Is Cool World Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Cool World is likely a skip if you enjoy Animation movies.
It features a runtime of 102 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Cool World Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1992, Cool World emerges as a significant entry in the Animation, Comedy, Fantasy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of While incarcerated for murder, cartoonist Jack Deebs found escape by creating Cool World, a series featuring a voluptuous femme fatale named Holli Would. Unlike standard genre fare, Cool World 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 Cool World features a noteworthy lineup led by Kim Basinger . Supported by the likes of Gabriel Byrne and Brad Pitt , 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 Cool World (1992) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Cool World Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Cool World is a Animation, Comedy, Fantasy 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. While incarcerated for murder, cartoonist Jack Deebs found escape by creating Cool World, a series featuring a voluptuous femme fatale named Holli Would. But the artist becomes a prisoner of his own fantasies when Holli transports Jack into Cool World with a scheme to seduce him and bring herself to life. Hard-boiled detective Frank Harris – the only other human in Cool World – cautions Jack with the law: Noids (humans) don't have sex with doodles (cartoons). However, flesh proves weaker than ink as Holli takes human form in Las Vegas, staring in a trans-universal chase that threatens the destruction of both worlds. 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: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Cool World Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Cool World attempts to tie together its various plot elements. 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 Cool World reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Cool World?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Animation films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Cool World Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $30.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $14.1M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Cool World Budget
The estimated production budget for Cool World is $30.0M. 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 Cool World
- Kim Basinger – Holli Would
- Gabriel Byrne – Jack Deebs
- Brad Pitt – Detective Frank Harris
- Michele Abrams – Jennifer Malley
- Deirdre O'Connell – Isabelle Malley
Top Highlights
Kim BasingerHolli Would
Gabriel ByrneJack Deebs
Brad PittDetective Frank Harris
Michele AbramsJennifer Malley
Deirdre O'ConnellIsabelle Malley
Janni BrennAgatha Rose Harris
William FrankfatherCop
Greg CollinsCop
Maurice LaMarcheInterrogator #2 / Mash / drunken bar patron / Dr. Vincent "Vegas Vinnie" Whiskers / Jack Deebs (super hero version) (voice)
Michael David LallySparks (voice)
Where to Watch Cool World Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Cool World is rated PG-13. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.6/10, and global collection metrics, Cool World stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1992 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cool World movie hit or flop?
Cool World has received mixed reviews with a 5.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Cool World worth watching?
Cool World is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Animation, Comedy, Fantasy movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Cool World online?
Cool World 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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Critic Reviews for Cool World
Decent, though a disappointment after enjoying Bakshi's great run of Spider-Man cartoons from the 60's. The animation style and great soundtrack--dated in a fine way--make up for such a lousy and uninspired script. I'd much rather come across Shirley Clarke's similarly titled film from the 60's instead.
I'm not 100% positive but I think my parents took me to see this, when I was only 11 years old, and I'm pretty sure they were at the very least unconformable though this was only a month after they took me to see Batman Returns so... Anyway, seeing this again after 30 years, this feels like a movie made for people to watch while high because I was perplexed at what this was. It also had the stench of studio interference with a confusing plot at least early on and not helped by one-dimensional characters and hammy acting, with Brad Pitt seeming to regret taking the role even if it was early in his career. Kim Basinger as Holli Would was fun, to say the least. And Gabriel Byrne just look confused. The scenes with animation and live action felt unpolished compared to something like Who Framed Roger Rabbit, however some of the real sets definitely had some interesting aesthetics to them. I don't know, this is one that some might appreciate but for myself I doubt I'd ever revisit. **2.5/5**
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
