Movie · 2000 · Animation, Comedy, Family · 1h 24m · G · English
Curator score: 7.1/10 (692.9K ratings)
There's nothing more determined than poultry with a plan.
Overview
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.
Julia Sawalha, Mel Gibson, Imelda Staunton, Jane Horrocks, Lynn Ferguson, Miranda Richardson, Tony Haygarth, Benjamin Whitrow, Timothy Spall, Phil Daniels, Lisa Kay, John Sharian, Wyatt Shears, Jo Allen
Curator Review
Verdict
A sharp, inventive stop-motion escape caper that plays like a prison-break movie for kids, with enough wit and visual ingenuity to entertain adults too. Its satire of labor, captivity, and collective resistance gives the comedy extra bite without losing its family-friendly charm.
Best for
Families looking for a smart animated adventure
Viewers who enjoy British humor and physical comedy
Fans of underdog escape stories
Adults who appreciate craft-driven stop-motion animation
Skip if
You want fast-paced modern CGI spectacle
You dislike gentle political satire in family films
You prefer broad slapstick over meticulously staged visual gags
Overview
Chicken Run is one of the great examples of animation as genre filmmaking: it takes the structure of a prison escape thriller and turns it into something playful, clever, and surprisingly tense. The stop-motion craft is exceptional, with expressive character work and elaborate gag construction that still feels fresh and tactile.
Worth noting
What gives the film its staying power is that it never treats its premise as just a joke. The chickens’ struggle for freedom has real stakes, and the movie’s themes of teamwork, exploitation, and self-determination land cleanly without becoming heavy-handed. It’s funny, but it also has a genuine edge.
Bottom line
The result is a family film with unusual personality and confidence. It’s easy to enjoy as a kid-friendly adventure, but it rewards older viewers for the precision of its comedy and the intelligence of its storytelling.
Top Letterboxd reviews
demi adejuyigbe (4.5★) · 3983 likes
I saw this movie in theaters in the year 2000 and I distinctly remember being blown away. Not at the outstanding cinematography and animation, or the terrifically plotted physical gags, or even the strong anti-capitalist and feminist themes (even though 7 year old demi was a socialist to the core)– but specifically at one joke. Ginger says “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” And Rocky says “and I will be leaving this way.”
I went “Holy shit. You can… more
DirkH (4★) · 3873 likes
Gripping prison drama about a cock looking for release.
mia lee vicino (4★) · 3806 likes
my Chicken Run Story (everyone has one) is that i had disturbingly vivid nightmares about the way the rooster smiles on the poster. even threw a tantrum when my dad tried to get me to watch it. then Flushed Away came out in 2006, which was CGI in the style of claymation, aka the perfect stepping stone for 11-year-old me. i imprinted on the hot rat. from there, i was able to summon up the courage to watch the original… more my Chicken Run Story (everyone has one) is that i had disturbingly vivid nightmares about the way the rooster smiles on the poster. even threw a tantrum when my dad tried to get me to watch it. then Flushed Away came out in 2006, which was CGI in the style of claymation, aka the perfect stepping stone for 11-year-old me. i imprinted on the hot rat. from there, i was able to summon up the courage to watch the original… more
shay (3★) · 3158 likes
when i was 6 i thought this was a horror movie
Josh Lewis (4★) · 3088 likes
Looking for a way to introduce your child to class struggle, anti-capitalist organizing, and WWII prison escape movies at the same time?