The Emperor's New Groove (2000)

Kernel Score: 87% · 7,200 ratings · Rated G

Genres: Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Family, Fantasy

Released: 2000-12-15

Runtime: 78 minutes

Is The Emperor's New Groove worth watching?

Must-watch. One of Disney's sharpest comedies, and it's short. A selfish emperor becomes a llama, and the jokes land constantly thanks to David Spade, John Goodman and a villain who steals every scene.

Watch it if you

  • want a fast, silly animated comedy
  • like jokes that work for kids and adults
  • enjoy a clever villain

Skip it if you

  • want an emotional, epic Disney story
  • dislike very loud sketch-style humor

Best for: Family movie night

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch The Emperor's New Groove

  • Stream: Disney+
  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

Emperor Kuzco is turned into a llama by his ex-administrator Yzma, and must now regain his throne and his human form with the help of Pacha, a gentle llama herder.

The Emperor's New Groove parents' guide: all ages

Parents need to know that The Emperor's New Groove is a lighthearted animated comedy suitable for kids.

  • Violence & scariness: A little — Cartoon slapstick violence with no real-world consequences.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official G rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like The Emperor's New Groove

If you liked The Emperor's New Groove, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Shrek (2001) — 87%: Irreverent animated comedy that makes fun of fairy-tale rules.
  • Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022) — 89%: Quick, funny animated adventure with a self-absorbed hero who has to change.
  • Hercules (1997) — 85%: Disney comedy with big personality and a scene-stealing villain.
  • Klaus (2019) — 92%: Warm animated tale of an unlikely duo and a selfish character who changes.
  • The Lego Movie (2014) — 85%: Fast, joke-packed animated adventure that rewards adults too.
  • The Book of Life (2014) — 86%: Colorful, funny animated adventure with plenty of heart.

Director

Mark Dindal

Cast

  • David Spade as Kuzco (voice)
  • John Goodman as Pacha (voice)
  • Eartha Kitt as Yzma (voice)
  • Patrick Warburton as Kronk (voice)
  • Wendie Malick as Chicha (voice)
  • Kellyann Kelso as Chaca (voice)
  • Eli Russell Linnetz as Tipo (voice)
  • Stephen J. Anderson as Additional Voices (voice)
  • Bob Bergen as Additional Voices (voice)
  • Rodger Bumpass as Additional Voices (voice)

The Emperor's New Groove FAQ

Is The Emperor's New Groove worth watching?

Must-watch. One of Disney's sharpest comedies, and it's short. A selfish emperor becomes a llama, and the jokes land constantly thanks to David Spade, John Goodman and a villain who steals every scene.

Where can I watch The Emperor's New Groove?

In the US you can stream The Emperor's New Groove on Disney+ and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is The Emperor's New Groove OK for kids?

The Emperor's New Groove is rated G. Fresh Kernels suggests all ages. Parents need to know that The Emperor's New Groove is a lighthearted animated comedy suitable for kids.

What movies are like The Emperor's New Groove?

If you liked The Emperor's New Groove, try Shrek, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, Hercules and Klaus.