The Muppet Movie

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The Muppet Movie

G

1979

1h 34m

Kids & Family

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

89%

Tomatometer

53 Reviews

88%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

After Kermit the Frog decides to pursue a movie career, he starts his cross-country trip from Florida to California. Along the way, he meets and befriends Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, Gonzo and rock musicians Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem. When Kermit is offered a job by Doc Hopper (Charles Durning) to advertise the fried frog legs at his restaurant chain, Kermit turns Hopper down. However, Hopper refuses to relent and pursues Kermit and his companions to a final showdown.

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Critics Consensus

The Muppet Movie, the big-screen debut of Jim Henson's plush creations, is smart, lighthearted, and fun for all ages.

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

Jolson sang, Barrymore spoke, Garbo laughed, and now Kermit the Frog rides a bicycle... If you can figure out how they were able to show Kermit pedaling across the screen, then you are less a romantic than I am: I prefer to believe he did it himself.

Rated: 3.5/4

Jun 1, 2015

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Noel Murray

The Dissolve

With his Muppets, Henson found a balance between fuzzy post-hippie positivism and self-deprecating wit, and he added in the same quality that made many of the era's cultural phenomena so charming: simple problem-solving.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 13, 2013

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John Skow

TIME Magazine

The transition from the yank-'em-off-if-they-bomb lunacy of the TV show to the coherent narration of the film is not a complete success.

May 6, 2008

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Danielle Solzman

Solzy at the Movies

The Muppet Movie changed cinema forever and much like "Rainbow Connection," the iconic classic remains fun for the whole family.

Rated: 5/5

Jun 2, 2024

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

... this charming musical adventure riffs on movie clichés and conventions with a playfully self-aware spirit.

Nov 6, 2022

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Stephen Farber

New West/California

Suffice it to say that I think this movie is funnier than Manhattan, more romantic than Hurricane, and a more sophisticated speculation on illusion and reality than Last Year at Marienbad.

Nov 3, 2021

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Lindsay N

The Muppets are a cornerstone of puppetry and children’s entertainment. The 1979 film will always be the most magical and all the muppet films for this reason: it’s for the dreamers. The doers. It teaches you to go after what you want and cherish the people you meet on your journey. Don’t forget the power of belief and make-believe. Lead with your imagination and you’ll do wonders. If a frog can do it so can you

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/14/25

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Heidi

I hadn't seen this movie in years. It is still such a great film. Warm and funny with a lot of heart.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/15/24

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Tonya

Cute movie! so funny! made me cry at times..

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/27/24

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Samantha

Fantastic movie. Made me cry. I love the muppets

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/04/24

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Adam N

This is Jim Henson's greatest achievement. The Muppets adapt to the big screen exceptionally well, with a compelling plot enjoyable for all ages. This film's combination of heart and humor is what makes it an absolute masterpiece, and one of the greatest pieces of cinema of all time.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/26/25

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Gareth v

Charming, self-aware, and endlessly inventive, The Muppet Movie is a near-perfect blend of heart & humour. A fantastic origin story of how Kermit and the gang got together.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/06/25

Full Review

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James Frawley

Director

Charles Durning

Doc Hopper

Austin Pendleton

Max

Steve Martin

Insolent Waiter

Mel Brooks

Professor Max Krassman

Edgar Bergen

Himself

The Muppet Movie 45th Anniversary: Movie Clip - You Call That a Miss?

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Synopsis

After Kermit the Frog decides to pursue a movie career, he starts his cross-country trip from Florida to California. Along the way, he meets and befriends Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, Gonzo and rock musicians Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem. When Kermit is offered a job by Doc Hopper (Charles Durning) to advertise the fried frog legs at his restaurant chain, Kermit turns Hopper down. However, Hopper refuses to relent and pursues Kermit and his companions to a final showdown.

Director: James Frawley
Producer: Jim Henson, David Lazer
Screenwriter: Jack Burns, Jerry Juhl
Distributor: Associated Film Distribution
Production Co: Henson Associates, ITC Films
Rating: G
Genre: Kids & Family, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 22, 1979, Original
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Jun 2, 2024
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2014
Runtime: 1h 34m
Sound Mix: Surround, Stereo

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