The Ant Bully

  • 2006
  • PG
  • 89m
movieMx RATING
5.8/101.4K
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: The Ant Bully Review

Last updated: February 16, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 16, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is The Ant Bully (2006) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Fantasy.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Fantasy is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Ant Bully features a noteworthy lineup led by Zach Tyler Eisen . Supported by the likes of Julia Roberts and Meryl Streep , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of The Ant Bully (2006) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.8/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, The Ant Bully stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: The Ant Bully

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2006, The Ant Bully is a Fantasy, Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Family film directed by John A. Davis. The narrative transports viewers to imaginative worlds filled with magic, wonder, and epic adventures. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Zach Tyler Eisen.

Story Breakdown

The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Fed up with being targeted by the neighborhood bully, 10-year-old Lucas Nickle vents his frustrations on the anthill in his front yard ... until the insects shrink him to the size of a bug with a magic elixir. Convicted of "crimes against the colony," Lucas can only regain his freedom by living with the ants and learning their ways. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
  • Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
  • Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.

Ending Explained: The Ant Bully

Ending Breakdown: Directed by John A. Davis, The Ant Bully attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to fantasy resolution.

The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions involving Zach Tyler Eisen, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the fantasy themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of The Ant Bully reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch The Ant Bully?

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Fantasy films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment

Box Office Collection: The Ant Bully

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $50.0M
Worldwide Gross $55.2M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

The Ant Bully Budget

The estimated production budget for The Ant Bully is $50.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

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Top Cast: The Ant Bully

All Cast & Crew →
Zach Tyler Eisen
Zach Tyler EisenLucas Nickle (voice)
Julia Roberts
Julia RobertsHova (voice)
Meryl Streep
Meryl StreepQueen (voice)
Nicolas Cage
Nicolas CageZoc (voice)
Paul Giamatti
Paul GiamattiStan Beals (voice)
Bruce Campbell
Bruce CampbellFugax (voice)
Regina King
Regina KingKreela (voice)
Lily Tomlin
Lily TomlinMommo (voice)
Larry Miller
Larry MillerFred Nickle (voice)
Cheri Oteri
Cheri OteriDoreen Nickle (voice)
Ricardo Montalban
Ricardo MontalbanHead of Council (voice)
Myles Jeffrey
Myles JeffreySteve (voice)
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Where to Watch The Ant Bully Online?

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The Ant Bully Parents Guide & Age Rating

2006 Advisory
PG

Official Age Rating

Wondering about The Ant Bully age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

The Ant Bully is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of The Ant Bully is 89 minutes (1h 29m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.8/10, and global performance metrics, The Ant Bully is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2006 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for The Ant Bully. Rating: 5.8/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Ant Bully worth watching?

The Ant Bully is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Fantasy movies. It has a verified rating of 5.8/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find The Ant Bully parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for The Ant Bully identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of The Ant Bully?

The total duration of The Ant Bully is 89 minutes, which is approximately 1h 29m long.

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Critic Reviews for The Ant Bully

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movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.8
The Ant Bully
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/the-ant-bully-9906" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 5.8</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">The Ant Bully</div></div></a>

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