(Photo by Paramount/courtesy Everett Collection. THE SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS MOVIE)

All Nickelodeon Movies Ranked

The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie turns 20!

As the first parlors to exhibit films in public settings for mass consumption, it is impossible to understate the nickelodeon’s impact on cinema. These early 20th century… Oh. Wait. Wrong Nickelodeon.

As the studio to give our world SpongeBob Squarepants and Nacho Libre, it is impossible to understate Nickelodeon Movies’ impact on cinema. In these weary times of snark and cynicism (this sentence being puddin’ proof), count on the Nick to mount cheery, earnest films. Not only are they well-versed in the aforementioned cartoon spongiology, but Rugrats, the Ninja Turtles, Tintin, and the one-and-only Avatar have all called the studio home. And now we’re ranking every Nickelodeon Movie by Tomatometer! —Alex Vo

#1

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023)
95%

#1

Adjusted Score: 109171%

Critics Consensus: With its unique visual style and a story that captures the essence of the franchise's appeal, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is an animated treat for the whole family.

Synopsis: After years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtle brothers set out to win the hearts of New... [More]

Starring: Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr., Hannibal Buress, Rose Byrne

Directed By: Jeff Rowe

#2

Rango (2011)
88%

#2

Adjusted Score: 97007%

Critics Consensus: Rango is a smart, giddily creative burst of beautifully animated entertainment, and Johnny Depp gives a colorful vocal performance as a household pet in an unfamiliar world.

Synopsis: A chameleon (Johnny Depp) who has lived as a sheltered family pet finds himself in the grip of an identity... [More]

Starring: Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher, Abigail Breslin, Ned Beatty

Directed By: Gore Verbinski

#3

Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019)
85%

#3

Adjusted Score: 92737%

Critics Consensus: Led by a winning performance from Isabela Moner, Dora and the Lost City of Gold is a family-friendly adventure that retains its source material's youthful spirit.

Synopsis: Having spent most of her life exploring the jungle, nothing could prepare Dora for her most dangerous adventure yet --... [More]

Starring: Isabela Merced, Eugenio Derbez, Michael Peña, Eva Longoria

Directed By: James Bobin

#4

Mad Hot Ballroom (2005)
84%

#4

Adjusted Score: 88095%

Critics Consensus: This heartwarming documentary will win audiences over, as the sheer charm of precocious, enthusiastic children learning to dance resonates from the screen.

Synopsis: Documentary filmmaker Marilyn Agrelo chronicles the lives of several New York City schoolchildren as they get ready for a dancing... [More]

Starring: Heather Berman, Emma Therese Biegacki, Eva Carrozza, Evangelina Carrozzo

Directed By: Marilyn Agrelo

#5

The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)
81%

#5

Adjusted Score: 86699%

Critics Consensus: The Spiderwick Chronicles is an entertaining children's adventure, with heart and imagination to spare.

Synopsis: Of the three Grace children, Jared (Freddie Highmore) has always been thought of as the troublemaker. So when strange things... [More]

Starring: Freddie Highmore, Sarah Bolger, Mary-Louise Parker, David Strathairn

Directed By: Mark Waters

#6

The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water (2015)
80%

#6

Adjusted Score: 84368%

Critics Consensus: The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water won't win over many viewers who aren't fans of the show, but for the converted, it's another colorful burst of manic fun.

Synopsis: Life is dandy in Bikini Bottom for SpongeBob Squarepants (Tom Kenny) and his friends Patrick (Bill Fagerbakke), Squidward (Rodger Bumpass),... [More]

Starring: Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke, Rodger Bumpass, Clancy Brown

Directed By: Paul Tibbitt, Mike Mitchell

#7

The Wild Thornberrys Movie (2002)
80%

#7

Adjusted Score: 82447%

Critics Consensus: The Wild Thornberrys Movie brings its beloved clan to the big screen for an animated adventure that should prove entertaining for all ages.

Synopsis: "The Wild Thornberrys" feature film finds one of America's favorite animated families going on wild adventures around the world. Now,... [More]

Starring: Lacey Chabert, Tom Kane, Tim Curry, Lynn Redgrave

Directed By: Cathy Malkasian, Jeff McGrath

#8

Charlotte's Web (2006)
79%

#8

Adjusted Score: 84790%

Critics Consensus: Kids will be entertained by the straightforward plot and cute animals, and adults will be charmed by how quiet and humble the production is, a fine translation of E.B. White's genteel prose.

Synopsis: After learning that a young pig's days are numbered, a literate spider (Julia Roberts) weaves an elaborate plan to save... [More]

Starring: Julia Roberts, Dakota Fanning, Steve Buscemi, John Cleese

Directed By: Gary Winick

#9

Rugrats in Paris: The Movie (2000)
76%

#9

Adjusted Score: 78408%

Critics Consensus: When the Rugrats go to Paris, the result is Nickelodeon-style fun. The plot is effectively character-driven, and features catchy songs and great celebrity voice-acting.

Synopsis: In the long-running animated series' second feature film, the focus is on the show's perennial second banana, Chuckie (Christine Cavanaugh).... [More]

Starring: E.G. Daily, Christine Cavanaugh, Michael Bell, Susan Sarandon

Directed By: Stig Bergqvist, Paul Demeyer

#10

The Adventures of Tintin (2011)
75%

#10

Adjusted Score: 84410%

Critics Consensus: Drawing deep from the classic Raiders of the Lost Ark playbook, Steven Spielberg has crafted another spirited, thrilling adventure in the form of Tintin.

Synopsis: While shopping at an outdoor market, young reporter Tintin (Jamie Bell), accompanied by his faithful dog, Snowy, buys a model... [More]

Starring: Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig, Nick Frost

Directed By: Steven Spielberg

#11

Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (2001)
74%

#11

Adjusted Score: 76170%

Critics Consensus: What Jimmy Neutron lacks in computer animation, it makes up for in charm and cleverness.

Synopsis: "Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius" tells the simple story of a 10-year-old boy and his robot dog - battling evil, rescuing... [More]

Starring: Megan Cavanagh, Mark DeCarlo, Debi Derryberry, Jeff Garcia

Directed By: John A. Davis

#12

PAW Patrol: The Movie (2021)
82%

#12

Adjusted Score: 83714%

Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.

Synopsis: The PAW Patrol is on a roll! When their biggest rival, Humdinger, becomes Mayor of nearby Adventure City and starts... [More]

Starring: Iain Armitage, Marsai Martin, Ron Pardo, Yara Shahidi

Directed By: Cal Brunker

#13

Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging (2008)
73%

#13

Adjusted Score: 73170%

Critics Consensus: Based on two of British writer Louise Rennison's popular books, Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging is a pleasant and funny tween comedy, comfortable for UK audiences as well as stateside crowds.

Synopsis: Based on the books by Louise Rennison, this tale follows 14-year-old Georgia Nicholson as she attempts to woo Robbie, one... [More]

Starring: Georgia Groome, Alan Davies, Karen Taylor, Aaron Taylor-Johnson

Directed By: Gurinder Chadha

#14

Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004)
72%

#14

Adjusted Score: 77105%

Critics Consensus: Although it softens the nasty edges of its source material, Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events is a gothic visual treat, and it features a hilariously manic turn from Jim Carrey as the evil Count Olaf.

Synopsis: After the three young Baudelaire siblings are left orphaned by a fire in their mansion, they are carted off to... [More]

Starring: Jim Carrey, Liam Aiken, Emily Browning, Kara Hoffman

Directed By: Brad Silberling

#15

The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (2004)
68%

#15

Adjusted Score: 71769%

Critics Consensus: Surreally goofy and entertaining for both children and their parents.

Synopsis: In this lively animated adventure, undersea oddball SpongeBob SquarePants and his starfish friend, Patrick, embark on a quest to clear... [More]

Starring: Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke, Clancy Brown, Rodger Bumpass

Directed By: Stephen Hillenburg, Mark Osborne

#16

The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run (2020)
66%

#16

Adjusted Score: 69582%

Critics Consensus: Although its story may leave fans on the surface, The Spongebob Movie: Sponge on the Run is a wondrously wacky visit to Bikini Bottom that retains the charm of the original series.

Synopsis: In the first-ever all CGI SpongeBob motion picture event, THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE ON THE RUN, SpongeBob SquarePants, his best... [More]

Starring: Tom Kenny, Awkwafina, Clancy Brown, Rodger Bumpass

Directed By: Tim Hill

#17

The Rugrats Movie (1998)
59%

#17

Adjusted Score: 61571%

Critics Consensus: Charming characters; loads of fun for kids and adults.

Synopsis: This animated comedy finds Tommy Pickles (E.G. Daily) trying to return his baby brother to the hospital after being warned... [More]

Starring: E.G. Daily, Christine Cavanaugh, Kath Soucie, Cheryl Chase

Directed By: Igor Kovalyov, Norton Virgien

#18

Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank (2022)
56%

#18

Adjusted Score: 58472%

Critics Consensus: While it might be intriguing for Mel Brooks completists, Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank is an often ungainly blend of kid-friendly animation and grown-up gags.

Synopsis: A down-on-his-luck hound finds himself in a town full of cats who need a hero to defend them from a... [More]

Starring: Michael Cera, Samuel L. Jackson, Ricky Gervais, Mel Brooks

Directed By: Mark Koetsier, Chris Bailey, Rob Minkoff

#19

Harriet the Spy (1996)
47%

#19

Adjusted Score: 48396%

Critics Consensus: Harriet the Spy is a rapid-fire mystery movie that doesn't have much to offer beyond the two decent lead performances.

Synopsis: Harriet (Michelle Trachtenberg) may only be in the sixth grade, but she's already found her calling: to be a spy.... [More]

Starring: Michelle Trachtenberg, Rosie O'Donnell, Vanessa Lee Chester, Gregory Smith

Directed By: Bronwen Hughes

#20

Hotel for Dogs (2009)
46%

#20

Adjusted Score: 50530%

Critics Consensus: Hotel for Dogs may appeal to children and dog lovers, but it's ultimately contrived, predictable, and simplistic.

Synopsis: After moving into a foster home that forbids pets, siblings Andi (Emma Roberts) and Bruce (Jake T. Austin) must quickly... [More]

Starring: Emma Roberts, Jake T. Austin, Lisa Kudrow, Kevin Dillon

Directed By: Thor Freudenthal

#21

Imagine That (2009)
42%

#21

Adjusted Score: 46305%

Critics Consensus: Despite a promising turn by newcomer Yara Shahidi, Imagine That is another pedestrian family comedy that squanders Eddie Murphy's comedic talents.

Synopsis: Like many busy professionals, Evan Danielson (Eddie Murphy) is so focused on his career that quality time with his young... [More]

Starring: Eddie Murphy, Thomas Haden Church, Yara Shahidi, Nicole Ari Parker

Directed By: Karey Kirkpatrick

#22

Nacho Libre (2006)
39%

#22

Adjusted Score: 45622%

Critics Consensus: At times hilarious, but other times offensive, Director Jared Hess is unable to recapture the collective charisma of his Napoleon characters, instead relying on a one-joke concept that runs out of steam. Sure to entertain the adolescents, however.

Synopsis: Ignacio (Jack Black), or Nacho to his friends, works as a cook in the Mexican monastery where he grew up.... [More]

Starring: Jack Black, Ana de la Reguera, Héctor Jiménez, Richard Montoya

Directed By: Jared Hess

#23

Rugrats Go Wild (2003)
40%

#23

Adjusted Score: 42526%

Critics Consensus: The Rugrats franchise has gone from fresh to formulaic.

Synopsis: Chuckie (Nancy Cartwright) and Tommy (Elizabeth Daily) find themselves stranded with their parents on a remote island. By coincidence, the... [More]

Starring: Bruce Willis, Chrissie Hynde, Nancy Cartwright, Kath Soucie

Directed By: Norton Virgien, John Eng

#24

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows (2016)
38%

#24

Adjusted Score: 45837%

Critics Consensus: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows is a slight improvement over its predecessor, but still lacks the wit or anarchic energy of the comics that birthed the franchise.

Synopsis: The turtles face a new challenge when Shredder escapes from custody and joins forces with Baxter Stockman, a mad scientist... [More]

Starring: Megan Fox, Will Arnett, Laura Linney, Stephen Amell

Directed By: Dave Green

#25

Wonder Park (2019)
35%

#25

Adjusted Score: 39992%

Critics Consensus: Colorful and energetic but lacking a compelling story, Wonder Park is little more than a competently made diversion for very young viewers.

Synopsis: Buckle up for an epic adventure where anything is possible. A young girl named June with a big imagination makes... [More]

Starring: Jennifer Garner, Matthew Broderick, John Oliver, Mila Kunis

Directed By: Dylan C. Brown

#26

Good Burger (1997)
33%

#26

Adjusted Score: 35468%

Critics Consensus: Good Burger might please hardcore fans of the 1990s Nickelodeon TV series that launched leads Kenan and Kel to stardom, but for all others, it will likely prove a comedy that is neither satisfyingly rare nor well done.

Synopsis: Teen misfits (Kel Mitchell, Kenan Thompson) at a modest burger joint face competition from a hamburger emporium across the street.... [More]

Starring: Kel Mitchell, Kenan Thompson, Sinbad, Abe Vigoda

Directed By: Brian Robbins

#27

Monster Trucks (2016)
32%

#27

Adjusted Score: 35984%

Critics Consensus: Despite flashes of inspiration, the singularly high-concept Monster Trucks shows that it takes more than monsters and trucks to create a compelling feature film.

Synopsis: Looking for any way to get away from the life and town he was born into, Tripp (Lucas Till), a... [More]

Starring: Lucas Till, Jane Levy, Rob Lowe, Danny Glover

Directed By: Chris Wedge

#28

Clockstoppers (2002)
29%

#28

Adjusted Score: 31329%

Critics Consensus: A pleasant diversion for the young teens, but a waste of time for anyone older.

Synopsis: Until now, Zak Gibbs' (Jesse Bradford) greatest challenge has been to find a way to buy a car. But when... [More]

Starring: Jesse Bradford, French Stewart, Paula Garcés, Michael Biehn

Directed By: Jonathan Frakes

#29

Hey Arnold! The Movie (2002)
29%

#29

Adjusted Score: 31016%

Critics Consensus: Bland, unoriginal, and lacking the wit of the TV series, Hey Arnold is a 30 min cartoon stretched beyond its running time.

Synopsis: Arnold (Spencer Klein) and his pal, Gerald (Jamil Walker Smith), learn their beloved neighborhood is about to be torn down... [More]

Starring: Spencer Klein, Francesca Smith, Jamil Walker Smith, Dan Castellaneta

Directed By: Tuck Tucker

#30

Snow Day (2000)
30%

#30

Adjusted Score: 32039%

Critics Consensus: Weak assembly of characters and story lines made this movie forgettable and silly.

Synopsis: Anything can happen on a snow day --- and for Hal and Natalie Brandston, it does. When the sun sets... [More]

Starring: Chris Elliott, Mark Webber, Jean Smart, Schuyler Fisk

Directed By: Chris Koch

#31

Fun Size (2012)
25%

#31

Adjusted Score: 27752%

Critics Consensus: It occasionally shows surprising flashes of wit, but Fun Size is too safe and formulaic -- not to mention unfunny -- to survive comparisons to the '80s teen movies it eagerly imitates.

Synopsis: Wren (Victoria Justice) is a high-school senior who can't wait to get away from her dysfunctional family. On Halloween, Wren's... [More]

Starring: Victoria Justice, Thomas Mann, Jane Levy, Chelsea Handler

Directed By: Josh Schwartz

#32

Playing With Fire (2019)
24%

#32

Adjusted Score: 27256%

Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.

Synopsis: When straight-laced fire superintendent Jake Carson and his elite team of firefighters come to the rescue of three siblings, they... [More]

Starring: John Cena, Judy Greer, Keegan-Michael Key, John Leguizamo

Directed By: Andy Fickman

#33

Barnyard: The Original Party Animals (2006)
23%

#33

Adjusted Score: 26296%

Critics Consensus: Unimaginative and unfunny, this tale of barnyard mischief borders on 'udder' creepiness and adds little to this summer's repertoire of animated films.

Synopsis: A carefree cow has a heavy responsibility thrust upon him to protect his kind when his Sheriff father is killed... [More]

Starring: Kevin James, Courteney Cox, Sam Elliott, Danny Glover

Directed By: Steve Oedekerk

#34

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014)
21%

#34

Adjusted Score: 28547%

Critics Consensus: Neither entertaining enough to recommend nor remarkably awful, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles may bear the distinction of being the dullest movie ever made about talking bipedal reptiles.

Synopsis: Spawned from a lab experiment gone awry, teenage terrapins Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael live in the sewers beneath New... [More]

Starring: Megan Fox, Will Arnett, William Fichtner, Danny Woodburn

Directed By: Jonathan Liebesman

#35

Yours, Mine & Ours (2005)
6%

#35

Adjusted Score: 9465%

Critics Consensus: The initial set-up is unbelievable, the plotting is predictable and stale, and the comedy depends on repetitive pratfalls that soon get old.

Synopsis: When Coast Guard Adm. Frank Beardsley (Dennis Quaid) decides to move his family of eight children back to his old... [More]

Starring: Dennis Quaid, Rene Russo, Danielle Panabaker, Sean Faris

Directed By: Raja Gosnell

#36

The Last Airbender (2010)
5%

#36

Adjusted Score: 12594%

Critics Consensus: The Last Airbender squanders its popular source material with incomprehensible plotting, horrible acting, and detached joyless direction.

Synopsis: The four nations of Air, Water, Earth and Fire lived in harmony until the Fire Nation declared war. A century... [More]

Starring: Noah Ringer, Dev Patel, Nicola Peltz Beckham, Jackson Rathbone

Directed By: M. Night Shyamalan