The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run (2020)
Kernel Score: 84% · 2,950 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Family, Comedy, Adventure, Animation
Released: 2020-08-14
Runtime: 95 minutes
Is The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run worth watching?
Worth watching. A cheerful, fast-moving SpongeBob road movie with plenty of gags and surprising warmth. Kids will love it and adults who like the show will find enough to laugh at.
Watch it if you
- grew up with SpongeBob
- have young children
- like colourful, silly animation
Skip it if you
- dislike cartoon silliness
- want a deep story
Best for: Family movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run
- Stream: Paramount+
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
When his best friend Gary is suddenly snatched away, SpongeBob takes Patrick on a madcap mission far beyond Bikini Bottom to save their pink-shelled pal.
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run parents' guide: ages 6+
Parents need to know that The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run is a PG animated adventure about friendship and rescue.
- Violence & scariness: A little — Cartoonish slapstick action typical of the SpongeBob franchise, nothing graphic.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run
If you liked The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Lego Movie (2014) — 85%: Silly, fast animated comedy with heart
- Toy Story (1995) — 96%: The animated film that set the standard
- Inside Out (2015) — 89%: Colourful film that is smart about feelings
- Zootopia (2016) — 87%: Lively animated adventure with sharp jokes
- Klaus (2019) — 92%: Warm, hand-drawn-style animated adventure
- Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) — 87%: Dry, handmade animated comedy
Director
Tim Hill
Cast
- Tom Kenny as SpongeBob SquarePants / Gary the Snail (voice)
- Bill Fagerbakke as Patrick Star (voice)
- Rodger Bumpass as Squidward Tentacles (voice)
- Mr. Lawrence as Plankton (voice)
- Keanu Reeves as Sage
- Clancy Brown as Mr. Krabs (voice)
- Carolyn Lawrence as Sandy Cheeks (voice)
- Matt Berry as King Poseidon (voice)
- Jill Talley as Karen (voice)
- Mary Jo Catlett as Mrs. Puff (voice)
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run FAQ
Is The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run worth watching?
Worth watching. A cheerful, fast-moving SpongeBob road movie with plenty of gags and surprising warmth. Kids will love it and adults who like the show will find enough to laugh at.
Where can I watch The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run?
In the US you can stream The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run on Paramount+ and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run OK for kids?
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 6+. Parents need to know that The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run is a PG animated adventure about friendship and rescue.
What movies are like The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run?
If you liked The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run, try The Lego Movie, Toy Story, Inside Out and Zootopia.