The Croods
The Croods Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Movie Overview: The Croods
| Movie | The Croods |
| Release Year | 2013 |
| Director | Kirk DeMicco |
| Genre | Animation / Adventure / Family / Comedy |
| Runtime | 99 minutes (1h 39m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Croods (2013) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Animation.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Croods are led by Nicolas Cage . The supporting cast, including Emma Stone and Ryan Reynolds , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
The Croods stands out as a strong entry in the Animation genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Animation narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Croods has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Animation fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Croods
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2013, The Croods is a Animation, Adventure, Family, Comedy film directed by Kirk DeMicco, written by Chris Sanders. The narrative combines stunning visual artistry with storytelling that appeals to all ages. As part of the The Croods Collection, it provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Nicolas Cage as Grug (voice).
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. The prehistoric Croods family live in a particularly dangerous moment in time. Patriarch Grug, his mate Ugga, teenage daughter Eep, son Thunk, and feisty Gran gather food by day and huddle together in a cave at night. When a more evolved caveman named Guy arrives on the scene, Grug is distrustful, but it soon becomes apparent that Guy is correct about the impending destruction of their world. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The Croods establishes its world and central conflict efficiently, with Kirk DeMicco introducing Nicolas Cage as Grug (voice) in the opening act, and over its 99-minute runtime, the pacing proves deliberate.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Nicolas Cage's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings the narrative threads together, with Nicolas Cage's arc reaching resolution. Kirk DeMicco's handling of the finale provides adequate resolution.
Thematic Depth
The film operates on multiple levels, using its genre framework to explore deeper themes about human nature, society, and the choices that define us.
What Works & What Doesn't
✅ Strengths
- Solid execution of genre conventions
- Engaging moments that showcase the creators' vision
- Competent performances from the cast
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Some narrative choices that feel predictable
- Occasional pacing lulls in the middle act
Ending Explained: The Croods
The Croods Ending Explained: Directed by Kirk DeMicco, The Croods wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core animation themes developed throughout the film.
The conclusion reflects the central themes explored throughout the narrative, particularly in scenes involving Nicolas Cage. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the animation themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of The Croods reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch The Croods?
Age Advisory: Rated PG.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Animation films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Nicolas Cage or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Croods
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $135.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $587.2M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Croods Budget
The estimated production budget for The Croods is $135.0M. 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.
Where to Watch The Croods Online?
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Apple TV StoreThe Croods Parents Guide & Age Rating
2013 AdvisoryWondering about The Croods age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Croods (2013) is 99 minutes (1h 39m). Directed by Kirk DeMicco, the film runs for 99 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.9/10, and global performance metrics, The Croods is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2013 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Croods worth watching?
The Croods is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Animation movies. It has a verified rating of 6.9/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Croods parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Croods identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Croods (2013)?
The runtime of The Croods (2013) is 99 minutes (approximately 1h 39m).
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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