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Barnyard

Barnyard

The secret lives of animals revealed!

200690 minPGMidcredits score: 39th percentile of all films
Director
Steve Oedekerk
Starring
Kevin James, Courteney Cox, Sam Elliott, Danny Glover

Otis is a mischievous, carefree Holstein cow who lives on a farm where, unbeknownst to humans, the animals are anthropomorphic. He prefers having fun with his best friends: Pip the mouse, Freddy the ferret, Peck the rooster, and Pig the pig - rather than following strict rules and accepting responsibility. But when his adoptive father is killed in a coyote attack, he has a heavy responsibility thrust upon him to become leader of his farm home's community.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Barnyard?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Barnyard streaming on Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Barnyard?

Barnyard earns 5 badges, led by Guilty pleasure and Before they were famous.

  • Reception
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Barnyard worth watching?

Barnyard's Midcredits score is the 39th percentile of all films, from 171K ratings across 6 sources. 38% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

39th percentile

Better received than 39% of films

24th percentile among Animation38th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)44th
Approval (how many liked it)35th

60 /100

44th percentile of all films

27th percentile among Animation44th percentile among 2000s

Critics 42 · Audience 61

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.0 — solid but not unanimous.

38% liked it

35th percentile of all films

22nd percentile among Animation32nd percentile among 2000s
38% rated it 7–1062% rated it 1–6

Critics 22% · Audience 53%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 3 noms overall

97th percentile

171K ratings across platforms

93rd percentile among Animation94th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 11% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$51M
Opening weekend$16M
Domestic gross$73M
Worldwide gross$117M

Returned 2.3× its budget — 87th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A lightweight, formulaic animated comedy that borrows heavily from The Lion King and aims for lowbrow laughs.

Fans praised

  • hilarious slapstick and adult-oriented jokes
  • emotional father-son arc and tearjerking moments
  • charming voice cast and fun premise

Detractors panned

  • vapid plot derivative of The Lion King
  • offensive biological inaccuracies (bulls with udders)
  • irresponsible content: drinking, car theft, joyriding uncritiqued

What stands out

ActingDivisive65

solid voice performances particularly Kevin James and Sam Elliott

HumorDivisive60

slapstick and absurd gags land for many; detractors call it juvenile

Emotional impactDivisive50

father's death scene moves some but feels manipulative to others

DialogueDivisive50

some witty lines but mostly juvenile

CharactersDivisive40

Otis unlikable and underdeveloped; stock sidekicks

CinematographyDivisive40

cheap-looking animation, soft colors but unpolished

Plot and storyDivisive30

direct Lion King rehash, predictable and thin

OriginalityDivisive20

heavily derivative of The Lion King and other animal CGI films

Preferred by

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 14 points higher than US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 8 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 2 points apart
  • Critics vs users 4 points apart

Watch experience

What is Barnyard like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something warm that leaves you smiling.

It is gentle and funny and leaves you feeling good. Skip it when you want something with weight.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
JoyfulWarmCathartic
Heaviest: late
Warm humor
Register
PlayfulSentimental · 8% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its humor and emotional beats straight, with sincere warmth underpinning the slapstick and sentiment.
The rideThe film is mostly light and playful, with a more sincere and emotional stretch toward the end as Otis takes responsibility.
StructureThe story unfolds in a straightforward beginning, middle, and end without structural experimentation.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

The answer rests on this: Feel-goodBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayDespite the tragic loss of Ben, the film ends on a hopeful, warm note with Otis becoming a responsible leader and Daisy's calf born, leaving a feel-good aftertaste tinged with bittersweetness.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Rebirth
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% (this title) · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Redemption: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).

13% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeThe story follows Otis' journey from a carefree, immature cow to a responsible leader after his father's death, which triggers a quest for revenge against the coyotes and a rescue mission when they kidnap the hens.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% (this title) · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% (this title) · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bondsCommunity · 14% of films: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Coming of age · 5% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Single lead
How it treats its themeOtis learns that being part of a barnyard community means taking on responsibilities and caring for others like family.
StanceThe film celebrates the importance of family, community, and stepping up to responsibility.

The world

ContemporaryRuralDomesticStylized realism
Orchestral classicalPopSupportive music · original score · John Debney
Settinga humorous anthropomorphic farm in the present day
MusicThe score is light and playful, occasionally breaking into country-tinged songs to match the barnyard setting.

Content guide

Is Barnyard okay for kids?

PG

Barnyard is rated PG: “Rated PG for some mild peril and rude humor” (MPAA). As of September 28, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (52/100), sexual content at mild (22/100), language at mild (30/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (30/100) and frightening material at moderate (57/100). Overall it is heavier than 80% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 19 other countries
  • UKPG
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany0
  • FranceU
  • IrelandPG
  • South KoreaALL
  • BrazilL
  • Belgium12
  • Denmark7
  • FinlandK-7
  • Hungary12
  • Netherlands6
  • Norway6
  • Poland12
  • PortugalM/6
  • ROAP
  • SK7
  • Sweden7
  • Switzerland6
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 32% of all filmsHeavier than 80% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 82%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 50%
Profanity
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 56%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 61%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 85%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is frightening material, heavier than 85% of PG-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Barnyard have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Barnyard?

Cast

3 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Kevin James
as Otis the Cow
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Courteney Cox
as Daisy the Cow
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Sam Elliott
as Ben the Cow
Danny Glover
as Miles the Mule
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Wanda Sykes
as Bessy the Cow
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Andie MacDowell
as Etta the Hen
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
David Koechner
as Dag the Coyote
Jeffrey Garcia
as Pip the Mouse
Cam Clarke
as Freddy the Ferret
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Rob Paulsen
as Peck the Rooster
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Barnyard?

Movies like Barnyard include Babe (1995), Paddington 2 (2017) and Shaun the Sheep Movie (2015). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films written by Steve Oedekerk, and most are family adventures.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

10 of these 12 share its subject: family bonds. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Barnyard?

578 other films share the rarest tag below, up against: animal. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.