Napoleon Dynamite

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Napoleon Dynamite

PG

Released Jan 17, 2004

1h 36m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

72%

Tomatometer

173 Reviews

74%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

In small-town Preston, Idaho, awkward teen Napoleon Dynamite has trouble fitting in. After his grandmother is injured in an accident, his life is made even worse when his strangely nostalgic uncle, Rico, shows up to keep an eye on him. With no safe haven at home or at school, Napoleon befriends the new kid, Pedro, a morose Hispanic boy who speaks little English. Together the two launch a campaign to run for class president.

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Critics Consensus

A charming, quirky, and often funny comedy.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

One-of-a-kind high school comedy for the family.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 26, 2010

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J. R. Jones

Chicago Reader

For most of its length this delivers a steady stream of uncomfortable gut laughs.

Jul 24, 2007

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Dave Calhoun

Time Out

It's a cast of brilliant caricatures, and as such recalls the films of Wes Anderson.

Jun 24, 2006

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Rob Gonsalves

Rob's Movie Vault

Those looking for credible developments should steer clear: the movie is all about the moment, the juxtaposition of the sublime and the absurd.

Rated: B

Sep 19, 2022

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

The soundtrack is casual, catchy, and sensationally fitting, complementing the alternating weirdness and sweetness of the incredibly singular personas onscreen.

Rated: 10/10

Nov 7, 2020

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Mark Jackson

Epoch Times

Geek extraordinaire Napoleon thinks he's dynamite, wearing his brown velour suit and other 1970s fashion faux pas like they were bestowed on him to be cooler-than-you in. You will be inspired to likewise walk to the beat of your own drum.

Rated: 4/5

May 17, 2020

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Jacob K

BEST MOVIE O.A.T WITHOUT A DOUBT. This is by far my most quoted movie. 10/10. I watch this movie at least 3 times a month.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/05/25

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Stephen C

Funny in 1 hour and 36 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated PG for Thematic Elements and Language!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $44,500,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/04/25

Full Review

Audience Member

With lots of laughs, heart, and a insanely low budget, Napoleon Dynamite proves it steals to show in every comedic way possible

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/31/25

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Horror fan 4

A classic and awkward comedy with a great cast. Vote for Pedro!! Tim Treakle

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/10/25

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C D

people who don't like this are probably 14 year old girls who only laugh at romantic comedies

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/10/25

Full Review

Audience Member

Me and my children absolutely love this! It’s very funny and worth watching.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/28/25

Full Review

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Jared Hess

Director

Jon Heder

Napoleon Dynamite

Jon Gries

Uncle Rico

Aaron Ruell

Kip Dynamite

Efren Ramirez

Pedro

Tina Majorino

Deb

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Napoleon Dynamite: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

In small-town Preston, Idaho, awkward teen Napoleon Dynamite has trouble fitting in. After his grandmother is injured in an accident, his life is made even worse when his strangely nostalgic uncle, Rico, shows up to keep an eye on him. With no safe haven at home or at school, Napoleon befriends the new kid, Pedro, a morose Hispanic boy who speaks little English. Together the two launch a campaign to run for class president.

Director: Jared Hess
Producer: Jeremy Coon, Chris Wyatt, Sean Covel
Screenwriter: Jared Hess, Jerusha Hess
Distributor: Fox
Production Co: Access Films, Napoleon Pictures Limited
Rating: PG (Thematic Elements|Language)
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 17, 2004, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 14, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $44.5M
Runtime: 1h 36m
Sound Mix: Surround
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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