Over the Hedge
Performance & Direction: Over the Hedge Review
Last updated: January 23, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Over the Hedge (2006) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.6/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Family.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Family is often anchored by its ensemble, and Over the Hedge features a noteworthy lineup led by Bruce Willis . Supported by the likes of Garry Shandling and Steve Carell , 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 Over the Hedge (2006) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 6.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: Over the Hedge
Quick Plot Summary: Over the Hedge is a Family, Comedy, Animation film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. 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. A scheming raccoon fools a mismatched family of forest creatures into helping him repay a debt of food, by invading the new suburban sprawl that popped up while they were hibernating – and learns a lesson about family himself. 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.
Ending Explained: Over the Hedge
Ending Breakdown: Over the Hedge concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to family 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 family themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Over the Hedge reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Over the Hedge?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Family films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: Over the Hedge
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $80.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $343.4M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Over the Hedge Budget
The estimated production budget for Over the Hedge 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: Over the Hedge
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Where to Watch Over the Hedge Online?
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Google Play MoviesYouTubeOver the Hedge Parents Guide & Age Rating
2006 AdvisoryWondering about Over the Hedge age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Over the Hedge is 84 minutes (1h 24m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.6/10, and global performance metrics, Over the Hedge is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2006 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Over the Hedge worth watching?
Over the Hedge is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Family movies. It has a verified rating of 6.6/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Over the Hedge parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Over the Hedge identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Over the Hedge?
The total duration of Over the Hedge is 84 minutes, which is approximately 1h 24m long.
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Critic Reviews for Over the Hedge
Vincent did nothing wrong. Dude just wanted his food. I found 'Over the Hedge' to be a rather dull affair. The cast try, the likes of Bruce Willis, Steve Carell, Wanda Sykes, Nick Nolte and Thomas Haden Church are all fine and probably help the film avoid an even lower rating from myself. It's just everything else that I didn't click with, from the lame plot set-up to the animation to the humour. Just real forgettable. Of course I'm not the target audience and all that, but still. Either way, it's a film that failed to hold my attention sufficiently. I will say there is one gag in there that got a chuckle out of me and that was the THX ident one - there's never been a truer scene! I remember that and the Icon Entertainment one making me rush under my duvet with minor fright as a young kid when watching DVDs at night. Just me? Probably. Anyway, to summarise my thoughts on this 2006 release: Not good, kinda surprised to see it rated rather well on here - to each their own, as always. It does have a catchy end credits song though, I'll give it that.
Alright, let's talk about "Over the Hedge"! Seriously, this movie? A solid 10/10! It's like, super underrated, you know? First off, the animation is just... wow! It's so colorful and lively. The characters move in such a fun, cartoony way, and all the little details, like the fur on the animals or the shiny gadgets, are amazing. It's way better than just "average" animation. And the story! It's so clever. You've got these woodland critters waking up from hibernation and finding a giant hedge and a whole new world of human stuff. RJ the raccoon is hilarious and sneaky, and the rest of the gang, like Verne the turtle and Hammy the squirrel, are just so lovable. It's funny, but it also has a really sweet message about family and sticking together. The jokes? Oh my gosh, they're so good! There are jokes for everyone, from silly slapstick to smart, witty lines. You'll be laughing the whole time. Plus, the action scenes are super exciting, like when they're trying to steal all the human food. It's a rollercoaster ride! Seriously, "Over the Hedge" is a masterpiece. It's got everything: great animation, a funny and heartwarming story, and characters you'll totally fall in love with. If you haven't seen it, you absolutely have to! It's way, way above average, and it deserves way more love!
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.
