Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Screenwise Verdict

Here's the deal: if your family already watches and loves Bob's Burgers, this movie is a solid summer night watch. It's got the same warmth, weird humor, and family dynamics you expect, just stretched to feature length with slightly higher stakes.

But let's be real—this is essentially a very long episode, not groundbreaking cinema. The mystery plot is serviceable, the animation is TV-quality on a bigger screen, and it drags in spots. Critics liked it (87% on RT) because it delivers exactly what fans want, but it's not converting anyone who wasn't already on board.

The WISE score of 70 reflects that this is good, wholesome-ish family entertainment with some problem-solving and teamwork themes, but it's not enriching in any deep way. The crude humor and awkward moments are par for the course if you know the show, but might catch newer viewers off guard.

Bottom line: Great for existing fans ages 10-14. Skip it if you've never watched the show. And maybe just rewatch a few favorite episodes instead—you'll get 90% of the value in a quarter of the time.

Age Fit

Best for kids 10-15 who are already fans of the TV show. Younger kids might find the humor awkward or miss the character dynamics, while older teens will likely find it too juvenile unless they're nostalgic superfans.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

78

The Belcher family models strong cooperation, loyalty, and working together through challenges. The show's signature warmth and quirky family dynamics translate well to the big screen, with parents supporting their kids' detective work while managing their own business crisis. The humor is generally kind-spirited rather than mean, though it includes the show's typical awkward moments and mild bathroom humor. Some crude jokes and slightly inappropriate references (standard for the TV series) keep this from scoring higher.

Imaginative

72

The mystery-solving plot invites kids to piece together clues alongside Tina, Gene, and Louise. The animated format allows for creative visual gags and musical numbers that are signature to Bob's Burgers. However, this is ultimately a stretched TV episode rather than groundbreaking cinema—it doesn't push boundaries or inspire much beyond passive entertainment. The sinkhole mystery premise is serviceable but not particularly innovative.

Safe

75

For fans of the TV show, there are no major surprises—this delivers exactly what you'd expect from Bob's Burgers in terms of mild crude humor, some scary/tense moments around the mystery, and occasional bathroom jokes. Common Sense Media rates it 13+, which feels slightly conservative but acknowledges the show's quirky humor that can include innuendo and awkward situations. No graphic violence, gore, or truly inappropriate content, but definitely has moments that might make younger kids uncomfortable (the sinkhole itself, some mystery tension). The PG-13 vibe is consistent throughout.

Enriching

65

The movie showcases problem-solving, entrepreneurship (Bob and Linda fighting to save their business), and sibling teamwork. Kids see the value of persistence and creative thinking under pressure. However, it's primarily entertainment—there's no deep thematic weight or significant life lessons beyond 'family sticks together.' The 102-minute runtime offers solid laughs and heart but won't change anyone's worldview. It's a fun summer movie that delivers exactly what fans want, nothing more.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

If your kids already love the TV show, this delivers more of what works: the Belcher family's warmth, weird humor, and musical moments
Models genuine family cooperation—parents and kids each tackle their own challenges while supporting each other
The mystery-solving plot gives kids something to actively follow rather than just passive gags
Strong critical reception (87% on Rotten Tomatoes) suggests it successfully translates the show's charm to feature length
Showcases entrepreneurship and problem-solving as the family fights to save their business

⚠

What to Watch For

This is NOT a starter point for Bob's Burgers newbies—you'll appreciate it way more if you already know and love these characters
Mild crude humor, bathroom jokes, and awkward innuendo throughout (same level as the TV series, so no surprises for fans)
Some tense/scary moments around the sinkhole and mystery elements that might be too much for sensitive kids under 10
At 102 minutes, it can feel like a stretched TV episode—pacing drags in spots

Conversation Starters

"What would you do if something threatened our family's livelihood like the sinkhole threatened Bob's restaurant?"
"Louise, Tina, and Gene all worked together to solve the mystery—when's a time you and your siblings (or friends) had to team up to solve a problem?"
"Bob and Linda could have given up on the restaurant, but they kept trying. When have you had to keep going even when things looked bad?"
"What did you think of how the kids investigated the mystery? Would you have done anything differently?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

The Bob's Burgers Movie