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Popeye

Play trailer Poster for Popeye PG 1980 1h 54m Kids & Family Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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60% Tomatometer 43 Reviews 39% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
Looking for the father (Ray Walston) who deserted him as a baby, a sailor named Popeye (Robin Williams) journeys to the port town of Sweethaven. Popeye befriends an assortment of eccentrics and falls in love with Olive Oyl (Shelley Duvall), who already has a suitor, the bully Bluto (Paul L. Smith). Popeye also discovers an abandoned baby, Swee'Pea, whom he raises as his own. But when the spurned Bluto kidnaps Olive and the child, Popeye takes action, with the help of his magic spinach.
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Critics Consensus

Altman's take on the iconic cartoon is messy and wildly uneven, but its robust humor and manic charm are hard to resist.

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Critics Reviews

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Patrick Gibbs Daily Telegraph (UK) Despite the evidently affectionate reproductions, as it were, by Robin Williams and Shelley Duvall as Popeye and his girl, Olive Oyl, and some loyal support, I don't think this comes off at all; but then, I have no fond memory of the originals. Jun 17, 2022 Full Review Derek Malcolm Guardian Popeye may be uneven and at times wilful, like many Altman films. But it is still very much the enjoyable fable it should be. Jun 17, 2022 Full Review David Ansen Newsweek One succumbs to a state of glazed indifference. The fault is not in the performances by Williams and Duvall, but rather, I suspect, in Altman's refusal to allow any movie star to violate the one-dimensional texture he's created. Jun 17, 2022 Full Review Eddie Harrison film-authority.com …given the talent involved, Popeye is a true fiasco, a stupendous set of mercurial talents unable to connect with celebrated material….there’s brilliant sight gags, and some knowing humour, but the central casting, while looking good, simply doesn’t work… Rated: 3/5 Jul 15, 2025 Full Review John Brosnan Starburst Altman's naturalism and the unreal subject matter that makes Popeye so interesting and unusual... a genuinely original atmosphere. Jul 26, 2022 Full Review Philip French Observer (UK) Nobody could actively dislike Popeye, but that's scarcely the kind of apology anyone should be making for an Altman film. Jun 16, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Vincent S. A childhood favorite and the most perfect film creation of a comic book or cartoon series. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/29/25 Full Review Nim T I originally wanted to watch the film and why I gave this movie 2/5 stars is because of the cast of Robin Williams and Shelley Duvall. The story itself felt dragged and didn't really enhance much of Popeye's character except for that of a whiny baby. As someone who watched the Popeye cartoons, the reason why we would like the cartoons is because of the chemistry of Olive Oyl and Popeye, and the emphasis of the spinach. While there is chemistry between Duvall and Williams, the chemistry was not really seen until weakly at the very end. The other characters didn't bring the movie to a level where it becomes more watchable, but rather diminishes the ability to finish the film. Even though I finished it, I felt that there could have been more reference of the cartoons, so that Popeye's strength and his personality can be better presented. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 07/29/25 Full Review Stephen C Funny in 1 hour and 54 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy 45th anniversary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/16/25 Full Review Matthew J This movie easily falls into the so bad it's good category. It's beyond quirky. The actors give it their all and the production value is very good. The music numbers are exceptionally bad and mesmerizing at the same time. It's a must watch but maybe not a must re-watch. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 04/30/25 Full Review Ian S "Like a fever dream" is probably a good summary. No denying the brilliant performances from Williams and Duvall - their resemblance to the cartoon characters in appearance and voice is incredible. With a simple plot line the film staggers about abd despite holding my interest and having some funny moments, I wasn't really sure what was happening. I only gave it a 4th star as think it needs to be seen to be believed. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/27/25 Full Review Rami A Sure, it has its flaws, but it has excellent performances by Robin Williams and Shelley Duvall, which I felt were accurate to their cartoon counterparts. Their chemistry really brought the characters to life, making the film feel vibrant and authentic. Despite some shortcomings in the storyline and pacing, the humor and heart they infused into their roles made it a memorable experience. It's a unique take that taps into nostalgia while still managing to entertain a new generation. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/17/25 Full Review Read all reviews
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Movie Info

Synopsis Looking for the father (Ray Walston) who deserted him as a baby, a sailor named Popeye (Robin Williams) journeys to the port town of Sweethaven. Popeye befriends an assortment of eccentrics and falls in love with Olive Oyl (Shelley Duvall), who already has a suitor, the bully Bluto (Paul L. Smith). Popeye also discovers an abandoned baby, Swee'Pea, whom he raises as his own. But when the spurned Bluto kidnaps Olive and the child, Popeye takes action, with the help of his magic spinach.
Director
Robert Altman
Producer
Robert Evans
Screenwriter
Jules Feiffer
Distributor
Paramount Pictures
Production Co
Paramount Pictures, Walt Disney Pictures
Rating
PG
Genre
Kids & Family, Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 12, 1980, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 1, 2013
Runtime
1h 54m
Sound Mix
Stereo
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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