The Rugrats Movie (1998)

59% of critics liked it
(49 reviews)
43% of users liked it
(70,713 ratings)

Based on the popular Nickelodeon TV series Rugrats, this is the first full-length feature animated movie to star the little tots. It's the story of diaper-clad kids, told from a baby's point- of-view, and they were one of the hottest-selling toy franchises of the late '90s. The film features a… More Based on the popular Nickelodeon TV series Rugrats, this is the first full-length feature animated movie to star the little tots. It's the story of diaper-clad kids, told from a baby's point- of-view, and they were one of the hottest-selling toy franchises of the late '90s. The film features a hilarious musical number in the hospital nursery, where newborns have the voices of major rock stars that include Jakob Dylan (Bob Dylan's son), Iggy Pop, Lou Rawls, Lisa Loeb, and Patti Smith, to name a few. The story escalates when self-proclaimed leader Tommy Pickles is thrust into an impossible situation with the birth of his new brother, Dil Pickles. This new kid is grabbing all the attention and won't stop crying. With the help of other toddlers Lil and Phil, Tommy decides that the baby should be returned to the hospital for fixing. They all hop on their little wagon and take a high-speed ride straight into the deep woods where they realize they're lost. Chased around by animals (or so they think), the Rugrats clan must get home in one piece. Other celebrity voices include Whoopi Goldberg and The Rocky Horror Picture Show's Tim Curry, as well as Saturday Night Live's Andrea Martin and David Spade. ~ Chris Gore, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: G, 1 hr. 19 min.
Directed By: Igor Kovalyov, Norton Virgien
Written By: David Weiss, J. David Stem, David N. Weiss
Genres: Television, Animation, Kids & Family

In Theaters: Nov 20, 1998 Wide
On DVD: Mar 30, 1999
Studio: Paramount Pictures

Critic Reviews

Joe Leydon, Variety
Makes little effort to reach beyond its target audience.
Lisa Alspector, Chicago Reader
The dialogue reproduces infantile idiom even as it parodies the baby talk of adults, and a touching, didactic scene involving a baby blanket that's become the object of sibling rivalry may appeal to a broad age range.
Jeff Millar, Houston Chronicle
Although it works on two levels, one thing makes it work for any age: the sense of the id unloosed.
Peter Stack, San Francisco Chronicle
It's a fun-filled oddity among G- rated animated movies. But some folks may conclude that the babies' creators have gone off the deep end to satisfy a '90s sensibility that favors edgy entertainment.
Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
What is most likely to impress adults is that the world of the Rugrats is not idealized or homogenized.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Is it bright, colorful and fast-moving? Yes. Is it for me? No.
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Kids will love it, parents may not.
Steven D. Greydanus, Decent Films Guide
The result is several steps above the clunky, offputting animation of the series' early episodes.
Sandra Contreras, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Intermittently snappy and featuring slicker animation than its TV incarnation, this popular children's cartoon may satisfy its youngest fans, but it'll be a big snoozefest for the rest of the family.
, Film4
A host of cooler-than-cool voices/cameos (Reed, Anderson, Curry and the B52s) and throwaway humour do keep the adults happy the whole time.
Neil Jeffries, Empire Magazine
Fun for kids, but, despite some adult references, appeal for the over 10s is limited.
Wally Hammond, Time Out
Those unfamiliar with the series will have a chance to marvel at Klasky and Csupo's refreshing innovations: their affectionate play with traditional presentations of 'sweet' baby behaviour and 'pretty' toddler looks.
Maria Garcia, Film Journal International
Like many children's films, The Rugrats Movie is told from the point of view of a boy who enjoys a wonderful relationship with another boy.
Chris Gore, Film Threat
Diaper-loads of fun.
Fred Topel, About.com
Very slow kids movie. I just never got into it.
Eugene Novikov, Film Blather
The boundless creativity of this franchise's creators and writers never ceases to amaze me.
John R. McEwen, Film Quips Online
The cast is good, but it's nothing they haven't done a million times; the same goes for the animation, music, and general production design.

Read all 17 critic reviews

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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

An okay film version of an okay kids cartoon. It's nothing special, and it's a lot like the show too. Overall, it's okay.
Alexander D

Awful
Michael E

its no masterpiece but it was pretty good
Dead A

"She's having a baby not a gefilte fish" - I was almost rolling on the floor laughing loudly when hearing this dialogue. This is exactly like the one shown on Nickelodeon.
Bobby H

I watched this because I used to love The Rugrats cartoon on Nick. It was great, and the movie for what it was was not far behind. Real good for kids
Dean M

This cartoon movie based on the Nickelodeon television series is a charming adventure, presented in the inventive, squiggly line art that has become the Rugrats signature style; the artwork perfectly conveys the sloppy, sticky, and unfathomable universe as experienced by a gaggle of… More
This cartoon movie based on the Nickelodeon television series is a charming adventure, presented in the inventive, squiggly line art that has become the Rugrats signature style; the artwork perfectly conveys the sloppy, sticky, and unfathomable universe as experienced by a gaggle of unusually perceptive toddlers.
Juan C

not as satisfiying as i'd thought it would be, but has it's moments, and little bit of fun to satify the fans. C+
Andrew F

It's hilarious, and it captures the originality and humor of the series on Nickelodeon.
Jason S

The first big screen outing for the Rugrats is surprisingly a decent effort. The characters are well defined like the show, and its a lot of fun from start to finish. It never feels too stretched either.
Sunil J

Liked the show. Like the movie.
Leo L

A cute movie!