Ice Age: The Meltdown
Performance & Direction: Ice Age: The Meltdown Review
Last updated: January 23, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Animation.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Animation is often anchored by its ensemble, and Ice Age: The Meltdown features a noteworthy lineup led by Ray Romano . Supported by the likes of John Leguizamo and Denis Leary , 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 Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 6.7/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: Ice Age: The Meltdown
Quick Plot Summary: Ice Age: The Meltdown is a Animation, Family, Comedy, Adventure 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. Diego, Manny and Sid return in this sequel to the hit animated movie Ice Age. This time around, the deep freeze is over, and the ice-covered earth is starting to melt, which will destroy the trio's cherished valley. The impending disaster prompts them to reunite and warn all the other beasts about the desperate situation. 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
Ending Explained: Ice Age: The Meltdown
Ending Breakdown: Ice Age: The Meltdown 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 Ice Age: The Meltdown reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Ice Age: The Meltdown?
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
Box Office Collection: Ice Age: The Meltdown
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $80.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $661.0M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Ice Age: The Meltdown Budget
The estimated production budget for Ice Age: The Meltdown is $80.0M. 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.
Top Cast: Ice Age: The Meltdown
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Where to Watch Ice Age: The Meltdown Online?
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VI movies and tvIce Age: The Meltdown Parents Guide & Age Rating
2006 AdvisoryWondering about Ice Age: The Meltdown age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Ice Age: The Meltdown is 91 minutes (1h 31m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.7/10, and global performance metrics, Ice Age: The Meltdown is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2006 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ice Age: The Meltdown worth watching?
Ice Age: The Meltdown is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Animation movies. It has a verified rating of 6.7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Ice Age: The Meltdown parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Ice Age: The Meltdown identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Ice Age: The Meltdown?
The total duration of Ice Age: The Meltdown is 91 minutes, which is approximately 1h 31m long.
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How Ice Age: The Meltdown Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Ice Age: The Meltdown
Just as good as the first. Really funny. All of these movies are good. Tough to do.
Now firm friends, mammoth "Manny", sloth "Sid", sabre-toothed "Diego" and mongrelly "Scrat" discover that their carefree days amidst the snow and ice are numbered... Things are getting distinctly slushy and they conclude that higher ground is a good bet before they find themselves needing galoshes. Their trek to dryness offers "Manny" a long-awaited opportunity when he meets "Ellie" - a girl mammoth who takes an instant dislike to him, indeed for some reason she thinks he's a possum! Clearly not the sharpest tusk in the drawer, but off we now go on a cheerful if predictable series of animated adventures with their irritating new buddies "Crash" and "Eddie" to mix things up and generally get on everyone nerves. Sadly, the latter two also began to get on mine after a while, and the narrative really does struggle to maintain the enjoyably mischievous storytelling of the first film. There are some fun scenes with a flock of vultures while "Scrat" and his acrobatic acorn antics still mange to raise a smile but this isn't a franchise that can easily evolve I think. The "Ice Age" (2002) film was too stand-alone; this one builds on characters and introduces new ones but unfortunately the underlying story just isn't as good. It's still an easy to watch example of some fine animator's art, and the script contains enough to engage folks of all ages for a decently paced ninety minutes of quite watchable, if maybe not memorable, prehistoric fun.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
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