Skip to content
MovieCove
Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget

This time, they're breaking in!

202398 minPGMidcredits score: 57th percentile of all films
Directors
Sam Fell, Jeff Newitt
Starring
Thandiwe Newton, Zachary Levi, Bella Ramsey, Imelda Staunton

A band of fearless chickens flock together to save poultry-kind from an unsettling new threat: a nearby farm that's cooking up something suspicious.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget streaming on Netflix.

Subscription

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget?

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget earns 5 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Award Winner.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget worth watching?

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget's Midcredits score is the 57th percentile of all films, from 217K ratings across 6 sources. 48% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

57th percentile

Better received than 57% of films

42nd percentile among Animation59th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)64th
Approval (how many liked it)49th

65 /100

64th percentile of all films

48th percentile among Animation64th percentile among 2020s

Critics 63 · Audience 66

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.4 — solid but not unanimous.

48% liked it

49th percentile of all films

36th percentile among Animation51st percentile among 2020s
48% rated it 7–1052% rated it 1–6

Critics 83% · Audience 69%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 9 noms overall

  • NominatedBAFTA Awards· Best Animated Feature Film

Reach

How many have seen it

80th percentile

217K ratings across platforms

62nd percentile among Animation81st percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Up 11% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree that the stop-motion animation is technically impressive, but the story feels derivative and less engaging than the original.

Fans praised

  • Aardman's signature stop-motion is as brilliant and detailed as ever
  • New character Molly adds relatable coming-of-age energy and childlike wonder
  • Fun, lighthearted family entertainment with nostalgic callbacks and vibrant set design

Detractors panned

  • Plot is a weak rehash of the first film with no originality or real stakes
  • Replaced voice actors drain character personality and emotional connection
  • Humor falls flat, lacking the wit and subtlety of Aardman's best work

What stands out

Cinematography75

Visually vibrant and polished but some miss the original's hand-made feel

ActingDivisive55

Replacement voices divisive; some solid returns (Horrocks, Bradley) but many find them lifeless or mismatched

CharactersDivisive40

Original characters feel watered down; new characters like Molly add freshness but many find dull

HumorDivisive40

Slapstick and one-liners hit sometimes but overall lacks wit and subtlety

DialogueDivisive40

Some dad-joke humor lands but often flat or clunky; lacks original's wit

Emotional impactDivisive40

Mother-daughter dynamic resonates for some but many find it soulless

Plot and storyDivisive35

Derivative rehash of first film's escape structure with predictable beats

OriginalityDivisive25

Felt like AI-generated or a rethread; new concepts (mind-control collars) undercooked

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 18 points higher than users.

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 10 points higher than US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 6 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget 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 has a few laughs and leaves you hopeful. Skip it when you want something with weight.

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
HopefulJoyfulTense
Heaviest: middle
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Adventurous · 11% of filmsPlayful
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its adventure-comedy premise with an earnest heart, never undercutting its emotional beats, while the playful tone comes through its inventive set-pieces and Aardman's signature physical comedy.
The rideThe film carries a light, hopeful tone overall, with moments of tension during the heist itself, making the middle the most suspenseful stretch.
StructureThe story follows a conventional three-act structure: setup on the island, inciting incident with Molly's departure, and the rescue mission at Fun-Land Farms.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulFun
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you uplifted by the power of family and community, with a light-hearted, entertaining adventure that doesn't linger too heavily.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

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).QuestRescue
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% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% (this title) · 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%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Rescue: Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).

10% of films fit this archetype

with Overcoming the monster underneath

Why this archetypeGinger and Rocky lead a rescue mission to save Molly and Frizzle from a high-tech chicken processing plant, requiring them to break in and free the captive chickens. The threat is personified by Mrs. Tweedy and her nugget-making operation, giving it a strong overcoming-the-monster element.

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

Bonds

Family bondsLoyalty · 4% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeGinger's drive to protect her family and the broader chicken community fuels the story, with freedom and solidarity as central values.
StanceThe film celebrates the value of family, loyalty, and collective action, portraying the chickens' fight for freedom as noble and worth cheering for.

The world

ContemporaryRuralInstitutionalStylized realism
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Harry Gregson-Williams
SettingA peaceful island sanctuary and a high-tech mainland poultry facility.
MusicThe score likely supports the adventurous and comedic tone, blending orchestral flourishes with playful motifs.

Content guide

Is Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget okay for kids?

PG

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget is rated PG: “Rated PG for peril, action and some thematic elements” (MPAA). As of September 28, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (46/100), sexual content at mild (21/100), language at mild (17/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (15/100) and frightening material at moderate (48/100). Overall it is heavier than 60% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 34 other countries
  • UKPG
  • CanadaPG
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany6
  • FranceTP
  • IrelandPG
  • New ZealandPG
  • South KoreaALL
  • Brazil10
  • CLTE+7
  • CzechiaU
  • Denmark7
  • FinlandK-7
  • Hungary6
  • IndiaU/A 7+
  • Italy6+
  • LTN-7
  • LU6
  • LV7+
  • MexicoA
  • Netherlands6
  • Norway6
  • Poland7
  • PortugalM/6
  • PRPG
  • ROAP
  • SingaporePG
  • SK7
  • South AfricaPG
  • SpainA
  • Sweden7
  • Taiwan6+
  • Türkiye6+
  • VIPG
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 19% of all filmsHeavier than 60% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 75%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 48%
Profanity
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 29%
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 28%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 73%

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

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is frightening material, heavier than 73% of PG-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 Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget have?

MovieCove's classifier found 5 depicted content warnings in Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget: Child abuse (moderate), Gore or body horror (moderate), Kidnapping or confinement (moderate), Gun violence (mild), plus 1 withheld here because it would spoil the plot. Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

ModerateChild abuseGore or body horrorKidnapping or confinement
MildGun violence

Cast and crew

Who is in Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget?

Cast

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

Thandiwe Newton
as Ginger
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Zachary Levi
as Rocky
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.
Bella Ramsey
as Molly
Imelda Staunton
as Bunty
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.
Lynn Ferguson
as Mac
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
David Bradley
as Fowler
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Jane Horrocks
as Babs
Romesh Ranganathan
as Nick
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Daniel Mays
as Fetcher
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Peter Serafinowicz
as Reginald Smith

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget?

Movies like Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget include Chicken Run (2000), A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon (2019) and Early Man (2018). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films written by Karey Kirkpatrick, and most are family adventures.

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

Mark Burton wrote 8 of these 12. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget?

506 other films share the rarest tag below, premise: prison escape. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.