Elf

Name: Elf
Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Family
Released: November 7, 2003
Duration: 97 min
Rating: 64
Cast: Bob Newhart, Edward Asner, Will Ferrell

2003

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 38 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 381 Ratings

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8.5

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8.5	User Score Universal acclaim based on 381 Ratings

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Elf

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Movie Details & Credits

New Line Cinema | Release Date: November 7, 2003 | PG

Starring: Bob Newhart, Edward Asner, Will Ferrell

Summary: A boy who was raised by Santa's elves returns to New York City to find his biological family.

Director: Jon Favreau

Genre(s): Fantasy, Comedy, Family

Rating: PG

Runtime: 97 min

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Critic Reviews

100

David Sterritt

It's a terrific movie, smart and funny enough to hold up at any time of year. Read full review

Stephanie Zacharek

How many human beings among us are capable of making a comedy with wit and intelligence that also takes bold pleasure in unabashed silliness? I think this is what happens when you let an elf loose with a movie camera. Read full review

Steven Rea

Pays homage to a sack of Christmas movies, from the department store Claus of "Miracle on 34th Street" to a standing-on-the-bridge-contemplating-suicide moment, a la "It's a Wonderful Life." Read full review

Kevin Carr

If you’re not a fan of Will Ferrell, you ain't gonna like this film. But if you think he's funny and you don't mind a sappy ending, this is a decent holiday flick. Read full review

Dana Stevens

A charming, silly family Christmas movie more likely to spread real joy than migraine, indigestion and sugar shock. The movie succeeds because it at once restrains its sticky, gooey good cheer and wildly overdoes it. Read full review

Rick Groen

Elf is jolly but could have been jollier, funny but could have been funnier, charming but ... well, point made. Read full review

Stephen Hunter

The first and possibly the last Will Ferrell star vehicle. It's a clumsy, tedious ride that wears out its welcome as it wears out the seat of your pants and the circulation in your lower limbs. Read full review

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User Reviews

CensingSpirit

Jan 14, 2012

GREAT FILM! it was funny and a perfect christmas movie to watch some parts of the movie are just too funny. Will Ferrell plays the part of elf really well.

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

PeaceKeepers

Jun 14, 2014

This is my automatic go to movie if nothing else is on TV! I love this movie and no matter what time of year this movie will bring you Christmas cheer, its just so funny, and it's just one of the ultimate feel good movies!

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Pluto744

Jun 22, 2021

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0 of 0 users found this helpful00

BillM.

Mar 4, 2009

excellent xmas comedy, and surely a future classic. the only movie ive ever seen with will ferrell, so dont judge! might seek out a few more, although unsure if any of his other output also hits the right mark. will stay optimistic! lol.. anyone that dislikes this movie however surely excellent xmas comedy, and surely a future classic. the only movie ive ever seen with will ferrell, so dont judge! might seek out a few more, although unsure if any of his other output also hits the right mark. will stay optimistic! lol.. anyone that dislikes this movie however surely should stay away from this particular genre altogether. perhaps not 'laugh out loud' amusing for a comedy, but its not really designed to be.. theres actually a reasonable xmas plot in there, and it wears its influences on its shoulders with pride! recommended.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

AbeFiletti

Dec 4, 2020

Elf is a lot better than I remember. I haven't watched much of Will Ferrell, but I have heard his carrier is kind of similar to Adam Sandler's. This is a good movie though. Elf is probably one of the best Christmas movies. For the majority of the movie Elf is really funny. All of the fishElf is a lot better than I remember. I haven't watched much of Will Ferrell, but I have heard his carrier is kind of similar to Adam Sandler's. This is a good movie though. Elf is probably one of the best Christmas movies. For the majority of the movie Elf is really funny. All of the fish out of water jokes land, and I love them all. The only thing holding this movie back is near the end they made some, questionable decisions to say the least. Mainly with the getting the sleigh up and running, and of course the central park rangers. Take the rangers out it makes no difference. I mean that was terrible. Elf has really funny scenes and is one of the best Christmas movies, but it makes some bad mistakes late. I give ELF a 8/10 and a B+.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

MovieGuys

Apr 15, 2014

Elf is outright hilarious, unlike some other 2000's Will Ferrell duds (Talladega Knights, anyone?) The sheer innocence Ferrell gives Buddy the elf just elevates the character and reminds us of when we were like that. All of those who didn't like the movie, "you sit on a throne of lies!"

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Matt

Dec 17, 2007

The ending was terrible. Weak plot/storyline. Some parts were funny but overall the movie was bad.

0 of 4 users found this helpful

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25	#25 Most Discussed Movie of 2003
20	#20 Most Shared Movie of 2003