Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle (2018): Cast, Ratings & Where to Watch
Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle is a 2018 adventure drama starring Andy Serkis as Baloo, Christian Bale and Benedict Cumberbatch. It is based on The Jungle Books by Rudyard Kipling. It runs 1 hour 44 minutes and was made on a reported $175 million budget. It earned 1 award nomination, including Best Cinematography at the AACTA Awards 2017. Critics gave it 52% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.5/10. Stream it on Netflix.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 44m (104 min)
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Netflix
- Budget
- $175M
- Based on
- The Jungle Books by Rudyard Kipling
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle About?
The premise of Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle without spoilers, adapted from The Jungle Books by Rudyard Kipling. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.
Raised by wolves in the Indian jungle, Mowgli learns valuable lessons about survival from Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther. As he grows older, he faces danger and must navigate the complexities of his surroundings while confronting the fearsome Shere Khan. Mowgli also begins to question his origins and search for answers about his human heritage in a land teeming with both beauty and peril.
Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- jungle book
- one word title
- showdown
- final showdown
- fight to the death
- fight
- chase
- running
- slow motion scene
- coming of age
- feral child
- child's point of view
+38 more Show fewer
- banishment
- hope
- fear
- danger
- paranoia
- panic
- fish out of water
- metaphor
- survival
- montage
- training
- training montage
- no opening credits
- prologue
- little boy
- baby
- altered version of studio logo
- flashback
- flash forward
- fade to black
- subjective camera
- character's point of view camera shot
- jungle
- rainforest
- heavy rain
- revenge
- near death experience
- combat
- rifle
- hunter
- hunting
- tree
- talking animal
- part computer animation
- law of the jungle
- surrealism
- council
- murder
Where to Watch Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle
Stream it on Netflix. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
Stream 2
Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle Cast & Characters
Andy Serkis leads the cast as Baloo, with Christian Bale as Bagheera and Benedict Cumberbatch as Shere Khan.
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Andy Serkis as Baloo -
Christian Bale as Bagheera -
Benedict Cumberbatch as Shere Khan -
Cate Blanchett as Kaa
Also Starring in Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle
· 5 more- Naomie Harris Nisha
- Eddie Marsan Vihaan
- Matthew Rhys Lockwood
- Freida Pinto Messua
- Jack Reynor Brother Wolf
Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle 52% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 51/100, strongest in character & emotion (80) and weakest in rewatch factor (30).
Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle Echo Score Breakdown
The overall reception for Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle is decidedly mixed, with distinct strengths in visual ambition and voice performances counterbalanced by narrative and stylistic inconsistencies. Critics and users alike commend the film’s detailed production design, impressive CGI, and weightier emotional moments, while others criticize its scattershot tone, lack of clear purpose, and uneven aesthetic integration. Despite moments of philosophical resonance and raw atmosphere, the film struggles to sustain coherent engagement throughout. Overall, it presents a moderately intriguing but uneven adaptation with limited broad appeal.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 75
Art & Craft emerges as one of the film’s stronger elements, showcasing detailed production design and striking CGI sequences. In terms of cinematography, reviewers highlight immersive textures of flesh, blood, and mud that lend a tactile authenticity. However, occasional off-kilter visual choices and aesthetic contradictions disrupt immersion. The result is a visually ambitious presentation that, despite uneven patches, remains one of the adaptation’s more compelling achievements.
- Character & Emotion 80
Character & Emotion benefits from solid voice performances and a commitment to deeper thematic stakes. When it comes to character depth, the film delivers weightier portrayals of Kipling’s figures and moments of genuine gravitas. Emotional resonance is bolstered by reflections on family and acceptance, lending philosophical heft. Overall, the cast’s nuanced vocal work and the film’s thematic focus create an engaging emotional core that largely succeeds.
- Story & Flow 35
Story & Flow proves the film’s most problematic area, marked by narrative incoherence and uneven pacing. In terms of plot coherence, the screenplay often feels scattershot and lacking clear purpose, as noted by critics and viewers alike. Pacing issues manifest in a rushed finale and unexplored subplots, undermining engagement. As a result, the adaptation struggles to sustain momentum and deliver a coherent, emotionally impactful journey.
- Sensory Experience 60
Sensory Experience offers mixed results, alternating between immersive soundscapes and disjointed visual style. When it comes to soundtrack and sound design, the film uses raw ambient elements that underscore its darker tone. Visual style benefits from rich textures and detailed CGI, but inconsistent animation choices and aesthetic mismatches create occasional alienation. Overall, the sensory palette shows ambition but lacks the cohesion needed for full immersion.
- Rewatch Factor 30
Rewatch Factor remains limited due to the film’s uneven execution and heavy tone. In terms of lasting appeal, the intense darkness and philosophical moments may resonate with some viewers, but many find sparse memorable highlights. Replay value is hindered by narrative gaps and scarce emotional payoff, which reduce enjoyment on subsequent viewings. Consequently, the film offers modest incentive for repeat watches beyond its most dedicated fans.
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IMDb 6.5 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 52% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 51%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
TMDB 65% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 2.7 /5
20 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 4.1 /5
See on Movie Insider
Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What happens in Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In the heart of the jungle, Kaa (Cate Blanchett), an Indian python with prophetic abilities, observes Shere Khan (Benedict Cumberbatch), a Bengal tiger with a deep-seated grudge, as he breaks the jungle’s sacred laws by hunting down a family of humans. Only the young boy escapes his wrath. Bagheera (Christian Bale), a panther who is drawn to the commotion, intervenes, rescuing the boy, Mowgli (Rohan Chand), and taking him to the safety of a wolf family led by Nisha (Naomie Harris) and Vihaan (Eddie Marsan). However, Tabaqui (Tom Hollander), the cunning hyena servant of Shere Khan, discovers the boy before he can find refuge and is soon chased off.
Full summary
The whole story of Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle, scene by scene, with the ending explained
Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle Awards & Nominations
Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle earned 1 award nomination, including Best Cinematography at the AACTA Awards 2017.
1 nomination1 ceremony
-
AACTA Awards 2017 1 nomination- Nominated Best Cinematography
Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle.
How Well Do You Know Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who is the voice of Kaa in the movie?
Cars in Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle
22 cars on screen, including the Land-Rover Defender 110 Station Wagon and the Suzuki DR-Z 400.
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Land-Rover Defender 110 Station Wagon Important role -
Suzuki DR-Z 400 Important role -
2017 Chrysler Pacifica Minor role -
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Minor role
Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle Also Known As
34 alternative titles, including “Книга джунглей: Начало” and “Jungle Book: Origins”.
- Also known as
-
- Книга джунглей: Начало
- Jungle Book: Origins
- Mogli: O Livro da Selva
- Jungle Book
- Маугли: Легенда джунглей
- Mogli - Entre Dois Mundos
- Mowgli : la légende de la jungle
- Mauglí - příběh džungle
- Маугли
- Mogli: Entre Dois Mundos
- Mowgli: Legenda junglei
- Мауґлі: Легенда джунглів
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- Mowgli - Il figlio della giungla
- מוגלי: אגדת הג'ונגל
- Μόγλης: Ο Θρύλος της Ζούγκλας
- Mogli: Legende des Dschungels
- 모글리: 정글의 전설
- Mowgli: La leyenda de la selva
- เมาคลี ตำนานแห่งเจ้าป่า
- Mowgli: Legenda dżungli
- Maugli: A dzsungel legendája
- Knjiga o džungli
- Mogli: A Lenda da Selva
- Књига о џунгли: Порекло
- Mogli: Orman Çocuğu
- Mowgli: Relatos del libro de la selva
- 森林之子毛克利
- Mauglis: Džiunglių legenda
- موگلی افسانه جنگل
- Mavgli: Deček iz džungle
- Mowgli: Cậu Bé Rừng Xanh, მაუგლი: ჯუნგლების ლეგენდა
- ماوكلي اسطورة الغابة
- モーグリ: ジャングルの伝説
- ئورمان ئوغلى موگىلى
Seen Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle?
Movies Like Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Jungle Book, Jungle Book and The Jungle Book.
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The Jungle Book 2016 -
Jungle Book 1990 -
The Jungle Book 1994 -
The Jungle Book 1967 -
Jungle Book 1942 -
The Adventures of Mowgli 1973 -
Adventures of Mowgli: The Fight 1970 -
The Second Jungle Book: Mowgli & Baloo 1997 -
The Jungle Book 2 2003 -
Adventures of Mowgli: Return to Mankind 1971 -
Adventures of Mowgli: Raksha 1967 -
Adventures of Mowgli: Akela’s Last Hunt 1969
Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle FAQ: Where to Watch & Cast
Runtime, release date, cast, where to watch, budget, ratings, the book behind it and awards of Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle?
Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle runs 1 hour 44 minutes (104 minutes).
When was Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle released?
Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle was released on November 29, 2018.
Who is in the cast of Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle?
Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle stars Andy Serkis as Baloo, Christian Bale as Bagheera and Benedict Cumberbatch as Shere Khan, among 9 credited actors.
Where can I watch Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle?
In the US, Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle is streaming on Netflix (availability from JustWatch).
What was the budget of Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle?
Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle had a reported budget of $175 million.
How is Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle rated?
Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle has 6.5/10 on IMDb, 52% on Rotten Tomatoes, 65% on TMDB and 2.7/5 on Letterboxd.
Is Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle based on a book?
Yes. Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle is adapted from The Jungle Books by Rudyard Kipling.
Was Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle nominated for any awards?
Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle received 1 nomination across 1 ceremony.
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