Movie · 2026 · Comedy, Family, Mystery · 1h 49m · PG · English
Curator score: 7.2/10 (320.8K ratings)
A new breed of mystery.
Overview
George Hardy is a shepherd who reads detective novels to his beloved sheep every night, assuming they can't possibly understand. But when a mysterious incident disrupts life on the farm, the sheep realize they must become the detectives. As they follow the clues and investigate human suspects, they prove that even sheep can be brilliant crime-solvers.
Ratings
Curator score: 7.2/10
IMDb: 7.6/10
Letterboxd: 3.81/5
Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
Metacritic: 66
TMDB: 7.6/10
Director
Kyle Balda
Production
Working Title Films, Lord Miller, Three Strange Angels, Amazon MGM Studios
Cast
Hugh Jackman, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Emma Thompson, Nicholas Braun, Chris O'Dowd, Bryan Cranston, Nicholas Galitzine, Molly Gordon, Tosin Cole, Hong Chau, Regina Hall, Patrick Stewart, Conleth Hill, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Brett Goldstein, Rhys Darby, Bella Ramsey, Laraine Newman, Tommy Birchall, Mandeep Dhillon
Curator Review
Verdict
While 'The Sheep Detectives' offers a charming premise with clever humor and a heartwarming twist, its execution may not resonate with all audiences. The blend of comedy and mystery, particularly with sheep as protagonists, is unique, but it might feel lightweight for viewers seeking deeper narratives.
Best for
Families
Children
Fans of light-hearted mysteries
Animal lovers
Viewers looking for comedic relief
Skip if
Prefer serious narratives
Dislike animal-centric stories
Not a fan of whimsical humor
Seek traditional detective stories
Overview
In 'The Sheep Detectives', the whimsical concept of sheep solving a mystery under the guidance of their shepherd is both charming and absurd. The film cleverly plays with the idea of intelligence in animals, offering a light-hearted take on classic detective tropes. While the humor is often playful and accessible, it occasionally dips into territory that might not engage older audiences as much as younger viewers.
Worth noting
The emotional depth hinted at in some reviews suggests that beneath the surface of comedy, there are poignant reflections on loss and memory, especially related to the shepherd's connection with his sheep. This unexpected emotional weight adds a layer that could surprise viewers, making it more than just a simple children's film. Overall, it's a fun watch that may delight families, though it may not leave a lasting impact on all who see it.
Top Letterboxd reviews
Paddington · 14786 likes
The sheep make rather excellent detectives, especially when they work together and remember to be polite. I think Mr. Curry would've worked very well with their team - his neighbourhood watch experience would've helped move the investigation along.
I laughed a great deal, although Mr. Brown insists I gasped far louder than necessary during the final reveal.
Alucard (4★) · 14567 likes
Grass Onion HA HA HA
starstruck (4★) · 12370 likes
One thing’s for sure you can never silence these lambs
Fem (5★) · 10345 likes
They might have been sheep but in my eyes they were the goats
Joe A (3.5★) · 10244 likes
The sheep movie has a more poignant reflection on death and memory than most of what comes out nowadays. The cut to the sky at the end got me real good.