Skip to content
MovieCove
Migration

Migration

Odd ducks welcome.

202383 minPGMidcredits score: 71st percentile of all films
Directors
Benjamin Renner, Guylo Homsy
Starring
Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks, Caspar Jennings, Tresi Gazal

After a migrating duck family alights on their pond with thrilling tales of far-flung places, the Mallard family embarks on a family road trip, from New England, to New York City, to tropical Jamaica.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Migration?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Migration streaming on Peacock and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Subscription

New

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Migration?

Migration earns 8 badges, led by Word-of-mouth hit and Star-studded.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Migration worth watching?

Migration's Midcredits score is the 71st percentile of all films, from 253K ratings across 6 sources. 62% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

71st percentile

Better received than 71% of films

59th percentile among Animation72nd percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)72nd
Approval (how many liked it)68th

68 /100

72nd percentile of all films

58th percentile among Animation71st percentile among 2020s

Critics 56 · Audience 68

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.9 — solid but not unanimous.

62% liked it

68th percentile of all films

58th percentile among Animation69th percentile among 2020s
62% rated it 7–1038% rated it 1–6

Critics 73% · Audience 87%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 8 noms overall

86th percentile

253K ratings across platforms

72nd percentile among Animation87th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Up 6% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$72M
Opening weekend$12M
Domestic gross$128M
Worldwide gross$300M

Returned 4.2× its budget — 93rd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A simple, predictable family adventure with appealing animation.

Fans praised

  • vibrant, colorful animation
  • warm family dynamics and heart
  • relatable themes of stepping out of comfort zone

Detractors panned

  • predictable, formulaic story
  • derivative of Finding Nemo, Rio, and Chicken Run
  • shallow characters and weak villain

What stands out

CinematographyDivisive80

vibrant, colorful, often called the best aspect

ActingDivisive78

voice cast praised for charm (Nanjiani, Banks, DeVito); detractors find some voices annoying or distracting

AtmosphereDivisive75

beautiful environments, immersive bird's-eye views

CharactersDivisive60

likable archetypes but one-dimensional; Gwen's cuteness and Uncle Dan's humor stand out

HumorDivisive60

family-friendly laughs land often but many jokes fall flat for adults

Emotional impactDivisive55

heartwarming moments but often undercut by predictability

Plot and storyDivisive40

very predictable, familiar road-trip structure with few surprises

Originality30

often called derivative of Rio, Finding Nemo, Chicken Run

Preferred by

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 15 points higher than US viewers.

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

  • Women vs men 1 point apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 2 points apart
  • Critics vs users 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is Migration like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something warm that leaves you smiling.

It is gentle and funny and leaves you entertained. Skip it when you want something with weight.

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

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
JoyfulHopefulWarmThrilling
Heaviest: late
Warm humor
Register
WarmAdventurous · 11% of filmsPlayful
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its gentle family-adventure story straight, with genuine warmth and sincerity.
The rideA consistently light and upbeat adventure with gentle tension, peaking in the final escape sequence.
StructureThe story follows a conventional linear journey from departure through obstacles to a resolved return, without structural tricks.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

The answer rests on this: FunHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you grinning from the lighthearted adventure and feeling uplifted by the family's growth and togetherness.
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).Voyage
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%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4% (this title): Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% (this title) · 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%

Voyage and return: Into a strange world and back again, changed. · Fish out of water: Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).

4% of films fit this archetype

with Rebirth underneath

Why this archetypeThe duck family leaves their home pond for a migration to Jamaica, encountering new environments and dangers along the way, but ultimately returns home changed.

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% (this title) · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5% (this title)
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • 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 bondsComing of age · 5% of filmsFreedom · 5% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on a duck family learning to trust each other and grow together by venturing beyond their safe pond.
StanceThe film warmly affirms family bonds and the courage to explore, without irony or cynicism.

The world

ContemporaryRuralUrbanWildernessRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · John Powell
SettingA New England pond, New York City, and Jamaica from a duck's perspective
MusicJohn Powell's score uses lively orchestral themes that underscore the adventure and warmth of the journey.

Content guide

Is Migration okay for kids?

PG

Migration is rated PG: “Rated PG for action/peril and mild rude humor” (MPAA). As of August 19, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (30/100), sexual content at mild (15/100), language at minimal (12/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (11/100) and frightening material at moderate (40/100). Overall it is heavier than 28% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 26 other countries
  • UKU
  • AustraliaG
  • Germany0
  • FranceTP
  • IrelandPG
  • South KoreaALL
  • BrazilL
  • Belgium12
  • CzechiaU
  • Denmark7
  • FinlandK-7
  • GreeceK
  • IDSU
  • IsraelAll
  • ItalyT
  • LTV
  • MexicoAA
  • Netherlands6
  • Norway6
  • PolandAL
  • PRPG
  • ROAP
  • SingaporePG
  • SpainAi
  • Sweden7
  • VIPG
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 8% of all filmsHeavier than 28% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 35%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 30%
Profanity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 19%
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 21%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 59%

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

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is frightening material, heavier than 59% 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 Migration have?

MovieCove's classifier found 2 depicted content warnings in Migration: Animal cruelty (moderate), Kidnapping or confinement (moderate). Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

ModerateAnimal crueltyKidnapping or confinement

Cast and crew

Who is in Migration?

Cast

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

Kumail Nanjiani
as Mack
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Elizabeth Banks
as Pam
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.
Caspar Jennings
as Dax
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Tresi Gazal
as Gwen
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Awkwafina
as Chump
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.
Carol Kane
as Erin
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Keegan-Michael Key
as Delroy
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Danny DeVito
as Uncle Dan
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
David Mitchell
as GooGoo
Isabela Merced
as Kim

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Migration?

Movies like Migration include Wild America (1997), Heidi (2015) and Lady and the Tramp (2019). Of the 12 closest matches, several are fish-out-of-water stories, and several are coming-of-age films.

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 Migration?

2.5K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: road movie. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.