The Iron Giant
Warner Bros. Pictures | Release Date: August 6, 1999 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
85
METASCORE
Universal acclaim based on 29 Critic Reviews
Positive:
29
Mixed:
0
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
100
L.A. WeeklyF. X. Feeney
One of the best films of the year thus far. Read full review
100
San Francisco ChroniclePeter Stack
Heart and tenderness are rare in cartoon movies. But in an age of frenetic children's fare, the new animated adventure The Iron Giant dares to show a lot of both, and it comes up a winner. Read full review
100
New York Daily NewsJack Mathews
It's an antidote to complacency. The question is, whom is it trying to wake up? Read full review
93
Mr. ShowbizCody Clark
Bird's movie neither panders to children nor sneers at them, and it beautifully, lucidly captures the giddy adventurousness of childhood. Read full review
91
Entertainment WeeklyOwen Gleiberman
At times, The Iron Giant is more serene than it needs to be, but it's a lovely and touching daydream. Read full review
91
Portland OregonianShawn Levy
One of the best children's movies in years. Spunky, inventive and filled with life and wonder. Read full review
90
SalonMary Elizabeth Williams
Surprising as it sounds, as far as examinations of trust, loyalty and identity go, the big metal dude's story winds up far more satisfying than the plodding Kubrick opus any day of the week. Read full review
90
Dallas ObserverM. V. Moorhead
An unpretentious, funky, fast-moving work every bit as enchanting as the book. Read full review
90
Los Angeles TimesKenneth Turan
Both a step back and a step forward from the trends of modern animation, it feels like a classic even though it's just out of the box. Read full review
90
VarietyLael Loewenstein
Despite its p.c., humanistic overtones, the film manages to integrate the humor and action of a kid’s adventure tale and the message of a political allegory without beingheavy-handed. Read full review
89
Austin ChronicleMarc Savlov
Clearly the single best, the single coolest (to borrow from Harry Knowles) animated film in a great while. Read full review
88
Chicago TribuneMark Caro
An animated tale equipped with heart, humor, blazing action and not a sappy song in earshot. Read full review
88
Charlotte ObserverLawrence Toppman
Keeps its sense of humor while dealing with serious issues. Read full review
88
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
Not just a cute romp but an involving story that has something to say. Read full review
80
Washington PostStephen Hunter
Still, the movie -- as beautifully drawn, as sleek and engaging as it is -- has the annoyance of incredible smugness. Read full review
80
The New York TimesLawrence Van Gelder
A smooth, skilled example of animated filmmaking. Read full review
80
Film.comJohn Hartl
A terrific feature-length cartoon. Read full review
80
TimeRichard Schickel
A smart live-and-let-live parable. Read full review
80
TV Guide MagazineKen Fox
A rare adaptation that actually improves upon the original material: It's everything a good children's adventure tale should be, and a powerful fable for adults. Read full review
80
NewsweekDavid Ansen
This is not exactly standard children's fare, but kids (and their parents) should be smitten by its wit and wisdom. Read full review
80
Village VoiceJ. Hoberman
Remarkably unassuming, genuinely playful, and superbly executed, The Iron Giant towers over the cartoon landscape. Read full review
80
The Hollywood ReporterDavid Hunter
Director Brad Bird (TV's King of the Hill, The Simpsons), adapting the original children's book by the late British poet laureate Ted Hughes, has created a wonderful character in the huge childlike visitor from space. Read full review
75
Seattle Post-IntelligencerPaula Nechak
More intelligent and thought-provoking than the usual dumb and dull-witted fare for children. Read full review
75
USA TodaySusan Wloszczyna
We are happy to report there is intelligent life in feature animation beyond planet Disney and the gaseous ball of foul language known as South Park. Read full review
75
Boston GlobeJay Carr
A solid, not to say ironclad, winner in the less than overcrowded family animation arena. Read full review
75
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
This remarkably clever, often hilarious animation derives much of its humor from its satirical view of the 1950s. Read full review
75
Miami HeraldHoward Cohen
The kind of uplifting film families can enjoy without any reservations. Read full review
70
Chicago ReaderJonathan Rosenbaum
An E.T. spin-off, but it's a very likable and imaginative one. Read full review
63
New York PostRod Dreher
In most respects, The Iron Giant is one of the better animated children's films in recent memory, which makes its strident political correctness all the more frustrating. Read full review
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