie-review-2/)

## Details

- **Director:** Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
- **Director:** Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
- **Screenplay:** Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
- **Story:** Kevin Hageman, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Dan Hageman
- **Cinematography:** Pablo Plaisted, Barry Peterson
- **Editor:** David Burrows, Chris McKay
- **Music:** Mark Mothersbaugh
- **Production design:** Grant Freckelton
- **Producer:** Dan Lin, Roy Lee
- **Cast:** Chris Pratt as Emmet Brickowski (voice); Elizabeth Banks as Wyldstyle / Lucy (voice); Will Ferrell as Lord Business / President Business / The Man Upstairs; Morgan Freeman as Vitruvius (voice); Will Arnett as Batman / Bruce Wayne (voice); Liam Neeson as Bad Cop / Good Cop / Pa Cop (voice); Alison Brie as Unikitty (voice); Nick Offerman as Metal Beard (voice)
- **Runtime:** 1h 40m
- **Release (Ecuador):** 7 February 2014
- **Genres:** Animation, Family, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
- **Budget:** $60 million
- **Box office:** $471 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZ_JOBCLF-I

## Where to watch in Ecuador

- HBO Max: streaming, uhd
- Disney+: streaming, hd

*Checked 2026-09-16.*

Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, 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

- Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Animated Movie 2015: Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Animated Movie (nominated)
- Annie Award for Best Animated Feature 2014: Annie Award for Best Animated Feature (nominated)
- BAFTA Film Awards 2014: BAFTA's Children & Young People Award - Feature Film (won)
- Critics' Choice Awards 2014: Best Animated Feature (won)

## If you liked this

- *A Town Called Panic* (2009): More toy figures cause trouble, with even less regard for sensible behaviour.
- *PlayTime* (1967), Fi1m 88: Patient visual comedy finds endless absurdity in buildings, gadgets and organised modern life. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/playtime.md)
- *Kiki's Delivery Service* (1989), Fi1m 86: A young heroine discovers that useful work and self-belief take practice. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/kikis-delivery-service.md)
- *The Wrong Trousers* (1993): Small domestic objects become the machinery of a precise and ridiculous thriller.
- *The Mitchells vs. the Machines* (2021), Fi1m 76: Another family animation whose frantic visual jokes leave room for awkward affection. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-mitchells-vs-the-machines.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-lego-movie