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Elf
?
Guy Walks into a Bar Productions
New Line Cinema New Line Cinema

Not part of a collection.

Elf

Discover your inner elf.

2003 97 min ★ 6.7 (4,658) Released
Comedy Family Fantasy

When young Buddy falls into Santa's gift sack on Christmas Eve, he's transported back to the North Pole and raised as a toy-making elf by Santa's helpers. But as he grows into adulthood, he can't shake the nagging feeling that he doesn't belong. Buddy vows to visit Manhattan and find his real dad, a workaholic.

Original title
Elf
Language
EN
Country
US
Budget
$32,000,000
Revenue
$228,500,000
Reviews & Ratings 6
honeybee <3

honeybee <3

Aug 30, 2026 · via TMDB

★ 8.0

My dad, a lawyer and safety compliance officer, counted at least 4 deadly aspects of Buddy's sleeping situation at the orphanage, one of which is now illegal. Those nuns need to have a visit from CPS. > (4/5, originally reviewed 12/22/24)

T

tmdb51616167

Sep 2, 2024 · via TMDB

★ 7.0

"Elf" is a holiday movie that has become a beloved classic over the years, despite some reservations about Will Ferrell's acting style. While not initially drawn to Ferrell's comedic performances, the film's charm and heartwarming storyline won over viewers, including those who may not typically enjoy his style of humor. Ferrell's portrayal of the character in "Elf" is noted for its over-the-top and somewhat obnoxious nature, traits that are characteristic of his comedic persona. However, the film's unique take on the holiday genre and its endearing story make it a standout production that has secured its place in the history of Christmas cinema. Despite any reservations about Ferrell's acting, "Elf" has become an iconic film that brings joy, laughter, and a sense of nostalgia to audiences. Its enduring popularity and ability to evoke feelings of warmth and merriment have solidified its status as a holiday classic that families revisit year after year. Overall, "Elf" is celebrated for its humor, heart, and timeless appeal, making it a film that is cherished and enjoyed by viewers of all ages. Its ability to spread holiday cheer and bring people together in laughter is a testament to its enduring legacy in the realm of Christmas movies.

Andre Gonzales

Andre Gonzales

May 15, 2023 · via TMDB

★ 10.0

In my opinion this is the best Christmas movie ever made. Its so hilarious that you laugh throughout. If you havent seen this, i highly suggest that you do.

CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Nov 19, 2022 · via TMDB

★ 7.0

Whilst delivering toys to an orphanage, a curious baby crawls into Santa's sack. Back at the North Pole shortly after, this young lad makes his presence felt, is named "Buddy" and put in the care of "Papa Elf" (Bob Newhart). Years later, "Buddy" (Will Ferrell) has now grown to full height and isn't really fitting in - on any level. His adopted dad tells him something of his real parents and off to New Work he goes in search of his father "Walter" (James Caan) who had, hitherto, been completely unaware of this son's existence. Hard-nosed "Walter" is initially disinterested, but thanks to a photograph from years gone by, quickly decides to try and help his green-suited offspring to try and make his way in the world. "Buddy" isn't very good at much, but what he excels at is making friends and spreading good cheer - and all of that proves crucial when Santa (Ed Asner) finds his sleigh won't work on Christmas Eve for lack of Christmas spirit. Can "Buddy" rally the troops - and avoid the menacing Central Park Rangers? This is a jolly and fun Christmas feel-good film that has weathered the last twenty years rather well. The sentiment is well layered, the humour works for all ages and Caan compliments the sometimes cringe-making effusiveness of "Buddy" - aided by sparing but kindly appearances from Mary Steenburgen - well. There is even an hint of a romance for our good-natured soul in the form of "Jovie" (Zooey Deschanel) and as Christmas movies go, this is certainly one of the better ones.

Wuchak

Wuchak

Dec 28, 2020 · via TMDB

★ 7.0

_**Destined to be played on TV every Christmas the rest of your life**_ Released in 2003 and directed by Jon Favreau, "Elf" is a Christmas dramedy/fantasy starring Will Farrell as an orphaned infant who stows away on Santa Claus' sleigh and isn't discovered until he's at the North Pole, where he's adopted by Papa Elf and named Buddy. After growing up as an elf, he travels to New York City to meet his father (James Caan) and starts a relationship with his neglected younger half-brother. He also starts a relationship with a department store worker (Zooey Deschanel) and helps spread Christmas cheer as Santa (Ed Asner) arrives to the city. This is an all-around entertaining Christmas flick highlighted by Farrell's goofiness as the quasi-elf. It's fun with consistent laughs, not to mention a nice Christmas moral. The film runs 97 minutes and was shot in New York City and Vancouver. GRADE: B+

Kamurai

Kamurai

Dec 10, 2020 · via TMDB

★ 7.0

Good watch, will likely watch again, and can recommend. For all the good this movie has in it, there is a fair amount of annoying as well, which is what keeps it from being a great movie. A family reconnection trope, with a character out of his element trope, crossed with one of the most annoyingly positive characters of all time trope. Ultimately, it's a sweet, hear warming story that really captures the spirit of family, Christmas, and togetherness. It also captures all of the insanity Will Ferrell can conjure up for his character, basically as if he wrote a SNL Christmas special and just rode rough shod over the other actors. The cast does a wonderful job of backing up Will Ferrell, but that's clearly what it is. Around the holidays, especially, don't be afraid of giving this a try, and bear through the annoying bits, because there is likely something really funny just about to happen.

User reviews courtesy of TMDB.

Keywords 19
adoption cheerful christmas christmas spirit dwarf elves father son relationship fish out of water hilarious holiday lighthearted looking for birth parents north pole orphan romance santa claus sarcasm whimsical workshop
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Cast 48
Will Ferrell

Will Ferrell

Buddy

James Caan

James Caan

Walter

Bob Newhart

Bob Newhart

Papa Elf

Ed Asner

Ed Asner

Santa

Mary Steenburgen

Mary Steenburgen

Emily

Zooey Deschanel

Zooey Deschanel

Jovie

Daniel Tay

Daniel Tay

Michael

Faizon Love

Faizon Love

Gimbels Manager

Peter Dinklage

Peter Dinklage

Miles Finch

Amy Sedaris

Amy Sedaris

Deb

Michael Lerner

Michael Lerner

Fulton

Andy Richter

Andy Richter

Morris

Kyle Gass

Kyle Gass

Eugene

Artie Lange

Artie Lange

Gimbels Santa

Leon Redbone

Leon Redbone

Leon the Snowman (voice)

Ray Harryhausen

Ray Harryhausen

Polar Bear Cub (voice)

Claire Lautier

Claire Lautier

NY 1 Reporter

Ted Friend

Ted Friend

NY 1 Anchor

Patrick Ferrell

Patrick Ferrell

Security Guard

Patrick McCartney

Patrick McCartney

Security Guard

Jon Favreau

Jon Favreau

Doctor / Mr. Narwhal (voice)

Lydia Lawson-Baird

Lydia Lawson-Baird

Carolyn

Brenda McDonald

Brenda McDonald

Nun

Meghan Black

Meghan Black

Elf

Patrick Baynham

Patrick Baynham

Elf

Michael Roberds

Michael Roberds

Disgruntled Cobbler Elf

Peter A. Hulne

Peter A. Hulne

Elf Twin

Richard Side

Richard Side

Elf Teacher

David-Paul Grove

David-Paul Grove

Pom Pom

Kristian Ayre

Kristian Ayre

Foom Foom

Brenda Crichlow

Brenda Crichlow

Office Co-Worker

Oscar Goncalves

Oscar Goncalves

Francisco

Mary Black

Mary Black

Nurse

John Murray

John Murray

Man in Elevator

Mark Acheson

Mark Acheson

Mailroom Guy

Robin Mossley

Robin Mossley

Chuck

Matt Walsh

Matt Walsh

Matt Walsh

Will McCormack

Will McCormack

Witness

Jonathan Bruce

Jonathan Bruce

Biker

Akeem A. Smith

Akeem A. Smith

School Kid

Peter Billingsley

Peter Billingsley

Ming Ming (uncredited)

Craig 'Radio Man' Castaldo

Craig 'Radio Man' Castaldo

Radioman (uncredited)

Graeme Duffy

Graeme Duffy

Orange Elf (uncredited)

Maurice LaMarche

Maurice LaMarche

Buddy's Belch (voice) (uncredited)

Natasha Denis

Natasha Denis

Gimbels Elf (uncredited)

Joe Ranft

Joe Ranft

Store Owner (uncredited)

Jamie Vergan

Jamie Vergan

Ice skater (uncredited)

Max Favreau

Max Favreau

Young Buddy (uncredited)

Crew 19
Greg Gardiner

Greg Gardiner

Director of Photography

Laura Jean Shannon

Laura Jean Shannon

Costume Design

Doug Chapman

Doug Chapman

Stunts

Garvin Cross

Garvin Cross

Stunts

Owen Walstrom

Owen Walstrom

Stunts

Jon Favreau

Jon Favreau

Director

Dan Lebental

Dan Lebental

Editor

Susie Farris

Susie Farris

Casting Director

Cale Boyter

Cale Boyter

Executive Producer

Kent Alterman

Kent Alterman

Executive Producer

Toby Emmerich

Toby Emmerich

Executive Producer

Shauna Robertson

Shauna Robertson

Producer

Todd Komarnicki

Todd Komarnicki

Producer

David B. Householter

David B. Householter

Unit Production Manager

John Debney

John Debney

Original Music Composer

Dal McKennon

Dal McKennon

Vocal Coach

Stephen Chiodo

Stephen Chiodo

Animation Supervisor

Bill Westenhofer

Bill Westenhofer

Visual Effects Supervisor

Jon Favreau

Jon Favreau

Screenplay

Gallery 180
Videos 20
Similar Movies 219
US Release Dates 3

Nov 7, 2003

PG Theatrical

Nov 5, 2013

4K UHD

PG Digital

Nov 1, 2022

4K UHD / Blu-ray

PG Physical

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In Order to Pass

In Order to Pass

1982

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Best of British: TVR

Best of British: TVR

Sign in to vote

Battle your watched movies head-to-head

Community Top Movies

🥇 Evil Dead II

Evil Dead II

1987 · 14 wins

🥈 The Dark Knight

The Dark Knight

2008 · 14 wins

🥉 Final Destination

Final Destination

2000 · 12 wins

#4 Top Gun: Maverick

Top Gun: Maverick

2022 · 11 wins

#5 Joker

Joker

2019 · 11 wins

Sign in to build your own ranking
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Movie Trivia

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Movie theater — theater popcorn with Icee/soda & maybe nachos 100%
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