The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (2004)
Kernel Score: 77% · 3,141 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Family, Comedy, Adventure, Animation, Fantasy
Released: 2004-11-19
Runtime: 87 minutes
Is The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie worth watching?
Depends on your taste. SpongeBob's big-screen adventure sends him on a mission to rescue his boss. It's silly, fast and often very funny, but it's pure SpongeBob, so it only really works if you already like the show's humour.
Watch it if you
- love the SpongeBob cartoon's sense of humour
- want a short, silly family movie
Skip it if you
- find SpongeBob annoying
- want a polished, emotional animated film
Best for: Kids' movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie
- Stream: Prime Video, Paramount+
- Free with ads: YouTube Free, Tubi
- Rent: JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
There's trouble brewing in Bikini Bottom. Someone has stolen King Neptune's crown, and it looks like Mr. Krab, SpongeBob's boss, is the culprit. Though he's just been passed over for the promotion of his dreams, SpongeBob stands by his boss, and along with his best pal Patrick, sets out on a treacherous mission to Shell City to reclaim the crown and save Mr. Krab's life.
The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie parents' guide: all ages
Parents need to know that The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie is a PG family adventure comedy with cartoonish peril and mild villainy.
- Violence & scariness: A little — Cartoonish action and peril typical of a PG family animated film based on the TV series.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie
If you liked The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run (2020) — 84%: Newer SpongeBob movie with the same silly spirit
- The Bad Guys (2022) — 84%: Fast, funny animated heist with a cast of oddballs
- The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) — 86%: Colourful game adventure, light and fast
- The Sea Beast (2022) — 82%: Sea-going animated adventure with spirit
- The Emperor's New Groove (2000) — 87%: Zany animated comedy with a fast, silly tone
- Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022) — 89%: Fast, funny animated adventure with real heart
Director
Stephen Hillenburg
Cast
- Tom Kenny as SpongeBob / Narrator / Gary / Various (voice)
- Clancy Brown as Mr. Krabs (voice)
- Rodger Bumpass as Squidward / Fish #4 (voice)
- Bill Fagerbakke as Patrick Star / Fish #2 / Chum Customer / Local Fish (voice)
- Mr. Lawrence as Plankton / Fish #7 / Attendant #2 (voice)
- Jill Talley as Karen / Old Lady (voice)
- Carolyn Lawrence as Sandy (voice)
- Mary Jo Catlett as Mrs. Puff (voice)
- Jeffrey Tambor as King Neptune (voice)
- Scarlett Johansson as Mindy (voice)
The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie FAQ
Is The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie worth watching?
Depends on your taste. SpongeBob's big-screen adventure sends him on a mission to rescue his boss. It's silly, fast and often very funny, but it's pure SpongeBob, so it only really works if you already like the show's humour.
Where can I watch The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie?
In the US you can stream The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie on Prime Video and Paramount+, watch it free with ads on YouTube Free and Tubi and rent it from JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play.
Is The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie OK for kids?
The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests all ages. Parents need to know that The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie is a PG family adventure comedy with cartoonish peril and mild villainy.
What movies are like The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie?
If you liked The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, try The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run, The Bad Guys, The Super Mario Bros. Movie and The Sea Beast.