Elf
2003
Comedy
Family/Kids
1h 37m
Buddy (Will Ferrell) was a baby in an orphanage who stowed away in Santa's sack and ended up at the North Pole. Later, as an adult human who happened to be raised by elves, Santa allows him to go to New York City to find his birth father, Walter Hobbs (James Caan). Hobbs, on Santa's naughty list for being a heartless jerk, had no idea that Buddy was even born. Buddy, meanwhile, experiences the delights of New York City (and human culture) as only an elf can. When Walter's relationship with Buddy interferes with his job, he is forced to reevaluate his priorities. (imdb)
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Elf
2003
Comedy
Family/Kids
1h 37m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 41.94% from 9523 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews
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Rated 09 Dec 2018
70
53rd
Will Farrell's reverted manchild schtick achieves such a powerful, magnetic singularity, even his singing, "Baby, It's Cold Outside" is treated solely on its most unassuming, positive, humanistic qualities. It might even save Christmas. One of the few films - Christmasy or otherwise - that improves with each viewing. Santa's Sleigh seems to need that much more help/cheer each year.
Rated 09 Dec 2018
Rated 14 Aug 2007
0
0th
I already knew Will Ferrell was a retarded manchild from watching Saturday Night Live... I didn't need a whole movie to tell me that! It's probably not *that* bad of a movie, but in high school they insisted on playing this movie in EVERY CLASS on the last day before Christmas vacation every year. And the last thing I want to put up with before I go on a two-week vacation is a fucking shitty movie.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 18 Sep 2008
69
58th
Like "Zathura" and "Iron Man", Favreau's "Elf" marries the heart and soul of a children's film with the mind and weight of adult problems. Ferrell is up to his usual LOUD NOISES routine, but this is a character that it really works for, and he and Caan have very good chemistry together. Zooey singing Christmas carols is something I can't say no too either. I love the use of stop-motion in the North Pole segments. Overall, it's the best kid-friendly Christmas flick in a long while.
Rated 18 Sep 2008
Rated 27 Dec 2019
5
24th
Light on plot (feels like the climax in Central Park was the first major event), and the "Christmas spirit" motif feels a little shoehorned in on top of the family/redemption arc, but Ferrell's goofy and (syrupy) sweet fish-out-of-water schtick is infectious (answering the phone: "Buddy the Elf, what's your favourite colour?") and is complemented by a good smattering of other delights (see Newhart's matter-of-fact Papa Elf and the rest of the solid supporting cast; stop-motion North Pole).
Rated 27 Dec 2019
Rated 24 Oct 2011
86
50th
Very enjoyable and a solid heartwarming Christmas tale that feels original and fresh! Elf is carried by Ferrell's funniest performance and good supporting actors as well as a solid sense of humor and Christmas cheer. If you haven't seen this yet, you need to at least once.
Rated 24 Oct 2011
Rated 12 Dec 2020
65
71st
Rewatch x2. A lot of heart makes this a holiday staple. Doesn't have the cynicism that a lot of holiday films feel necessary. Will Ferrell's overgrown loud childish persona works well here. I wish they leaned more in the comedy. Blonde Zooey Deschanel doesn't work as well. I liked that all the elves were well-intentioned. Bob Newhart's size gags didn't get old. The plot doesn't make sense. Fav scene: fighting the fake Santa and then the manager comes in with the best "oh hell no" reaction.
Rated 12 Dec 2020
Rated 14 Aug 2007
75
64th
Great fun, true "family movie" for today's audiences.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 09 Sep 2007
72
47th
Silly in parts, but with definite charm. And, of course, Newhart steals the scenes he's in.
Rated 09 Sep 2007
Rated 07 Dec 2016
85
86th
I will put up with you every year for time eternal around Christmastime because you bring joy.
Rated 07 Dec 2016
Rated 08 Jan 2015
74
68th
This is really likeable, and stands up to repeat viewings. Possibly the best use of Ferrell's manchild persona I've seen. Good turns from Caan, Deschanel and Dinklage as well. Perhaps watching it around the festive season helps...Funny and somewhat touching.
Rated 08 Jan 2015
Rated 23 Dec 2020
57
34th
What is it with American Christmas movies and people contemplating suicide on bridges? I must have missed that verse of every Christmas carol ever.
Rated 23 Dec 2020
Rated 15 Aug 2008
72
45th
Ferrell's best venture into the realm of family films. It might actually be his best performance and, in reality, is a bit self-revealing. Aside from his ridiculous man-child display, Zooey is great, James Caan is an ideal casting to play Buddy's oft-irritated father and Bob Newhart is truly funny in his limited screen time. It's one of few modern additions to the list of Holiday Classics.
Rated 15 Aug 2008
Rated 14 Dec 2014
78
61st
Ferrell's limited talent is overshadowed by Zooey's nonexistent talent. On the plus side, James Caan shows off the same comedic timing that made Rollerball so danged hilarious.
Rated 14 Dec 2014
Rated 19 Mar 2007
78
76th
Will Ferrell, one of the funniest leading men in the movies today, playing perhaps the most inspired holiday-character ever created, in a joyous celebration of the Christmas spirit. You wouldn't think Ferrell could shed the sexual innuendos and still make you bust a gut, but his innocence here is so easily admirable that it may be one of his funniest performances.
Rated 19 Mar 2007
Rated 25 Mar 2007
70
58th
Just saw this the other day... GREAT Christmas movie for kids. Will Farrell is slooowwllly growing on me. Slowly.
Rated 25 Mar 2007
Rated 22 Dec 2019
72
26th
Blonde Zooey Deschanel was very unnerving to me.
Rated 22 Dec 2019
Rated 20 Dec 2009
45
17th
I will be honest-- I generally dislike Will Ferrell. In small doses, his over-the-top style of comedy can work, but I find him to be far too much to stomach in large quantities. Ferrell's insanity is kept on a bit of a leash here, but the trite "holiday film" narrative frequently undermines what is at times a charming little family movie.
Rated 20 Dec 2009
Rated 17 Dec 2014
70
46th
Ahh 2003... Back when we still hadn't realized that Zooey Deschanel can't act. Back when Will Ferrell was fresh out of SNL. It was a simpler time. Elf had and has anything you'll ever want from a christmas movie. It's sweet, corny, funny and timeless. I have long ago grown tired of Zooey Deschanel's whole hipster shtick and I wince when she speaks ,but for 97 minutes when I watch Elf, I find myself falling in love with her all over again, and I remember 2003. Ahh 2003. It was a simpler time.
Rated 17 Dec 2014
Rated 20 Dec 2022
70
52nd
I feel like even if it's only a decent Christmas film, with repeated viewings, my enjoyment of it slowly goes up. In a few years, my Criticker is just going to be me hooting about "Christmas With the Kranks".
Rated 20 Dec 2022
Rated 28 Oct 2009
95
56th
Will Ferrell does it again..another hilarious movie and I love how they included peter billingsly as one of the elves awesome idea to do that. I also think that Zooey Deschanel does an awesome job.
Rated 28 Oct 2009
Rated 29 May 2009
83
77th
Ferrell's funny and charming performance makes Elf a delightful Christmas comedy.
Rated 29 May 2009
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
51st
This movie is way more charming than it has any right to be.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Mar 2018
76
76th
After re-watching this in theaters for Elf's 15th anniversary. I have to say this movie has grown on me. Elf is a true modern day classic Christmas movie.
Rated 14 Mar 2018
Rated 02 Jan 2018
95
82nd
Perfect for adults and their kids. Will Farrell outshines even his funniest material for adults with a performance so adorable and honest. James Caan holds his own, especially towards the end of the film. Against such pessimistic odds it's wonderful to see such an optimistic main character. Although it's a holiday film, it could still be enjoyed throughout the year as a charming and not-to-taxing family comedy.
Rated 02 Jan 2018
Rated 05 Sep 2009
53
49th
Add 10 points if you're watching it during the Christmas season, subtract 10 if you're not. Turns out to have a major impact on whether I find this annoying or touching.
Rated 05 Sep 2009
Rated 21 Sep 2010
83
49th
When Will ferrell turns down the raunchiness, he's still funnier than a lot of comedians. Put him in an elf suit, and you've got a winner.
Rated 21 Sep 2010
Rated 19 Aug 2011
93
95th
If you watch Hocus Pocus for Halloween and Elf for Christmastime, you've basically done your entire year right and all the rest is just piddly details.
Rated 19 Aug 2011
Rated 19 Jul 2011
84
62nd
A movie full of Yuletide cheer, Elf is a spirited, good-natured family comedy, and it benefits greatly from Will Ferrell's funny and charming performance as one of Santa's biggest helpers.
Rated 19 Jul 2011
Rated 21 Dec 2014
64
56th
The closest we will ever have of McKay directing Ferrell in a PG Christmas film. Conventional light fantasy most of the time, but with hilarious bits that truly makes this fun as hell.
Rated 21 Dec 2014
Rated 14 Aug 2007
77
52nd
What should have been another annoying Will Ferrell movie turned out to be a very sweet, light hearted flick. I really enjoyed this flick and I hope it will hold up over the years. It may become a classic. Bob Newhart rocks.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 28 Dec 2015
65
42nd
Probably the only Will Ferrell movie I will ever like. You have to be in the mood to watch a grown man run around New York in elf tights acting like an autist. It's hilarious if you're just prepared for some real stupid laughs. The cast is surprisingly strong. Bob Newhart's deadpan papa elf is great and so is Caan. There's a Peter Dinklage appearance halfway through the movie too.
Rated 28 Dec 2015
Rated 14 Jul 2020
89
74th
Like most Christmas films, Elf is full of sugary sweet nostalgia, but, just like its title character, the film somehow makes its over-abundance of happiness and silliness work for it. Will Ferrell is the film's heart, throwing off his more adult comedy persona and portraying what is essentially a big kid trapped in an adult's body. As familiar as the Christmas movie genre is, Elf still manages to create some unique scenes of its own that will make the film a modern Christmas classic for years.
Rated 14 Jul 2020
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
84th
About time Hollywood produced another decent Xmas movie. Elf is Capra-esque, but also quite original. Not to mention very amusing and heartwarming (but rarely pandering) too. Will Farrell is just too funny. This is really good stuff, I was laughing hard and even moved a bit.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 21 Dec 2016
61
50th
In many ways a simple movie, but still successful in creating a spirited family comedy through its goofy and charming sense of humor.
Rated 21 Dec 2016
Rated 16 Nov 2007
85
66th
I love Will Ferrell & Zooey Deschanel is really cute in this. And can SING! I mean, really, she's awesome in that song!
Rated 16 Nov 2007
Rated 22 Sep 2010
67
57th
Not great but still leaps and bounds above 90% of Christmas movies that have come out in recent years.
Rated 22 Sep 2010
Rated 20 Feb 2008
88
91st
Funny movie. Great special effects to portray Ferrell as big as he is. Sadly my date has fallen asleep both times I have attempted to watch it with her. Great performance by Arthur Lange, and I never realized how well Zoey can sing.
Rated 20 Feb 2008
Rated 25 Dec 2006
50
9th
A good kids movie at christmas. Not a lot of funnies for the grown ups though
Rated 25 Dec 2006
Rated 28 Mar 2009
88
51st
It is satisfying and has humor here and there. It's a great holiday movie.
Rated 28 Mar 2009
Rated 05 Nov 2008
26
8th
Re-watched it this Christmas on TV. Funny in dumb, childish and empty way. Increasing rating a bit because recently I am in love with Zooey's smile.
Rated 05 Nov 2008
Rated 25 Jun 2008
90
70th
This one has made itself a regular amongst my yearly Christmas movie viewing. It's very sweet and endearing.
Rated 25 Jun 2008
Rated 18 Mar 2007
3
38th
Will Ferrell normally isn't my thing but this is very funny and entertaining in an innocent, charming way.
Rated 18 Mar 2007
Rated 06 Mar 2010
60
25th
something i can happily show my kid
Rated 06 Mar 2010
Rated 10 Apr 2007
76
45th
Surprisingly sweet and funny.
Rated 10 Apr 2007
Rated 26 May 2007
65
62nd
Was pretty funny the first few times I watched it.
Rated 26 May 2007
Rated 26 Nov 2010
60
69th
The modern Christmas classic.
Rated 26 Nov 2010
Rated 03 Aug 2007
70
19th
Inoffensive but forgettable holiday comedy. A bit overlong.
Rated 03 Aug 2007
Rated 07 Aug 2007
75
47th
Fun to watch around xmas, and thats it.
Rated 07 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
66
69th
Gratingly charming, Wil Farrel's man-boy screaming is actually appropriate for once, and the kid's movie wins.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 02 Oct 2018
49
50th
A fun, lighthearted Christmas movie with a solid, if not overstated, core. The biggest problem is the complete lack of plot but when looking at this film as a whole, this is only a minor complaint.
Rated 02 Oct 2018
Rated 21 Oct 2009
70
29th
Decent Will Ferrel outing.
Rated 21 Oct 2009
Rated 07 Feb 2009
90
90th
There are few movies I make a point of watching every year. 'Elf', along with 'Die Hard', 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit?' and 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall', is one of them. It's an odd list, but there's a quality to all of those choices that you can't find in anything else. Buddy's joyful exuberance is so infectious, it's hard not to light up every time he's on screen. Sadly, the movie derails in the end, seemingly unsure of what the stakes should be with the random intro to the Central Park Rangers.
Rated 07 Feb 2009
Rated 21 Aug 2008
70
15th
Will Ferrell wasn't as annoying as most of his movies, but Elf was just too syrupy sweet for my tastes.
Rated 21 Aug 2008
Rated 19 Dec 2021
75
81st
One of the best Christmas movies of all time.
Rated 19 Dec 2021
Rated 14 Aug 2007
95
91st
Loved it, one of my favorite Christmas movies.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 24 Dec 2023
70
40th
She really went out with a guy who's mentally a child.
Rated 24 Dec 2023
Rated 23 Jan 2021
62
46th
Quite pleasant Christmas movie. Well, of cause, its targeted for younger generation but its not so childish as one might think. Good job from filmmakers and cast.
Rated 23 Jan 2021
Rated 17 Apr 2009
30
25th
Will Ferrell in a family friendly holiday film. What a waste.
Rated 17 Apr 2009
Rated 15 Aug 2008
30
14th
Will Ferrell acts like a man-child. Everything else is just a plot contrivance to further the unfunny jokes.
Rated 15 Aug 2008
Rated 14 Aug 2007
81
82nd
Will Ferrell in an elf suit.
That pretty much says everything about it.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
74
50th
Almost really funny . . . reminds me of The Jerk in an odd way, except Steve Martin in his prime was funnier than Will Ferrell is allowed to be here.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 01 Sep 2011
70
48th
This is why Will Farrell needs a character. This film is actually pretty good and fun to watch. Compare it to Kicking and Screaming where Farrell is just himself in a different setting, its terrible. If all his movies were like this, or even better like Anchorman, Will Farrell could be considered on of the funniest comedians out there. Sadly he has plenty of fill that makes you question his abilities.
Rated 01 Sep 2011
Rated 15 May 2008
82
66th
Very funny and heartwarming Christmas film. Sweet.
Rated 15 May 2008
Rated 14 Aug 2007
73
51st
Silly.Just Silly.
But I do love Mary Steenburgen.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
29th
Ok. I like Will but still...pretty weak script.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Mar 2020
81
92nd
Seen: 4+. I have seen this two Christmases in a row now.
Rated 14 Mar 2020
Rated 31 Aug 2009
65
62nd
Lots of LULZ curtiousy of Mr. Will Ferrell make this holiday movie one enjoyable time for the whole family!
Rated 31 Aug 2009
Rated 06 Apr 2008
80
80th
Imaginative but very funny. Merit for Will Ferrer.
Rated 06 Apr 2008
Rated 14 Aug 2007
50
35th
Quite amusing worth a watch.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
69
37th
Fun times, I expected it to be terrible but it wasn't so much.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 26 Dec 2017
75
65th
rvw
Rated 26 Dec 2017
Rated 21 Aug 2009
50
16th
IM a huge fan of Will Ferrel, but this movie just got on my nerves. I wanted to stragle the damn elf!
Rated 21 Aug 2009
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
40th
The storyline is definitely not something to be proud of, but overall, Will makes some really amusing moments in this holiday film.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
77
55th
honestly, this movie deserves 100 because that girl is so cute.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 22 May 2012
85
25th
This was a very funny film, anybody who doesn't like this has no sense of humour. Ferrell is outstanding, just a really good feel good xmas film. Definately feel good.
Rated 22 May 2012
Rated 03 Jun 2010
34
27th
If you didn't think Will Ferrell was obnoxious enough, here's him literally trying to act like a child!
Rated 03 Jun 2010
Rated 27 Dec 2008
47
44th
Elf is infectiously charming, pretty much the only thing that goes towards saving this movie from a bad score. Looking beyond the Ferrell gags it's dull and contrived stuff and the cast provides very little support, leaving a sprawled rush towards the unsatisfying and uninteresting ending. It's also terribly forgettable, mainly thanks to everything feeling penned down compared to the exuberence of the elf, leading to the feeling that without Ferrell this film would surely be nothing.
Rated 27 Dec 2008
Rated 14 Aug 2007
82
48th
Not nearly as funny as I was hoping for, but still a decent holiday laugh.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 31 Dec 2016
78
38th
Putting Will Ferrell in a silly costume and having him run wild in different environments is amusing, but perhaps not my sense of humor.
Rated 31 Dec 2016
Rated 27 Feb 2011
78
48th
A very heart warming film, that has plenty of scenes that will have you laughing. Will Farrell is a master at comedic timing and facial expressions. The dialogue is very well written. Even tho Will's performance outshines everyone else, each actor adds flare to the movie. Zooey Deschanel is very hot as usual.
Rated 27 Feb 2011
Rated 13 Dec 2014
56
48th
My 7 year old liked it.I liked Zooey Deschanel
Rated 13 Dec 2014
Rated 15 Dec 2008
90
76th
My fiance tries to slip this in before Thanksgiving every year and I wont let her... but once it is time it is worth it! For some reason I love this movie. It is a great combination of witty humor, holiday movie, and funny one liners. I think it is a modern holiday classic, even if the "message" gets a little lost in the comedy and only comes back at the end to make you cringe a little with that holiday SPIRIT :) But come on.... "Buddy the ELF whats your favorite color!?"
Rated 15 Dec 2008
Rated 16 Sep 2007
70
63rd
Surprisingly likable comedy that is more smile inducing than laugh out loud funny.
Rated 16 Sep 2007
Rated 07 Oct 2007
70
40th
It's a fun enough watch with the family, and there's a sweet embrace of focusing on others. I wish Zooey Deschanel had more to do.
Rated 07 Oct 2007
Rated 19 Jan 2011
60
20th
This is one of those movies that forces you to like it. At times it's very stupid, but, at the same time, so charming you can't help but like it. Will Ferrell gives a very fun and charming performance that carries the film. His energy really makes the role work.
Rated 19 Jan 2011
Rated 16 Jul 2009
84
75th
Ferrell kills me
Rated 16 Jul 2009
Rated 26 Nov 2007
80
30th
Much better than I expected. Quite good.
Rated 26 Nov 2007
Rated 30 Nov 2007
79
41st
Cuter than I expected.
Rated 30 Nov 2007
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