Is Chicken Run Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Chicken Run is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Animation movies.
It features a runtime of 84 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Chicken Run Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2000, Chicken Run emerges as a significant entry in the Animation, Comedy, Family domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of 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. Unlike standard genre fare, Chicken Run attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Animation is often anchored by its ensemble, and Chicken Run features a noteworthy lineup led by Julia Sawalha . Supported by the likes of Mel Gibson and Imelda Staunton , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Chicken Run (2000) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Chicken Run Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Chicken Run is a Animation, Comedy, Family film that combines stunning visual artistry with storytelling that appeals to all ages. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. 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. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Thematic Depth
The film operates on multiple levels, using its genre framework to explore deeper themes about human nature, society, and the choices that define us.
What Works & What Doesn't
✅ Strengths
- Solid execution of genre conventions
- Engaging moments that showcase the filmmakers' vision
- Competent performances from the cast
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Some narrative choices that feel predictable
- Occasional pacing lulls in the middle act
Chicken Run Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Chicken Run concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to animation resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the animation themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Chicken Run reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Chicken Run?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Animation films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Chicken Run Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $45.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $224.8M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Chicken Run Budget
The estimated production budget for Chicken Run is $45.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Chicken Run
- Julia Sawalha – Ginger (voice)
- Mel Gibson – Rocky (voice)
- Imelda Staunton – Bunty (voice)
- Jane Horrocks – Babs (voice)
- Lynn Ferguson – Mac (voice)
Top Highlights
Julia SawalhaGinger (voice)
Mel GibsonRocky (voice)
Imelda StauntonBunty (voice)
Jane HorrocksBabs (voice)
Lynn FergusonMac (voice)
Miranda RichardsonMrs. Tweedy (voice)
Tony HaygarthMr. Tweedy (voice)
Benjamin WhitrowFowler (voice)
Timothy SpallNick (voice)
Phil DanielsFetcher (voice)
Where to Watch Chicken Run Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
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Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Chicken Run is rated G.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.8/10, and global collection metrics, Chicken Run stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2000 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicken Run movie hit or flop?
Chicken Run has received mixed reviews with a 6.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Chicken Run worth watching?
Chicken Run is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Animation, Comedy, Family movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Chicken Run online?
Chicken Run may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How Chicken Run Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Chicken Run
A guilty pleasure for me personally, as I love both 'The Great Escape' and most of the works I have seen, over the years, from this rightfully-esteemed British animation company. Highly recommended both for children and for adults who enjoy animation.
Made my roommate who hates stop-motion animation watched this in 2018 and even he had a good time. It's maybe not as great as I remember thinking it was when I was a little kid, but it still holds up to some degree. _Final rating:★★★ - I liked it. Would personally recommend you give it a go._
A very good stop-motion animation! 'Chicken Run', which I watched a crap tonne when I was little but not for a vast number of years now, is an impressive production given it came out in 2000. Despite a pretty simple feel to the film, it's a very well developed concept. The, admittedly short, run time truly flies by. Of course everything looks, relatively, terrific, but I'm impressed by the pacing which is clean. As for the cast, Julia Sawalha is the definite standout - she's fantastic as Ginger. Timothy Spall and Phil Daniels, as rats Nick and Fetcher, are amusing. Mel Gibson (Rocky), though still decent, isn't actually that good in this. A fun and interesting story! Definitely worth seeing if you haven't already. I'm intrigued to see where they go with the upcoming sequel.
Ok, there is an huge temptation to riddle this review with puns - but I'm just going to say it's a cracking little family adventure. It's seemingly based on a whole range of classic movies from the "Great Escape", "Star Trek" to "Love Story" with a score cannibalised from just about any/everything ever written by Messrs. Korngold/Williams & Bernstein all adding to this really super stop-motion animation that Ray Harryhausen would have been proud of.. A flock of chickens are relentlessly exploited for their eggs by the evil "Mrs Tweedy" - that is, until "Rocky" (an on-form Mel Gibson) arrives over the fence and incites escape plans... Meantime their malevolent owner (Miranda Richardson) has plans to industrialise production - and this time, not just of the eggs... It's a fun frolic, this - with great vocal performances from Jane Horrocks, Julia Sawalha and Benjamin Whitrow as the rather pompous RAF spotter chicken "Fowler". Nick Park and Peter Lord - and the wonderfully imaginative Aardman team - have built upon their "Wallace and Gromit" experience and created some charming characters with some great lines for both the young, and the formerly young. Certainly a film you can leave the kids alone in front of the telly to.
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