SummaryA boy who was raised by Santa's elves returns to New York City to find his biological family.
Directed By:Jon Favreau
Written By:David Berenbaum
Elf
Metascore
Generally Favorable
66
User score
Generally Favorable
7.3
My Score
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Metascore
Generally Favorable
66
74% Positive
29 Reviews
29 Reviews
21% Mixed
8 Reviews
8 Reviews
5% Negative
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
100
It's a terrific movie, smart and funny enough to hold up at any time of year.
80
While the words "instant holiday classic" might be pushing it, Elf is at the very least a breezily entertaining, perfectly cast family treat.
User score
Generally Favorable
7.3
76% Positive
235 Ratings
235 Ratings
18% Mixed
55 Ratings
55 Ratings
6% Negative
19 Ratings
19 Ratings
Apr 24, 2026
10
Wow can’t believe elf looking like a cool Christmas movie. So I give it a 10/10 :)
Dec 3, 2023
10
Elf is by far the most watch Christmas movie.
It is funny, festive and entertaining. It is the perfect Christmas movie for all ages.
The ending is incredible too!!!!!! It is an all round essential and must watch Christmas movie for all the family!!!!
75
A non-sappy and genuinely adorable confection. It wiped away the Scrooge in me for 90 enchanting minutes.
70
The music is chirpy and borderline annoying. But once you rearrange your expectations and give yourself over to the movie's unfailing earnestness, you realize that Favreau and Ferrell do heartwarming fairly well.
70
Will Ferrell graduates to his first solo leading role with flying colors in Elf, a disarming holiday comedy about a clueless innocent who saves Christmas and fosters a renewed sense of family in his reluctant father.
58
If you're one of those fussy filmgoers who demands that a movie engage somewhat higher body parts -- the heart, say, and the brain -- you'll find only intermittent comfort and joy in this high-concept, low-wattage film.
30
I was looking forward to something a tad more satirical than this Hallmark card of a movie, which plugs innocence and goodness like they’re going out of style.
Apr 29, 2023
10
This is a true Christmas classic, and possibly Ferrell's best movie ever. He's able to act both funny and serious at the same time, and both worked perfectly. The tone is also very charming, giving in a Christmas movie telling us what it's truly all about. I've watched this movie ever since I was a kid and I still can't get enough for it.
Dec 27, 2025
6
A very cute movie! I think it took a little too much time for the film to find its footing, but it is a very cute Christmas movie that deserves to be on the roster.
Jan 8, 2017
6
Elf is a very overrated film but it's a fine heartwarming film to watch on Christmas .
Dec 31, 2014
6
Elf is a decent Christmas movie for children. It has a good amount of Christmas cheer and a fair few laughs. A little bit more of Ferrell insanity would have been more appreciated, though.
Mar 18, 2014
3
Will ferrel is a funny in anchorman and the campaign . but this movie stinks . it is funny but it is gay like turbo the snail and free birds . it is the Christmas movie i have ever seen
Production Company:
- New Line Cinema
- Guy Walks into a Bar Productions
- Gold/Miller Productions
- Mosaic
- Shawn Danielle Productions Ltd.
Release Date:Nov 7, 2003
Duration:1 h 37 m
Rating:PG
Tagline:A Comedy of Elf-fish Proportions
Awards
Phoenix Film Critics Society Awards
• 2 Nominations
Teen Choice Awards
• 2 Nominations
Golden Trailer Awards
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination




























