Rotten Tomatoes

Movies / TV

    Celebrity

      No Results Found

      View All
      Movies Tv shows Movie Trivia News Showtimes
      TRAILER 2:13

      Elf

      2003, Kids & family/Holiday, 1h 37m

      202 Reviews 250,000+ Ratings

      What to know

      Critics Consensus

      A movie full of Yuletide cheer, Elf is a spirited, good-natured family comedy, and it benefits greatly from Will Ferrell's funny and charming performance as one of Santa's biggest helpers. Read critic reviews

      You might also like

      See More
      Curious George
      Holes
      Nancy Drew
      Lilo & Stitch
      Ice Age: The Meltdown

      Where to watch Elf

      In Theaters Rent/buy Subscription Rent/buy Subscription Rent

      Watch Elf with a subscription on Hulu, Max, rent on Apple TV, Vudu, Amazon Prime Video, or buy on Vudu, Amazon Prime Video.

      Rate And Review

      User image

      Verified

      • User image

        Super Reviewer

        Rate this movie

        Oof, that was Rotten.

        Meh, it passed the time.

        It’s good – I’d recommend it.

        Awesome!

        So Fresh: Absolute Must See!

        What did you think of the movie? (optional)



      • You're almost there! Just confirm how you got your ticket.

      • User image

        Super Reviewer

        Step 2 of 2

        How did you buy your ticket?

        Let's get your review verified.

        • Fandango

        • AMCTheatres.com or AMC AppNew

        • Cinemark Coming Soon

          We won’t be able to verify your ticket today, but it’s great to know for the future.

        • Regal Coming Soon

          We won’t be able to verify your ticket today, but it’s great to know for the future.

        • Theater box office or somewhere else

        You're almost there! Just confirm how you got your ticket.

      • User image

        Super Reviewer

        Rate this movie

        Oof, that was Rotten.

        Meh, it passed the time.

        It’s good – I’d recommend it.

        Awesome!

        So Fresh: Absolute Must See!

        What did you think of the movie? (optional)

      • How did you buy your ticket?

        • Fandango

        • AMCTheatres.com or AMC AppNew

        • Cinemark Coming Soon

          We won’t be able to verify your ticket today, but it’s great to know for the future.

        • Regal Coming Soon

          We won’t be able to verify your ticket today, but it’s great to know for the future.

        • Theater box office or somewhere else

      Elf  Photos

      Movie Info

      Buddy (Will Ferrell) was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa's elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn't fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. As it happens, this is Walter Hobbs (James Caan), a cynical businessman. After a DNA test proves this, Walter reluctantly attempts to start a relationship with the childlike Buddy with increasingly chaotic results.

      • Rating: PG (Some Mild Rude Humor|Language)

      • Genre: Kids & family, Holiday, Comedy, Fantasy

      • Original Language: English

      • Director: Jon Favreau

      • Producer: Jon Berg, Todd Komarnicki, Shauna Robertson

      • Writer: David Berenbaum

      • Release Date (Theaters):  wide

      • Release Date (Streaming):

      • Box Office (Gross USA): $177.1M

      • Runtime:

      • Distributor: New Line Cinema

      • Production Co: Guy Walks into a Bar Productions, Gold/Miller Productions, Shawn Danielle Production Services, Mosaic Media Group

      • Sound Mix: SDDS, Dolby SR, DTS, Surround

      Cast & Crew

      News & Interviews for Elf

      Critic Reviews for Elf

      Audience Reviews for Elf

      • Nov 26, 2014

        Oddly executed plot along with a joyously flare makes this Christmas comedy a success. Elf is the typical holiday film that's entertaining and strong, all thanks to a vibrant Will Ferrell. 4/5

        Super Reviewer
      • Dec 16, 2012

        Elf is a magical Christmas tale that's fun for the whole family. The story follows one of Santa's elves named Buddy who, after finding out that he's adapted, goes looking for his human father in New York City. The film stars Will Ferrell, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, and Bob Newhart, who all give great performances. Ferrell in particular is good at this kind of physical comedy, and there's a certain charm to his performance. However, the film is unable to avoid falling into the usual cliches and stereotypes that Christmas films usually follow. But despite being a tad formulaic, Elf still delivers a wondrous adventure and is sure to become a Christmas classic.

        Super Reviewer
      • Nov 23, 2012

        One of the last great modern Christmas films, Elf benefits greatly from my favorite performance of Will Ferrell's and the great supporting cast. Elf has some smart and hilarious humor, mixed with a cute (if slightly over sentimental) story and is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Overall Rating: 81

        bradley j Super Reviewer
      • Oct 18, 2012

        Nope, it doesn't make any sense to have Will Farrel to play the Elf, somewhat disturbing and childish (Yes, Slapsticks) Plus there were countless of plot holes I could poke though. I am surprised on the fact that it's a Christmas must-see???

        Super Reviewer

      Movie & TV guides

      View All