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Paddington

Paddington

Please look after this bear. Thank you.

201495 minPGMidcredits score: 92nd percentile of all films
Director
Paul King
Starring
Ben Whishaw, Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Madeleine Harris

A young Peruvian bear travels to London in search of a home. Finding himself lost and alone at Paddington Station, he meets the kindly Brown family, who offer him a temporary haven.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Paddington?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Paddington streaming on Lionsgate+ via Prime Video and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Subscription

via Prime Video

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Paddington?

Paddington earns 9 badges, led by Cultural touchstone and Top 10% of films.

Show 1 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Paddington worth watching?

Paddington's Midcredits score is the 92nd percentile of all films, from 1.2M ratings across 6 sources. 80% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

92nd percentile

Better received than 92% of films

94th percentile among Adventure92nd percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)90th
Approval (how many liked it)90th

75 /100

90th percentile of all films

94th percentile among Adventure90th percentile among 2010s

Critics 77 · Audience 74

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A tight consensus around 7.4 — people broadly agree on this one.

80% liked it

90th percentile of all films

92nd percentile among Adventure91st percentile among 2010s
80% rated it 7–1020% rated it 1–6

Critics 96% · Audience 81%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 4 wins / 6 noms overall

  • NominatedBAFTA Awards· Best Adapted Screenplay

99th percentile

1.2M ratings across platforms

98th percentile among Adventure99th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 13% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$55M
Opening weekend$19M
Domestic gross$76M
Worldwide gross$334M

Returned 6.1× its budget — 95th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is sweet, good-natured, and visually appealing, but detractors find it too safe or derivative.

Fans praised

  • sweetness and warmth with a wholesome message about decency and belonging
  • charming visual style blending CGI bear seamlessly into live-action with storybook flair
  • funny, family-friendly comedy with minimal pop-culture references and genuine heart

Detractors panned

  • creepy villain and elements that feel unsettling for a children's film
  • plot detours into formulaic territory, lacking freshness or real quirkiness
  • supporting human cast's acting and dialogue underdeliver

What stands out

Effects and spectacle85

CGI bear almost photorealistic, impressive blend into live-action, clever visual gags

Cinematography80

Beautifully shot, storybook visual style, production design praised

Atmosphere75

Whimsical, cozy depiction of London blending old and new

Humor75

Slapstick and gentle comedy lands well for kids and adults

CharactersDivisive70

Paddington endearing, humans charming, but villain and supporting characters feel contrived

ActingDivisive65

Live-action cast likable but supporting performances sometimes criticized

Originality60

Charming take on source material but lacks freshness in some story beats

Plot and story55

Simple, formulaic story with some detours into predictability

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the 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 6 points apart
  • US vs non-US 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is Paddington 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, takes its time and leaves you feeling good. Skip it when you want things to move fast.

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

What it asks of you

Patience.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
JoyfulWarmThrilling
Heaviest: middle
Warm humor
Register
WarmWhimsical · 2% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its charming story straight, with affectionate humour and genuine emotion.
The rideThe film is mostly light and warm-hearted, with a brief period of higher tension when Paddington is in danger from Millicent.
StructureThe story unfolds in a conventional chronological order, from Paddington's arrival in London to his adoption by the Browns.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

The answer rests on this: Feel-goodHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's resolution leaves the viewer with a comfortable feeling of belonging and optimism.
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).MonsterTyrant
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% (this title) · 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%: 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%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Tyrant: A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypePaddington, a young Peruvian bear, seeks a home in London while evading a villainous taxidermist who wants to capture and stuff him.

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% (this title) · Coming of age 5% · 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%
  • 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% (this title) · 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 bondsCommunity · 14% of films: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Identity · 14% 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 film centers on finding and earning family, both for Paddington (who seeks a new home) and for the Browns (who rediscover connection through him).
StanceThe film unambiguously celebrates family, kindness, and finding a home, with the climax affirming the power of love and acceptance.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticInstitutionalStylized realism
Orchestral modernFolkSupportive music · original score · Nick Urata
Settingcontemporary London, the Brown family home in Windsor Gardens, and the Natural History Museum
MusicA warm, whimsical score blending orchestral themes with Latin American folk touches, reflecting Paddington's Peruvian roots.

Content guide

Is Paddington okay for kids?

PG

Paddington is rated PG: “Rated PG for mild action and rude humor” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (30/100), sexual content at minimal (11/100), language at minimal (4/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (29/100) and frightening material at mild (34/100). Overall it is heavier than 24% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 18 other countries
  • UKPG
  • AustraliaG
  • Germany0
  • FranceU
  • IrelandG
  • JapanG
  • South KoreaALL
  • BrazilL
  • AustriaAA
  • BGB
  • GreeceΚ
  • ItalyT
  • MexicoA
  • Netherlands6
  • Poland12
  • SpainAPTA
  • Sweden7
  • THG
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 7% of all filmsHeavier than 24% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 34%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 19%
Profanity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 5%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 58%
Frightening / Intense
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 41%

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 41% 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 Paddington have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Paddington?

Cast

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

Ben Whishaw
as Paddington
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Hugh Bonneville
as Henry Brown
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Sally Hawkins
as Mary Brown
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Madeleine Harris
as Judy Brown
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Samuel Joslin
as Jonathan Brown
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Julie Walters
as Mrs. Bird
Nicole Kidman
as Millicent
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Imelda Staunton
as Aunt Lucy
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Peter Capaldi
as Mr. Curry
Michael Gambon
as Uncle Pastuzo
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Paddington?

Movies like Paddington include Paddington in Peru (2024), Paddington 2 (2017) and Wonka (2023). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films written by Paul King, and several are films set in London.

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 Paddington?

827 other films share the rarest tag below, follows: animal. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.