Elf
Discover your inner elf.
2003 • 97 min • Comedy · Family · Fantasy
Synopsis
When young Buddy falls into Santa's gift sack on Christmas Eve, he's transported back to the North Pole and raised as a toy-making elf by Santa's helpers. But as he grows into adulthood, he can't shake the nagging feeling that he doesn't belong. Buddy vows to visit Manhattan and find his real dad, a workaholic.
Our family guide
Best from age 6- 100 Reviewers · 6 · 69%
- 67 Audience · 4632 · 31%
Raised as an elf at the North Pole, Buddy discovers he is human and journeys to New York City to find his biological father. His childlike innocence and belief in Christmas spirit clash with the cynical big city, leading to humorous and heartwarming encounters. It’s a delightful holiday tale about belonging and the magic of family.
- Violence & peril
- 1/10
- Language
- 1/10
- Drinking, drugs & smoking
- 1/10
- Romance & sensuality
- 1/10
- Scary moments
- 2/10
Heads up
- Brief, mild workplace conflict
- Some characters are initially cynical
- One character nearly hit by a taxi
What it models well
- Belief in Christmas magic
- Importance of family
- Acceptance of differences
- Spreading joy and kindness
Talk about it after
- What does it mean to be a family?
- Why do some people lose their Christmas spirit?
- How can we help others find joy?
- Buddy's journey of self-discovery
Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for Elf. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.
Where to watch
Rent
- Amazon Video
- Apple TV Store
- Google Play Movies
- YouTube
- Fandango At Home
- Spectrum On Demand
- Plex
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home
Spectrum On Demand
PlexBuy
- Amazon Video
- Apple TV Store
- Google Play Movies
- YouTube
- Fandango At Home
Links go straight to each service. Some are affiliate links that support Movie Knight at no cost to you. Availability data by JustWatch via TMDB.
Top billed cast
Director: Jon Favreau • Crew: David Berenbaum, Jon Favreau
Trailers & clips
The Original Costume Drawing Behind ‘Elf’!
“Baby, It’s Cold Outside”
Not the Real Santa
Buddy The Elf Arrives in New York City - Movie Clip
Meet Buddy The Elf - Full Movie Preview
Buddy The Elf Helps Santa
Buddy the Elf Exposes Santa
Buddy Accidentally Insults His Dad’s Boss
Reviewer notes
Recommended"Elf" is a holiday movie that has become a beloved classic over the years, despite some reservations about Will Ferrell's acting style. While not initially drawn to Ferrell's comedic performances, the film's charm and heartwarming storyline won over viewers, including those who may not typically enjoy his style of humor.…
RecommendedIn my opinion this is the best Christmas movie ever made. Its so hilarious that you laugh throughout. If you havent seen this, i highly suggest that you do.
RecommendedWhilst delivering toys to an orphanage, a curious baby crawls into Santa's sack. Back at the North Pole shortly after, this young lad makes his presence felt, is named "Buddy" and put in the care of "Papa Elf" (Bob Newhart). Years later, "Buddy" (Will Ferrell) has now grown to full height and isn't really fitting in - on any level.…
Recommended_**Destined to be played on TV every Christmas the rest of your life**_ Released in 2003 and directed by Jon Favreau, "Elf" is a Christmas dramedy/fantasy starring Will Farrell as an orphaned infant who stows away on Santa Claus' sleigh and isn't discovered until he's at the North Pole, where he's adopted by Papa Elf and named Buddy.…
RecommendedTrusted family reviewersGood watch, will likely watch again, and can recommend. For all the good this movie has in it, there is a fair amount of annoying as well, which is what keeps it from being a great movie. A family reconnection trope, with a character out of his element trope, crossed with one of the most annoyingly positive characters of all time trope.…
RecommendedTrusted family reviewersOkay, this is a fun movie, what I consider to be one of those classic Christmas movies I am willing to watch every year. And for me, that is a fairly short list, such as A Christmas Story and the ubiquitous It’s a Wonderful Life. (Interestingly, Peter Billingsley, who plays the lead Ralphie role in A Christmas Story, has an adult role in Elf.…
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Gallery
Details
- TMDB audience
- 6.7/10 (4,632)
- Age rating
- PG
- Status
- Released
- Budget
- $32,000,000
- Box office
- $228,500,000
- IMDb
- tt0319343
