The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run (2021): Cast & Ratings
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run is a 2021 animated comedy starring Bill Fagerbakke as Patrick, Rodger Bumpass and Clancy Brown. It runs 1 hour 31 minutes and earned $4.8 million worldwide on a $60 million budget. Critics gave it 66% on Rotten Tomatoes and 65 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.9/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 31m (91 min)
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Paramount Pictures
- Budget
- $60M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run About?
The premise of The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
When SpongeBob’s beloved pet snail Gary goes missing, he and Patrick Star set off on an unexpected adventure. Their quest to find Gary leads them on a thrilling journey to the Lost City of Atlantic City. Along the way, they face unexpected challenges and discover the true strength of their friendship as they work together to solve the mystery and rescue Gary.
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- spongebob squarepants character
- sequel
- king
- kidnapping
- friendship
- zombie
- robot
- desert
- restaurant
- squirrel
- computer animation
- cgi animation
+38 more Show fewer
- live action and animation
- based on tv series
- part live action
- delayed release
- snail
- underwater scene
- flashback
- poseidon character
- retcon
- musical number
- dream sequence
- jail
- poseidon the greek deity
- rescue
- 3d animation
- tumbleweed
- sponge
- starfish
- amusement park
- mission
- crab
- squid
- underwater city
- anthropomorphic animal
- animal that acts human
- movie in title
- colon in title
- sea snail
- seven word title
- plankton
- computer
- disappearance
- younger version of character
- city
- fast food restaurant
- fish
- octopus
- quest
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run Cast & Characters
Bill Fagerbakke leads the cast as Patrick, with Rodger Bumpass as Squidward and Clancy Brown as Mr. Krabs.
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Bill Fagerbakke as Patrick -
Rodger Bumpass as Squidward -
Clancy Brown as Mr. Krabs -
Mr. Lawrence as Plankton
Also Starring in The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run
· 15 more- Jill Talley Karen
- Carolyn Lawrence Sandy
- Awkwafina Otto
- Matt Berry Poseidon
- Reggie Watts Chancellor
- Keanu Reeves Sage
- Snoop Dogg
- Tom Kenny SpongeBob, Gary, French Narrator
- Lori Alan
- Jim Meskimen
- Mary Jo Catlett
- Veronica Alicino Zombie, Croupier
- Jack Gore
- Antonio Raul Corbo Young SpongeBob
- Tim Hill Documentary Narrator
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run 66% on Rotten Tomatoes and 65 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.9/10. Our Echo Score gives it 59/100, strongest in sensory experience (80) and weakest in story & flow (35).
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run Echo Score Breakdown
In overall terms, Sponge on the Run presents a visually engaging experience offset by uneven narrative execution. The animation shift to full CGI garners praise for its polished rendering and inventive water effects, yet critics and audiences alike note a lack of cohesive story structure. Character development and emotional resonance feel undernourished amid episodic sketches, though the film’s vibrant humor and playful soundtrack offer intermittent enjoyment. Ultimately, the film stands as a mixed effort, delivering sensory appeal but limited lasting impact.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 75
In terms of art and craft, the shift to full CGI animation yields both strengths and shortcomings. Some observers commend the polished rendering and detailed water effects that bring undersea environs to life. However, the new visual approach is described as restrained compared to the series’ classic style, and occasional stiffness in character movement diminishes cohesiveness. Overall, the art direction delivers technical proficiency but lacks organic charm.
- Character & Emotion 55
In terms of character and emotion, the film offers limited depth and resonance. Reviewers note that performances capture familiar comedic energy, yet the episodic structure restricts substantive character arcs and emotional investment. While moments of playful banter evoke series nostalgia, the overall lack of nuanced growth leaves interactions feeling transient. Consequently, character development is serviceable for fans but falls short of delivering sustained emotional engagement.
- Story & Flow 35
In terms of story and flow, the narrative suffers from fragmentation and pacing issues. Critics observe that the plot unfolds as a succession of sketches rather than a cohesive arc, leading to uneven engagement and occasional drops in momentum. Attempts at originality via celebrity cameos and musical interludes punctuate the structure but fail to anchor a meaningful progression. As a result, the storyline feels underdeveloped and lacks satisfying resolution.
- Sensory Experience 80
When assessing the sensory experience, the film’s audiovisual elements deliver consistent vibrancy. Viewers praise the lively soundtrack and crisp sound design that complement the zany humor. The polished visual style, including detailed textures and buoyant color palettes, reinforces the undersea setting effectively. However, the uniform brightness occasionally undermines dynamic contrast, keeping the overall sensory impression stable but lacking dramatic flair. Overall, the sensory presentation enhances enjoyment despite limited tonal variation.
- Rewatch Factor 50
For rewatch factor, viewers express cautious interest tempered by episodic pacing. Some fans note that recurring jokes and familiar character antics offer moments of repeat enjoyment, particularly for long-term enthusiasts. Conversely, the thin narrative and brand-driven structure reduce incentive for subsequent viewings, with few memorable sequences to anchor lasting appeal. In summary, the film achieves intermittent replay value but remains unlikely to sustain repeated immersion.
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IMDb 5.9 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 66% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 49%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 65 Metascore
User score 6.3
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 74% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 2.6 /5
133 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 4.1 /5
See on Movie Insider
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run Plot Summary
What happens in The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
The movie opens with a captivating sequence reminiscent of David Attenborough’s documentaries, introducing the beloved characters in a charming manner. As the story unfolds, Gary the snail wakes up SpongeBob who excitedly teams up with Patrick to yell a cheerful good morning from their windows, unintentionally disturbing Squidward. Nostalgia washes over SpongeBob as he reminisces about the incredible moments shared with his friends before darting off to work.
Full summary
The whole story of The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run, scene by scene
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run Box Office & Budget
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run grossed $4.8 million worldwide on a $60 million budget, 8% of what it cost.
Worldwide gross
$4.8M
8% of its budget back
- US & Canada
- $4.8M
- Budget
- $60M
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run Trailers & Videos
20 videos: 4 trailers, 3 clips and 13 featurettes.
- Trailer THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE 2 Trailer # 2 (2020) Sponge on the Run, SpongeBob SquarePants Movie HD
- Trailer Protect Spongebob & Gary! - THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: Sponge on the Run Clip & Trailer (2020)
- Trailer Official Trailer
- Clip Suit of Armor Fight
How Well Do You Know The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run?
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 wakes SpongeBob up at the beginning of the movie?
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run Also Known As
49 alternative titles, including “SvampBob Fyrkant 3” and “The Spongebob Movie: It's a Wonderful Sponge”.
- Also known as
-
- SvampBob Fyrkant 3
- The Spongebob Movie: It's a Wonderful Sponge
- Губка Боб 3
- SvampeBob 3 - På vild flugt
- Svampebob: Svamp på rømmen
- Sūklis Bobs Kvadrātbiksis 3
- Bob Esponja: Al rescate
- Bob Esponja: Un héroe al rescate, sponsbob
- Bob l'éponge, le film : Éponge en eaux troubles
- The SpongeBob Movie - Sponge on the Run
- SpongeBob Schwammkopf 3 - Eine schwammtastische Rettung
- 스폰지밥 무비: 핑핑이 구출 대작전
+37 more Show fewer
- 海绵宝宝:急急脚走佬
- 海綿寶寶:急急腳走佬
- Spongebob Movie 3
- Bob l'éponge, le film: Éponge en eaux troubles
- Spongebob Schwammkopf: Eine schwammtastische Rettung
- Спондж Боб: Гъба беглец
- Губка Боб: Втеча Губки
- SpongeBob ve filmu: Houba na útěku
- SpongeBob - Amici in fuga
- Paavo Pesusieni vapaalla jalalla
- Губка Боб в бегах
- Bob Esponja: O Incrível Resgate
- Spongebob vo filme: Hubka na úteku
- Μπομπ Σφουγγαράκης: Επιχείρηση Διάσωσης
- SpongeBob Film: Na ratunek
- בובספוג הסרט: מבצע הצלה
- Bob Esponja 3: Al Rescate
- SpongyaBob: Spongya szökésben
- Сунђер Боб коцкалоне Филм - Сунђер у бекству
- Svampebob på vild flugt
- สพันจ์บ็อบ ผจญภัยช่วยเพื่อนแท้
- SpongeBob : Esponja em Missão
- 海绵宝宝:营救大冒险
- 海綿寶寶:奔跑吧
- SpongeBob: Bọt Biển Đào Tẩu
- SpongeBob: Schiet te Hulp
- SvampBob: Svamp på rymmen
- SpongeBob: Misiune de salvare
- Kempiniuko filmas: Bėganti kempinė
- Spužva Bob Skockani: Spužva u bijegu
- سبونج بوب سبونج يلوذ بالفرار
- Spuži Kvadratnik 3
- SüngerBob KarePantolon: Firarda
- スポンジ・ボブ: スポンジ・オン・ザ・ラン
- باب اسفنجی: اسفنج در حال فرار
- Bob l’éponge, le film : Éponge en fuite, სპანჯბობი 3: სპანჯის სამძებრო მისია
- SpongeBob: Spons op de vlucht
Seen The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run?
Movies Like The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants and Plankton: The Movie.
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The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie 2004 -
The SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants 2025 -
Plankton: The Movie 2025 -
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The Bob's Burgers Movie 2022 -
SpongeBob’s Atlantis SquarePantis 2007 -
SpongeBob SquarePants Presents The Tidal Zone 2023 -
The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie 2008 -
Paw Patrol: The Movie 2021 -
Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway 2021 -
Playmobil: The Movie 2019 -
Smurfs 2025
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run FAQ: Cast & Box Office
Runtime, release date, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run?
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run runs 1 hour 31 minutes (91 minutes).
When was The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run released?
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run was released on March 4, 2021.
Who is in the cast of The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run?
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run stars Bill Fagerbakke as Patrick, Rodger Bumpass as Squidward and Clancy Brown as Mr. Krabs, among 19 credited actors.
How much did The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run make at the box office?
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run grossed $4.8 million worldwide on a budget of $60 million.
How is The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run rated?
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run has 5.9/10 on IMDb, 66% on Rotten Tomatoes, 65 on Metacritic and 74% on TMDB.
Does The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run have a post-credit scene?
No. The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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