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IMDbPro

Elf

  • 20032003
  • PGPG
  • 1h 37m
IMDb RATING
7.0/10
262K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
3,330
517
Will Ferrell in Elf (2003)
Trailer 2
Play trailer2:31
9 Videos
70 Photos
  • Adventure
  • Comedy
  • Family
Raised as an oversized elf, Buddy travels from the North Pole to New York City to meet his biological father, Walter Hobbs, who doesn't know he exists and is in desperate need of some Christ... Read allRaised as an oversized elf, Buddy travels from the North Pole to New York City to meet his biological father, Walter Hobbs, who doesn't know he exists and is in desperate need of some Christmas spirit.Raised as an oversized elf, Buddy travels from the North Pole to New York City to meet his biological father, Walter Hobbs, who doesn't know he exists and is in desperate need of some Christmas spirit.
IMDb RATING
7.0/10
262K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
3,330
517
  • 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 production, box office & company info
    • 609User reviews
    • 132Critic reviews
    • 64Metascore
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • 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?

    Photos70

    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
    • News Reporter Charlotte Denonas News Reporter Charlotte Denon
    Ted Friend
    Ted Friend
    • NY 1 Anchoras NY 1 Anchor
    • Director
      • Jon Favreau
    • Writer
      • David Berenbaum
    • All cast & crew
    • See more cast details at IMDbPro

    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

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    Storyline

    Edit

    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 reviews609

    Review
    Top review
    7/10
    A star is born in this laugh-out-loud holiday comedy...
    Charming Christmas confection--about a boy raised by elves in the North Pole who grows up and journeys to N.Y.C. in search of his biological father--puts a clever spin on even the most familiar gags, successfully walking a fine line between absurdist comedy and holiday schmaltz. Will Ferrell looks like a string-bean in yellow tights and, with his mass of curly hair peeking out from underneath his elf's hat, he could easily be used as a walking punchline. Fortunately, director Jon Favreau's handling of "Elf" is incredibly nimble, treating Ferrell and his naive character Buddy with the utmost respect; you can laugh at all the silly pranks without ever feeling guilty. Favreau's work is smooth, and he's assembled an incredible supporting cast of character actors to back his star, though some may find the climactic moments (involving Edward Asner as Santa Claus) a bit too literal--and the movie is certainly funnier before we get to this point. Still, the special effects are kept to a minimum in order to let the people shine...and that's not only refreshing, it's heart-warming. *** from ****
    helpful•30
    10
    • moonspinner55
    • Dec 23, 2007

    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
      • Facebook
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • A Enchanted
    • 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
      • $177,874,109
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $32,100,000
      • Nov 9, 2003
    • Gross worldwide
      • $225,097,437
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 37 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • DTS
      • Dolby Digital
      • SDDS

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