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%

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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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Alan W

I love this film, though I can understand why some may not. It's an American film though it chimes with a particularly English sense of humour. I saw it soon after it was released, but watched it today in 2025 and loved it even more. It's a kind of homage to the awkwardness of adolescence and still makes me laugh out loud. Great performances all round and a brilliant soundtrack that totally complements the awkwardness on screen.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/21/25

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Audience Member

I quite enjoyed this movie. My style of humor has always been unhinged. This movie is unhinged. I love it! Also, it is a comedy movie that is has little to no screaming or loud obnoxious noises as most would. In fact most of the actors are monotone nearly the entire time. This movie is almost a 50/50 of slapstick and British humor. I enjoy the vibe. Also, this style of comedy is rarely done, even to this to day, oddly enough. I need more of it! Modern comedy sucks the life out of me.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/18/25

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Audience Member

I've watched this movie 3 times just trying to understand what people love about it. I grew up in this era....I don't get it. For me this is one of the worst movies I've ever seen.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

01/17/25

Full Review

Mark M

The movie is so amazing but it may not be amazing for everyone one. From the awkward scenes, to the unnecessary sexual themes,these characteristics could catch some viewers off guard. The movie is so simple and funny without trying, has a well thought storyline with loveable characters but it may not be overall a movie that all viewers will be pleased with.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/06/25

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Yvi S

Absolutely amazing movie the music, the cast, and the awkwardness of the whole movie everything about it is sublime.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/17/24

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Robert T

Was not what I was expecting, but it worked (usually)

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

11/29/24

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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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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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