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Room on the Broom

Room on the Broom

TV movie201225 minGMidcredits score: 92nd percentile of all films
Directors
Max Lang, Jan Lachauer
Starring
Gillian Anderson, Timothy Spall, Sally Hawkins, Rob Brydon

Animated film based on the wonderful children's picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. The story of a kind witch who invites a surprising collection of animals to join her on her broom, much to the frustration of her cat. The gang ultimately saves the witch from a fearsome dragon, and in gratitude she rewards them with a magnificent new broom which has room for everyone. A magical tale about friendship and family from Magic Light Pictures, the producers of the hugely successful The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Room on the Broom?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Room on the Broom 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 Room on the Broom?

Room on the Broom earns 6 badges, led by Universally Loved and Top 10% of films.

  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Room on the Broom worth watching?

Room on the Broom's Midcredits score is the 92nd percentile of all films, from 13K ratings across 4 sources. 83% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

92nd percentile

Better received than 92% of films

87th percentile among Animation92nd percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)87th
Approval (how many liked it)93rd

73 /100

87th percentile of all films

81st percentile among Animation86th percentile among 2010s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.8 — solid but not unanimous.

83% liked it

93rd percentile of all films

90th percentile among Animation94th percentile among 2010s
83% rated it 7–1017% rated it 1–6

Awards

0 Oscars won · 1 Oscar noms · 2 wins / 4 noms overall

  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Short Film, Animated

Reach

How many have seen it

87th percentile

13K ratings across platforms

74th percentile among Animation88th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 17% in 30 days

Box office

Worldwide gross$315K

19th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A charming, simple, book-faithful short for young children, with strong voice acting and a gentle, non-threatening tone.

Fans praised

  • wonderfully detailed blend of hand-drawn and CG animation
  • charming, heartwarming story faithful to the book
  • excellent voice cast, especially Simon Pegg's narration

Detractors panned

  • too slight and simple for adults, lacking substance or clever humor
  • unremarkable animation style compared to other nominees
  • pacing too slow for older viewers

What stands out

Acting80

starry British cast shines, Pegg's narration standout

CharactersDivisive75

cute, likable animals with distinct personalities

Sound and music75

jaunty score sets mood, adds to charm

DialogueDivisive70

rhyming, gentle, accessible to kids

CinematographyDivisive70

detailed, vibrant, nice hand-drawn/CG blend

Plot and storyDivisive60

simple, faithful to book, padded for length

PacingDivisive60

deliberate and slow, perfect for toddlers

HumorDivisive60

gentle, character-driven gags; adult jokes subtle

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Users

Users scored it 11 points higher than critics.

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

  • Women vs men 9 points apart
  • US vs non-US 4 points apart

Watch experience

What is Room on the Broom 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, takes its time and leaves you feeling good. Skip it when you want things to move fast.

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

What it asks of you

Patience.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
JoyfulWarmTriumphant
Heaviest: late
Warm humor
Register
Whimsical · 2% of filmsWarm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
TonePlayed straight as a gentle children's story; the tone is lighthearted and affectionate toward its characters.
The rideLight and cheerful throughout, with a brief perilous moment and a celebratory ending.
StructureThe story follows a straightforward linear arc from the witch's journey, conflict with the dragon, to resolution.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

The answer rests on this: Feel-goodHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves a warm, cheerful feeling as the witch and her new friends fly off together.
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).MonsterPredator
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% (this title) · 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%: 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. · Predator: A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe witch is threatened by a dragon, and the animals band together to defeat the monster, fitting the predator subtype.

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 filmsSelfFriendship
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% (this title) · 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%
  • 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

Friendship · 9% of filmsCommunity · 14% of films: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe story is about strangers helping each other and forming a bond through shared kindness.
StanceThe film joyfully affirms the value of friendship and cooperation.

The world

TimelessRuralWildernessFantasy
Orchestral classicalFolkSupportive music · original score · René Aubry
Settinga magical countryside with a dragon's lair
MusicA light, whimsical score that underscores the magical and playful tone.

Content guide

Is Room on the Broom okay for kids?

G

Room on the Broom is rated G. As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at minimal (13/100), sexual content at minimal (5/100), language at minimal (0/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (0/100) and frightening material at mild (33/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 9 other countries
  • UKU
  • AustraliaG
  • Germany0
  • FranceU
  • IrelandG
  • DenmarkA
  • FinlandK-7
  • SwedenBtl
  • Switzerland0
Overall
Mild · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (8 votes)
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (7 votes)
Profanity
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (7 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (7 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Mild
too few votes to rank (8 votes)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (37 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

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 Room on the Broom have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Room on the Broom?

Cast

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

Gillian Anderson
as Witch
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.
Timothy Spall
as Dragon
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.
Sally Hawkins
as Bird
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Rob Brydon
as Cat
Martin Clunes
as Dog
Simon Pegg
as Narrator
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
David Walliams
as Frog

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Room on the Broom?

Movies like Room on the Broom include The Amazing Maurice (2022), Tinker Bell (2008) and Tinker Bell and the Pirate Fairy (2014). Of the 12 closest matches, most are films set in a fictional world, and most are family adventures.

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

9 of these 12 share its world: fairy tale. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Room on the Broom?

312 other films share the rarest tag below, follows: magic user. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.