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Spirited

Spirited

Start your holidays on a high note.

2022127 minPG-13Midcredits score: 64th percentile of all films
Director
Sean Anders
Starring
Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds, Octavia Spencer, Patrick Page

Each Christmas Eve, the Ghost of Christmas Present selects one dark soul to be reformed by a visit from three spirits. But this season, he picked the wrong Scrooge. Clint Briggs turns the tables on his ghostly host until Present finds himself reexamining his own past, present and future.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Spirited?

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

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Spirited?

Spirited earns 9 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Christmas pick.

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

Reception

Is Spirited worth watching?

Spirited's Midcredits score is the 64th percentile of all films, from 185K ratings across 6 sources. 62% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

64th percentile

Better received than 64% of films

72nd percentile among Comedy65th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)58th
Approval (how many liked it)68th

64 /100

58th percentile of all films

67th percentile among Comedy59th percentile among 2020s

Critics 55 · Audience 65

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

75th percentile among Comedy69th percentile among 2020s
62% rated it 7–1038% rated it 1–6

Critics 70% · Audience 80%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 7 noms overall

97th percentile

185K ratings across platforms

98th percentile among Comedy98th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 1% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$200M

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree that the film is a flashy, big-budget musical retelling of A Christmas Carol starring Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds.

Fans praised

  • Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds' chemistry elevates the film
  • Memorable musical numbers and impressive dance set pieces
  • Clever modern twist on the classic Christmas Carol story

Detractors panned

  • Poor script with weak character development and unfunny one-liners
  • Relentless, exhausting musical numbers with no quiet moments
  • Tonally confused, struggling to balance comedy, musical, and heart

What stands out

Acting75

star chemistry and charm, though some see them as out of their element

Sound and musicDivisive70

catchy songs and energetic choreography, but some karaoke-quality vocals

Effects and spectacleDivisive70

impressive musical set pieces and dance numbers

HumorDivisive65

meta comedy and adult humor land well for many

OriginalityDivisive60

fresh self-aware take on a classic, though not groundbreaking

Plot and storyDivisive60

clever modern twist but formulaic and often incoherent

CharactersDivisive55

thin character development in a familiar arc

PacingDivisive45

rushed and relentless, lacking quiet moments

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 13 points higher than men.

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Over-30s

Over-30s scored it 16 points higher than under-30s.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Users

Users scored it 13 points higher than critics.

US vs non-US

Preferred by US Viewers

US viewers scored it 11 points higher than non-US viewers.

Watch experience

What is Spirited 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 funny and leaves you feeling good.

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

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
JoyfulBittersweetContemplative
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Irreverent · 1% of filmsPlayfulWarm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its material with affectionate self-awareness, treating the Christmas Carol formula as a playground for meta-comedy while never doubting its own emotional beats.
The rideThe film maintains a buoyant musical energy throughout, with emotional weight increasing in the final act as themes of doubt and second chances coalesce.
StructureThe story unfolds in a conventional linear fashion, following Clint's three-part journey through past, present and future, framed by Present's mission.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

The answer rests on this: Feel-goodHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves the viewer with a warm, uplifted feeling, convinced that people can change and that second chances matter.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet endingTwist

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).Rebirth
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%: 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% (this title): Redemption 3% (this title) · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Redemption: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).

13% of films fit this archetype

with Comedy underneath

Why this archetypeThe film is a musical comedy built around the classic redemption arc, where a cynical media consultant is shown the error of his ways through a supernatural intervention, while the ghostly guide confronts his own doubts about lasting change.

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 filmsSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% (this title) · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16% (this title): Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% (this title) · 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%

Morality

Redemption · 6% of filmsDeception · 9% of filmsPurpose · 9% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores whether people can truly change and the ongoing work of staying redeemed, questioning the sincerity of personal transformation and the search for meaning.
StanceThe film ultimately affirms the possibility of change and the value of effort, celebrating redemption as an ongoing process rather than a single event.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticStylized realism
Orchestral classicalPopJazzForeground music · original score
Settinga Christmas-themed modern city with fantastical backstage elements for the spirits
MusicThe film features original songs and dance numbers that advance the story and character arcs.

Content guide

Is Spirited okay for kids?

PG-13

Spirited is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for language, some suggestive material and thematic elements” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at minimal (15/100), sexual content at mild (26/100), language at moderate (45/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (23/100) and frightening material at moderate (37/100). Overall it is heavier than 15% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 48 other countries
  • UK12A
  • Canada14A
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany6
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland12
  • New ZealandM
  • JapanR15+
  • South Korea12
  • Brazil12
  • Argentina+13
  • Austria6
  • Belgium12
  • BGC
  • CL14
  • Czechia12+
  • Denmark7
  • FinlandK-12
  • GreeceK12
  • Hong KongIIA
  • Hungary12
  • ID17+
  • IndiaU/A 16+
  • Israel14
  • ItalyT
  • LTN-13
  • LU6
  • LV12+
  • MexicoB
  • MOC
  • MY18SG
  • Netherlands9
  • Norway9
  • PhilippinesR-13
  • Poland12
  • PortugalM/12
  • PRPG-13
  • Russia16+
  • SingaporeNC16
  • SK12
  • South Africa13
  • Spain12
  • Sweden11
  • Switzerland6
  • Taiwan12+
  • TH18
  • UA16+
  • VIPG-13
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 14% of all filmsHeavier than 15% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 13%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 44%
Profanity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 58%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 23%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 37%

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

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is language, heavier than 58% of PG-13-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 Spirited have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Spirited?

Cast

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

Will Ferrell
as Present
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.
Ryan Reynolds
as Clint Briggs
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.
Octavia Spencer
as Kimberly
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.
Patrick Page
as Jacob Marley
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Sunita Mani
as Past
Loren Woods
as Yet-To-Come
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Tracy Morgan
as Yet-To-Come
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Joe Tippett
as Owen
Marlow Barkley
as Wren
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.
Aimee Carrero
as Nora

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Spirited?

Movies like Spirited include The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992), Scrooge: A Christmas Carol (2022) and Mr. Popper's Penguins (2011). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films written by John Morris and Sean Anders, and half are stories about ghosts.

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

9 of these 12 share its subject: redemption. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Spirited?

1.1K other films share the rarest tag below, follows: tycoon. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.