7.1
Where can I stream Elf legally?
You can watch it free with ads on VIX . You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Elf fingerprint
Big heart, funny.
Energy
Fast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
- Fast Pace7
- Spectacle5
- Adrenaline3
Heart
Heartwarming and uplifting
Much of it is about family.
- Wholesome9
- Hopefulness9
- Family Dynamics9
Humor
Plenty of slapstick and situational comedy
- Physical Comedy8
- Situational Comedy7
- Wit & Wordplay6
World
Family, fantasy, and everyday modern life
Holds up on a rewatch.
- Rewatchability8
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
Craft
Standout performances
- Acting8
- Direction7
- Character Depth7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumFast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
Elf is fast-paced.
All energy traits
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Tension2Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Heart
HighHeartwarming and uplifting
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's heartwarming, uplifting, and cathartic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Wholesome9Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness9Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Wonder7Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance6Love stories and emotional connections.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Coming of Age5Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Melancholy3Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
HighPlenty of slapstick and situational comedy
Expect plenty of slapstick and situational comedy.
All humor traits
- Physical Comedy8Slapstick and visual gags.
- Situational Comedy7Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor5Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody4Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Wholesome9Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Eccentricity7Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumFamily, fantasy, and everyday modern life
Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around family, fantasy, and everyday modern life. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity2Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Fantasy7Mythic worlds and magical systems.
- Contemporary Realism7Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Pop Culture6References and cultural commentary.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue5Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity4Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightParty VibeIntergenerationalKidsPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure Escapism
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About
Discover your inner elf.
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.
Christmas ComedyFamily-FriendlyWhimsicalHeartwarmingManhattan SettingWill Ferrell PerformanceHoliday CheerFeel-Good Movie
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Elf
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Elf worth watching?
73
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 74/100 (IMDb 7.1, Rotten Tomatoes 85%, and Metacritic 66). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Elf rated?
PG
It's rated PG in the United States.
How long is Elf?
1 h 37 min
Elf runs 1 h 37 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Elf?
Critics76
Audiences74
Yes. Critics average 76 and audiences 74 out of 100, so both groups see Elf much the same way.
Was Elf a box office hit?
Budget$32 million
Box office$229 million
Yes, a big one. It cost about $32 million to make and earned $229 million worldwide, 7.1 times its budget.
What language is Elf in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Elf?
107
+93
+93GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Elf in 107 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Elf use?
Creator CameoOverly Long GagOne Dialogue, Two ConversationsAll of the Other ReindeerFeet-First IntroductionAdapted OutAttention Deficit... Ooh, Shiny!Real After AllAccidental KidnappingAccidental PassengerTake a Third OptionManchildand 176 more
TV Tropes lists 188 storytelling tropes for Elf, including Creator Cameo, Overly Long Gag, One Dialogue, Two Conversations.