Brother Bear

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2:01

Brother Bear

G

Released Nov 1, 2003

1h 25m

Kids & Family

Adventure

Animation

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

37%

Tomatometer

131 Reviews

66%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

Kenai (Joaquin Phoenix) is a young Indian brave with a particular distaste for bears. When his brother Sitka (D.B. Sweeney) is killed by one, Kenai in turn kills the bear, only to be magically transformed into one himself. To make matters worse, his other brother Denahi (Jason Raize) vows to kill the bear Kenai has become. Kenai's only hope is a magical mountain where he believes he can be changed back to a human, and he enlists a real bear cub, Koda, to get him there.

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Critics Consensus

Brother Bear is gentle and pleasant if unremarkable Disney fare, with so-so animation and generic plotting.

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Sheila Norman-Culp

Associated Press

Disney hides the morality tale behind a rip-roaring soundtrack, goofy moose sidekicks and enough bear slapstick to delight any child.

Jan 23, 2019

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Neil Norman

London Evening Standard

While the animation itself (from the same team as Mulan) is charming and at times beautiful, the script is banal and uninspired.

Jan 11, 2018

Full Review

Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Lackluster story only for kindergarteners.

Rated: 2/5

Dec 22, 2010

Full Review

Carson Timar

ButteredPopcorn

While the film can definitely be annoying in its comedy and have some misses such as the soundtrack, the emotional core of the film is still wildly strong with a moving and mature conversation that is honestly one of Disney's best.

Jan 21, 2023

Full Review

Sergio Benítez

Espinof

A succession of sequences already seen many times before that turn the film into a predictable trance. [Full Review in Spanish]

Apr 29, 2020

Full Review

Mark Steyn

The Spectator

Rough rule of thumb: the more an animated movie drones on about the Great Spirit, the less likely it is to have any great spirit.

Feb 3, 2018

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Sto C

The script feels overly familiar, recycled themes seen in many other disney films. Won't reccommend, but it can still be entertaining if whatched with friends or family

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/21/25

Full Review

Luke R.

It’s a alright movie. Kenia is like the real villain of the movie. I like the bloopers scene on the other hand.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

07/13/25

Full Review

Javier O.

Brother Bear has remained my favorite Disney film since its release in 2003. The breathtaking art, powerful storytelling, and meaningful themes of family, nature, and spirituality come together seamlessly to create one of the most heartwarming animated movies ever made. Every song, especially those by Phil Collins and other featured artists, resonated deeply—tingling with emotion and purpose. It’s a beautiful reminder of how deeply connected we are to each other and the world around us.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/30/25

Full Review

Christopher G.

My childhood movie with bears and it may be underrated, it the best Disney has to offer

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/27/25

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Ariel S

A heartwarming story about love, loss, and transformation. The visuals are stunning, the music hits deep (Phil Collins strikes again), and the brotherhood theme never gets old. Childhood classic that still makes me cry. 🐻✨

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/26/25

Full Review

Stephen C

Success in 1 hour and 25 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $85,300,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/19/25

Full Review

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Aaron Blaise

Director

Robert Walker

Director

Joaquin Phoenix

Kenai

Jeremy Suarez

Koda

Jason Raize

Denahi

Rick Moranis

Rutt

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Brother Bear: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Kenai (Joaquin Phoenix) is a young Indian brave with a particular distaste for bears. When his brother Sitka (D.B. Sweeney) is killed by one, Kenai in turn kills the bear, only to be magically transformed into one himself. To make matters worse, his other brother Denahi (Jason Raize) vows to kill the bear Kenai has become. Kenai's only hope is a magical mountain where he believes he can be changed back to a human, and he enlists a real bear cub, Koda, to get him there.

Director: Aaron Blaise, Robert Walker
Producer: Igor Khait
Screenwriter: Tab Murphy
Distributor: Buena Vista Pictures
Production Co: Walt Disney Pictures
Rating: G
Genre: Kids & Family, Adventure, Animation
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 1, 2003, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $85.3M
Runtime: 1h 25m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby Digital, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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