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Chicken Run

Chicken Run

There's nothing more determined than poultry with a plan.

200084 minGMidcredits score: 87th percentile of all films
Directors
Peter Lord, Nick Park
Starring
Julia Sawalha, Mel Gibson, Imelda Staunton, Jane Horrocks

The creators of Wallace & Gromit bring you an exciting and original story about a group of chickens determined to fly the coop–even if they can’t fly! It’s hardly poultry in motion when Rocky attempts to teach Ginger and her feathered friends to fly…but, with teamwork, determination and a little bit o’ cluck, the fearless flock plots one last attempt in a spectacular bid for freedom.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Chicken Run?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Chicken Run to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Chicken Run?

Chicken Run earns 13 badges, led by Word-of-mouth hit and Critics' darling.

Show 5 more
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Chicken Run worth watching?

Chicken Run's Midcredits score is the 87th percentile of all films, from 769K ratings across 6 sources. 73% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

87th percentile

Better received than 87% of films

80th percentile among Animation85th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)88th
Approval (how many liked it)82nd

73 /100

88th percentile of all films

82nd percentile among Animation87th percentile among 2000s

Critics 88 · Audience 72

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.2 — solid but not unanimous.

73% liked it

82nd percentile of all films

75th percentile among Animation80th percentile among 2000s
73% rated it 7–1027% rated it 1–6

Critics 97% · Audience 65%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 22 wins / 26 noms overall

  • NominatedGolden Globes· Best Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical
  • NominatedBAFTA Awards· Best Achievement in Special Visual Effects

98th percentile

769K ratings across platforms

96th percentile among Animation97th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 32% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$45M
Opening weekend$18M
Domestic gross$107M
Worldwide gross$225M

Returned 5.0× its budget — 91st percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is a cleverly animated, character-driven spoof of classic prison-escape movies, set on a chicken farm.

Fans praised

  • clever spoof of WWII POW films like The Great Escape
  • strong female leads and distinct, likable characters
  • gorgeous stop-motion animation and witty script

Detractors panned

  • unoriginal, derivative of The Great Escape
  • not as funny as Wallace & Gromit shorts
  • simple, predictable story

What stands out

Acting88

exceptional British voice cast, especially the hens

Cinematography85

excellent production design, dramatic lighting, moving camera

CharactersDivisive82

likable, distinct hens; strong female leads; Rocky less developed

Effects and spectacle80

gorgeous claymation, impressive set pieces, action sequences

DialogueDivisive78

witty, smart script with British humor and pop-culture references

Plot and storyDivisive70

simple escape plot, predictable but engaging, clever spoof structure

HumorDivisive70

some slapstick and wit, but not as funny as Wallace & Gromit

OriginalityDivisive55

derivative of POW films; less fresh for some

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 17 points higher than women.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 14 points higher than users.

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 11 points higher than US viewers.

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

  • Under-30s vs over-30s even

Watch experience

What is Chicken Run 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 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
HopefulTenseJoyful
Heaviest: late
Warm humor
Register
PlayfulWarmAdventurous · 11% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its prison-escape premise as affectionate parody, treating the chickens' plight with warmth and humour even as it builds real tension.
The rideThe film balances light-hearted moments with genuine tension during escape attempts, building to a climactic finale.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically from the chickens' point of view, following their escape attempts step by step.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

The answer rests on this: Feel-goodHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's triumphant ending and the chickens' safe arrival at a sanctuary leave the viewer with a warm, uplifting feeling.
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).MonsterTyrant
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% (this title) · 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%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Tyrant: A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).

21% of films fit this archetype

with Rebirth underneath

Why this archetypeThe chickens' central struggle is to break out of the Tweedys' farm, which is run like a WWII POW camp; the entire plot is driven by their escape attempts and eventual breakout.

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 filmsSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · 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% (this title)
  • 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% (this title): 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% (this title) · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Society

Community · 14% of filmsFreedom · 5% of filmsHope · 5% of films
its themeCommunity stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeA community of hens must unite, overcome distrust, and work together to achieve freedom against an oppressive system.
StanceThe film celebrates the power of community and hope in the face of oppression, without cynicism.

The world

Mid 20th centuryRuralDomesticStylized realism
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Harry Gregson-Williams
SettingA chicken farm in the English countryside, with a pie-making machine looming in the background.
MusicThe score blends orchestral adventure cues with playful touches that mirror the film's tone.

Content guide

Is Chicken Run okay for kids?

G

Chicken Run is rated G. As of September 28, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (42/100), sexual content at minimal (14/100), language at mild (18/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (13/100) and frightening material at moderate (54/100). Overall it is heavier than 73% of G-rated films.

Ratings in 23 other countries
  • UKU
  • AustraliaG
  • Germany6
  • FranceTP
  • IrelandG
  • New ZealandG
  • JapanG
  • South KoreaALL
  • BrazilL
  • Austria10
  • CzechiaU
  • Denmark7
  • Hungary12
  • ItalyT
  • NetherlandsAL
  • Norway6
  • Poland12
  • PortugalM/6
  • RO12
  • Russia0+
  • Spain7i
  • SwedenBtl
  • Switzerland12
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 20% of all filmsHeavier than 73% of G-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a G-rated film
heavier than 74%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
typical for a G-rated film
heavier than 42%
Profanity
Mild
typical for a G-rated film
heavier than 62%
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
typical for a G-rated film
heavier than 29%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a G-rated film
heavier than 80%

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 80% of G-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 Chicken Run have?

MovieCove's classifier found 3 depicted content warnings in Chicken Run: Domestic violence (mild), plus 2 withheld here because they would spoil the plot. 1 more is mentioned only, in dialogue or backstory: Suicide. Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

MildDomestic violence
MentionedSuicide

Mentioned: referenced in dialogue or backstory, not shown in the story’s present.

Cast and crew

Who is in Chicken Run?

Cast

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

Julia Sawalha
as Ginger
Mel Gibson
as Rocky
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.
Imelda Staunton
as Bunty
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Jane Horrocks
as Babs
Lynn Ferguson
as Mac
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Miranda Richardson
as Mrs. Tweedy
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Tony Haygarth
as Mr. Tweedy
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Benjamin Whitrow
as Fowler
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Timothy Spall
as Nick
Phil Daniels
as Fetcher

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Chicken Run?

Movies like Chicken Run include Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023), Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005) and Shaun the Sheep Movie (2015). Of the 12 closest matches, most are films written by Mark Burton, and most are family adventures.

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

Nick Park wrote and directed 3 of these 12. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Chicken Run?

506 other films share the rarest tag below, premise: prison escape. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.