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Artemis Fowl

Artemis Fowl

Remember the name.

202095 minPGMidcredits score: 4th percentile of all films
Director
Kenneth Branagh
Starring
Ferdia Shaw, Colin Farrell, Lara McDonnell, Josh Gad

Artemis Fowl is a 12-year-old genius and descendant of a long line of criminal masterminds. He soon finds himself in an epic battle against a race of powerful underground fairies who may be behind his father's disappearance.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Artemis Fowl?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Artemis Fowl to rent or buy on Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Artemis Fowl?

Artemis Fowl earns 3 badges, led by Overhyped and Big Budget.

  • Reception
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Artemis Fowl worth watching?

Artemis Fowl's Midcredits score is the 4th percentile of all films, from 93K ratings across 6 sources. 19% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

4th percentile

Better received than 4% of films

5th percentile among Adventure5th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)5th
Approval (how many liked it)7th

41 /100

5th percentile of all films

6th percentile among Adventure7th percentile among 2020s

Critics 31 · Audience 42

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

The crowd leans negative, with most ratings sitting in the bottom half of the scale.

19% liked it

7th percentile of all films

9th percentile among Adventure9th percentile among 2020s
19% rated it 7–1081% rated it 1–6

Critics 8% · Audience 19%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 2 noms overall

97th percentile

93K ratings across platforms

94th percentile among Adventure97th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 27% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is a messy, hectically-paced adaptation that fundamentally rewrites the source material and relies on heavy exposition.

Fans praised

  • family-friendly entertainment for children unfamiliar with the books
  • enjoyable action and adventure pace for casual viewers
  • basic premise of a genius boy and fairies works as a standalone fantasy

Detractors panned

  • incoherent rushed plot with nonstop exposition dumps
  • betrayal of beloved characters' core traits (Artemis as weak, Holly ruined, Mulch grating)
  • bland forgettable characters with zero emotional investment

What stands out

Effects and spectacleDivisive30

CGI passable for early 2000s but dated, some effective uses

ActingDivisive25

monotone lead, overqualified adults phoning it in, Gad's grating narration

AtmosphereDivisive20

unimaginative world-building, confused tone between fairy and gritty

Plot and storyDivisive15

incoherent jumble of book elements, nonsensical and aimless

DialogueDivisive15

rusty, groan-worthy, meaningless exposition

CharactersDivisive12

paper-thin characterisation, defanged protagonist, wasted supporting cast

PacingDivisive12

hectic and frustrating, jittery editing, no breathing room

OriginalityDivisive10

derivative YA-franchise-by-numbers, scrapped book's charm

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 2 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 2 points apart
  • Critics vs users 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is Artemis Fowl like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Fun ride: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want a fun ride.

It has a few laughs and leaves you hopeful. Skip it when you want something with weight.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Fun ride.

The answer rests on this: Moods
ThrillingJoyful
Heaviest: middle
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Adventurous · 11% of filmsWarm
Told as
Frame story · 5% of films: A story told inside another — someone is recounting it.Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its magical world and high-stakes plot with an earnest Disney adventure tone, despite chaotic execution.
The rideThe quest to rescue a missing father likely builds excitement and hope during the middle of the film, with adventure dominating.
StructureThe film opens with Mulch's interrogation, then jumps back three days to tell the main story in linear order.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulRousing · 10% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe rescue succeeds and the team flies off together, leaving a sense of optimism and empowerment.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).QuestRescue
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% (this title) · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Rescue: Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).

10% of films fit this archetype

with Overcoming the monster underneath

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeArtemis must retrieve a magical artifact to save his kidnapped father from a fairy villain.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% (this title) · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9% (this title)
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bondsAmbition · 7% of filmsDeception · 9% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe central drive is a son's mission to rescue his father, while the protagonist's criminal prodigy nature suggests a theme of ambition and the fairies may involve deception.
StanceThe film is likely a straightforward adventure celebrating the bond between father and son.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticMagical realism
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score · Patrick Doyle
Settingpresent-day world where fairies secretly coexist with humans
MusicClassically orchestral score typical of adventure fantasy.

Content guide

Is Artemis Fowl okay for kids?

PG

Artemis Fowl is rated PG: “Rated PG for fantasy action/peril and some rude humor” (MPAA). As of September 28, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (43/100), sexual content at mild (25/100), language at mild (23/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (21/100) and frightening material at moderate (39/100). Overall it is heavier than 50% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 12 other countries
  • UK12A
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany6
  • FranceTP
  • JapanG
  • Brazil10
  • NetherlandsAL
  • Poland12
  • PortugalM/12
  • SK12
  • Spain12
  • Sweden15
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 15% of all filmsHeavier than 50% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 69%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 56%
Profanity
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 41%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 39%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 56%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is violence, heavier than 69% of PG-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Artemis Fowl have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Artemis Fowl?

Cast

3 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Ferdia Shaw
as Artemis Fowl
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Colin Farrell
as Artemis Fowl Sr.
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Lara McDonnell
as Holly Short
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Josh Gad
as Mulch Diggums
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Tamara Smart
as Juliet
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.
Nonso Anozie
as Domovoi Butler
Joshua McGuire
as Briar Cudgeon
Judi Dench
as Commander Root
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Nikesh Patel
as Chief Tech Officer Foaly
Adrian Scarborough
as Goblin Chief

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Artemis Fowl?

Movies like Artemis Fowl include Paddington (2014), The Kid Who Would Be King (2019) and Speed Racer (2008). Of the 12 closest matches, most are magical-realist films, and most are stories about parents and children.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

All 12 share its subject: family bonds. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Artemis Fowl?

2.2K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: supernatural drama. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.