• Release CalendarDVD & Blu-ray ReleasesTop Rated MoviesMost Popular MoviesBrowse Movies by GenreTop Box OfficeShowtimes & TicketsIn TheatersComing SoonMovie NewsIndia Movie Spotlight
      What's on TV & StreamingTop Rated ShowsMost Popular ShowsBrowse TV Shows by GenreTV NewsIndia TV Spotlight
      What to WatchLatest TrailersIMDb TVIMDb OriginalsIMDb PicksIMDb Podcasts
      OscarsBest Picture WinnersBest Picture WinnersGolden GlobesEmmysSTARmeter AwardsSan Diego Comic-ConNew York Comic-ConSundance Film FestivalToronto Int'l Film FestivalAwards CentralFestival CentralAll Events
      Born TodayMost Popular CelebsMost Popular CelebsCelebrity News
      Help CenterContributor ZonePolls
    For Industry Professionals
      AllTitlesTV EpisodesCelebsCompaniesKeywords
    • Advanced Search
    Watchlist
    Sign In

    Elf

    • 20032003
    • PGPG
    • 1h 37min
    IMDb RATING
    7.0/10
    238K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    2,397
    418
    • Cast & crew
    • User reviews
    • Trivia
    • IMDbPro
    Will Ferrell in Elf (2003)
    Trailer 2
    Play trailer2:31
    9 Videos
    69 Photos
    AdventureComedyFamily

    Raised as an over-sized elf, a human travels from the North Pole to NYC to meet his biological father who doesn't know he exists and is in desperate need of some Christmas spirit.Raised as an over-sized elf, a human travels from the North Pole to NYC to meet his biological father who doesn't know he exists and is in desperate need of some Christmas spirit.Raised as an over-sized elf, a human travels from the North Pole to NYC to meet his biological father who doesn't know he exists and is in desperate need of some Christmas spirit.

    IMDb RATING
    7.0/10
    238K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    2,397
    418
    • Director
      • Jon Favreau
    • Writer
      • David Berenbaum
    • Stars
      • Will Ferrell
      • James Caan
      • Bob Newhart
    Top credits
    • Director
      • Jon Favreau
    • Writer
      • David Berenbaum
    • Stars
      • Will Ferrell
      • James Caan
      • Bob Newhart
    • See more at IMDbPro
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 566User reviews
    • 135Critic reviews
    • 64Metascore
  • See production, box office & company info
    • Awards
      • 2 wins & 7 nominations

    Videos9

    Elf
    Trailer 2:31
    Elf
    Elf
    Trailer 1:34
    Elf
    The Worst Gifts in Our Favorite Holiday Films
    Clip 2:37
    The Worst Gifts in Our Favorite Holiday Films
    Holiday Movies and TV Specials That Get You in the Spirit
    Clip 2:06
    Holiday Movies and TV Specials That Get You in the Spirit
    What Are These Stars Watching This Holiday Season?
    Full Episode 3:11
    What Are These Stars Watching This Holiday Season?
    Sydney Sweeney Watches Christmas Movies All Year Long
    Full Episode 3:34
    Sydney Sweeney Watches Christmas Movies All Year Long
    What's Your Favorite Scene from a Holiday Movie?
    Video 3:33
    What's Your Favorite Scene from a Holiday Movie?
    What Roles Has Will Ferrell Turned Down?
    Video 3:38
    What Roles Has Will Ferrell Turned Down?
    Which 8 Christmas Movies Almost Had Completely Different Stars?
    Video 2:34
    Which 8 Christmas Movies Almost Had Completely Different Stars?

    Photos69

    James Caan, Will Ferrell, and Amy Sedaris in Elf (2003)
    Will Ferrell and Bob Newhart in Elf (2003)
    Will Ferrell in Elf (2003)
    Will Ferrell, Kristian Ayre, Peter Billingsley, Meghan Black, David Avalon, Patrick Baynham, Graeme Duffy, and Reginald Colin Rowley in Elf (2003)
    Will Ferrell in Elf (2003)
    Will Ferrell and Daniel Tay in Elf (2003)
    Will Ferrell in Elf (2003)
    Will Ferrell in Elf (2003)
    Will Ferrell in Elf (2003)
    Will Ferrell in Elf (2003)
    James Caan and Will Ferrell in Elf (2003)
    Edward Asner, Peter Billingsley, and Bob Newhart in Elf (2003)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Will Ferrell
    Will Ferrell
    • Buddyas Buddy
    James Caan
    James Caan
    • Walteras Walter
    Bob Newhart
    Bob Newhart
    • Papa Elfas Papa Elf
    Zooey Deschanel
    Zooey Deschanel
    • Jovieas Jovie
    Edward Asner
    Edward Asner
    • Santaas Santa
    Mary Steenburgen
    Mary Steenburgen
    • Emilyas Emily
    Daniel Tay
    • Michaelas Michael
    Faizon Love
    Faizon Love
    • Gimbel's Manageras Gimbel's Manager
    Peter Dinklage
    Peter Dinklage
    • Miles Finchas Miles Finch
    Amy Sedaris
    Amy Sedaris
    • Debas Deb
    Michael Lerner
    Michael Lerner
    • Fultonas Fulton
    Andy Richter
    Andy Richter
    • Morrisas Morris
    Kyle Gass
    Kyle Gass
    • Eugeneas Eugene
    Artie Lange
    Artie Lange
    • Gimbel's Santaas Gimbel's Santa
    Leon Redbone
    Leon Redbone
    • Leon the Snowmanas Leon the Snowman
    • (voice)
    Ray Harryhausen
    Ray Harryhausen
    • Polar Bear Cubas Polar Bear Cub
    • (voice)
    Claire Lautier
    Claire Lautier
    • NY 1 Reporteras NY 1 Reporter
    Ted Friend
    Ted Friend
    • NY 1 Anchoras NY 1 Anchor
    • Director
      • Jon Favreau
    • Writer
      • David Berenbaum
    • All cast & crew
    See production, box office, & company info

    Who Was Almost Buddy the Elf?

    Who Was Almost Buddy the Elf?

    Jim Carrey as Buddy the Elf? It almost happened! Check out who else almost starred in your favorite Christmas movies.
    Find out
    Image caption not available
    2:34

    More like this

    How the Grinch Stole Christmas
    6.2
    How the Grinch Stole Christmas
    The Santa Clause
    6.5
    The Santa Clause
    Home Alone
    7.6
    Home Alone
    The Polar Express
    6.6
    The Polar Express
    Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
    6.8
    Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
    Night at the Museum
    6.4
    Night at the Museum
    Jumanji
    7.0
    Jumanji
    Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
    7.8
    Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
    Elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas
    5.4
    Elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas
    Holes
    7.0
    Holes
    Mrs. Doubtfire
    7.0
    Mrs. Doubtfire
    A Christmas Story
    7.9
    A Christmas Story

    Storyline

    Edit
    Buddy was a baby in an orphanage who stowed away in Santa's sack and ended up at the North Pole. Later, as an adult human who happened to be raised by elves, Santa allows him to go to New York City to find his birth father, Walter Hobbs. Hobbs, on Santa's naughty list for being a heartless jerk, had no idea that Buddy was even born. Buddy, meanwhile, experiences the delights of New York City (and human culture) as only an elf can. When Walter's relationship with Buddy interferes with his job, he is forced to reevaluate his priorities. —Ken Miller <wkmiller704@yahoo.com>
    elfchristmasfather son relationshipsanta clauschristmas movie225 more
    • Plot summary
    • Plot synopsis
    • Taglines
      • A Comedy of Elf-fish Proportions
    • Genres
      • Adventure
      • Comedy
      • Family
      • Fantasy
      • Romance
    • Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
      • Rated PG for some mild rude humor and language
    • Parents guide

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Several minor traffic accidents occurred when Will Ferrell walked through the Lincoln Tunnel in his costume, because people were so surprised (and distracted from their driving) to see him wearing an elf outfit.
    • Goofs
      When Buddy chases Michael down the street from the school, a crew member in a yellow hat can be seen trying to duck back behind a doorway of a house on the street.
    • Quotes

      Buddy: [thinking Miles is an elf] Did you have to borrow a reindeer to get down here?

      Miles Finch: Hey, jackweed, I get more action in a week than you've had in your entire life. I've got houses in L.A., Paris and Vail. In each one, a 70 inch plasma screen. So I suggest you wipe that stupid smile off your face before I come over there and SMACK it off! You feeling strong, my friend? Call me elf one more time.

      Buddy: [after a pause] He's an angry elf.

      [Miles promptly attacks him]

    • Crazy credits
      The Snowman closes out the movie by saluting and winking at the camera
    • Connections
      Featured in Late Night with Conan O'Brien: James Caan/David Cross/Greg Behrendt (2003)
    • Soundtracks
      Pennies From Heaven
      (1936)

      Music by Arthur Johnston

      Lyrics by Johnny Burke

      Performed by Louis Prima

      Courtesy of Capitol Records

      Under license from EMI Film & Television Music

    User reviews566

    Review
    Top review
    9/10
    Unexpected out of nowhere against all odds classic
    This was my 4th viewing and now ready to review.

    The story is insane. This film should not have worked. But almost as a tribute to the X-Mas miracles it tries to riff off, it is an astonishingly entertaining film.

    Behind the camera Favreau, Mr Money Shot, who has quietly without fanfare turned into one of the hottest directors in Hollywood history. In front of the camera Farell who I usually don't care for but may just give the performance of his career here. A script to die for. Probably the best use of Zoey D's looks in her career to date.

    Way under rated and unappreciated.

    As in my other reviews, most "recent" X-Mas films (since about 2000) are Canadian B-movies shot on a budget which would barely cover a reno on THIS OLD HOUSE What an unexpected treat See it
    helpful•74
    18
    • A_Different_Drummer
    • Jan 8, 2016

    FAQ4

    • What is 'Elf' about?
    • Is 'Elf' based on a book?
    • How did the elves know that the baby's name was Buddy?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • November 7, 2003 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Official Facebook
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Elf, el duende
    • Filming locations
      • Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    • Production companies
      • New Line Cinema
      • Guy Walks into a Bar Productions
      • Gold/Miller Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $33,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $176,630,408
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $32,100,000
      • Nov 9, 2003
    • Gross worldwide
      • $223,853,736
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 37min
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • DTS
      • Dolby Digital
      • SDDS

    Related news

    Ed Asner, Star Of The Mary Tyler Moore Show And Elf, Dead At Age 91
    Ed Asner, Star Of The Mary Tyler Moore Show And Elf, Dead At Age 91
    Aug 29Slash Film
    Ed Asner’s Career Television & Film Career: A Photo Gallery
    Ed Asner’s Career Television & Film Career: A Photo Gallery
    Aug 29Deadline Film + TV

    Contribute to this page

    Suggest an edit or add missing content
    Will Ferrell in Elf (2003)
    Top Gap
    By what name was Elf (2003) officially released in India in English?
    Answer
    • See more gaps
    • Learn more about contributing
    Edit page

    More to explore

    View image
    Photos
    Child Stars, Then and Now
    See the entire gallery
    View list
    List
    The Best Upcoming Sci-Fi & Fantasy Movies and TV
    See the full list

    Recently viewed

    You have no recently viewed pages
    Get the IMDb App
    • Get the IMDb App
    • Help
    • Site Index
    • IMDbPro
    • IMDb TV
    • Box Office Mojo
    • IMDb Developer
    • Press Room
    • Advertising
    • Jobs
    • Conditions of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • Interest-Based Ads

    © 1990-2021 by IMDb.com, Inc.