Movies like SpongeBob SquarePants (1998)
The best movies like SpongeBob SquarePants (1998) are Small Fry (2011), The Boss Baby: Get That Baby! (2020) and The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (2004). If SpongeBob SquarePants hooked you with its animation and family, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedMoana (2016)7.6/10 from 14,168 votes
- NewestThe Last Whale Singer (2026)Released 2026
Small Fry (2011)
A fast food restaurant mini variant of Buzz forcibly switches places with the real Buzz and his friends have to deal with the obnoxious impostor.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Boss Baby: Get That Baby! (2020)
Think you've got what it takes to be the boss? This interactive special puts your skills to the test and matches you up with one of 16 jobs at Baby Corp.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (2004)
There's trouble brewing in Bikini Bottom. Someone has stolen King Neptune's crown, and it looks like Mr. Krab, SpongeBob's boss, is the culprit. Though he's just been passed over for the promotion of his dreams, SpongeBob stands by his boss, and along with his best pal Patrick, sets out on a treacherous mission to Shell City to reclaim the crown and save Mr. Krab's life.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMoana (2016)
In Ancient Polynesia, when a terrible curse incurred by Maui reaches an impetuous Chieftain's daughter's island, she answers the Ocean's call to seek out the demigod to set things right.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & family
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBird Karma (2018)
A tale of a long-legged bird's journey of blissful joy, inescapable greed and the accidental discovery of the consequences when too much is not enough.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTom & Jerry (2021)
Tom the cat and Jerry the mouse get kicked out of their home and relocate to a fancy New York hotel, where a scrappy employee named Kayla will lose her job if she can’t evict Jerry before a high-class wedding at the hotel. Her solution? Hiring Tom to get rid of the pesky mouse.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisStorks (2016)
Storks deliver babies…or at least they used to. Now they deliver packages for a global internet retail giant. Junior, the company’s top delivery stork, is about to be promoted when he accidentally activates the Baby Making Machine, producing an adorable and wholly unauthorized baby girl...
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisCloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 (2013)
After the disastrous food storm in the first film, Flint and his friends are forced to leave the town. Flint accepts the invitation from his idol Chester V to join The Live Corp Company, which has been tasked to clean the island, and where the best inventors in the world create technologies for the betterment of mankind. When Flint discovers that his machine still operates and now creates mutant food beasts like living pickles, hungry tacodiles, shrimpanzees and apple pie-thons, he and his friends must return to save the world.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisFree Birds (2013)
Two turkeys from opposite sides of the tracks must put aside their differences and team up to travel back in time to change the course of history—and get turkey off the holiday menu for good.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
SnoozefestMovies like thisPets United (2019)
When Roger (a Robin Hood-esque, stray dog) and Belle (an elegant yet spoilt pet cat) are thrown together amidst the chaos of a robot take-over of their home city, they must push all their preconceptions aside in order to survive, as they embark on a high-stakes, action-packed adventure.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
SnoozefestMovies like thisThe Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse: Steamboat Silly (2023)
Mickey and gang must stop hundreds of old film reel versions of Mickey from wreaking havoc all over town.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Radiator Springs 500½ (2014)
A 'leisurely drive' planned in honor of Radiator Springs’ town founder, Stanley, turns precarious as Baja pros descend on the town and challenge Lightning McQueen to an off-road race. Meanwhile, the townsfolk, led by a Stanley-costumed Mater, enjoy the planned 'leisurely drive' to retrace Stanley’s original frontier route. Thinking they’re on the same course, a wrong turn sends McQueen and the Baja pros on a treacherously wild bid for survival. The misunderstanding leaves the racing professionals in awe of the 'legend' of Stanley: the Original Off-Road Racer.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDaisy Quokka: World's Scariest Animal (2021)
When an unbearably adorable, eternally optimistic Quokka named Daisy wants to achieve the impossible – to win the annual ‘World’s Scariest Animal’ championship, she enlists the guidance of a washed-up, former champion, a grouchy Saltwater Crocodile, to help her achieve her dreams and prove that champions can come in all sizes.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHammy's Boomerang Adventure (2006)
RJ the raccoon produces a nature video, which turns out to be an excuse for him and the porcupine children to play pranks on Hammy the squirrel.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisForky Asks a Question: What Is Love? (2019)
Forky attempts to understand the concept of love from Bonnie’s elder toys who believe they’ve been there, done that.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Reluctant Dragon (1941)
Humorist Robert Benchley attempts to find Walt Disney to ask him to adapt a short story about a gentle dragon who would rather recite poetry than be ferocious. Along the way, he is given a tour of Walt Disney Studios, and learns about the animation process.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSnoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin (2024)
Franklin is new to town and hoping to make friends, but his usual tactics don't work on the Peanuts gang. When the Soap Box Derby arrives, he's sure it's a chance to impress new pals and teams up with the only other unpartnered kid: Charlie Brown.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDeep (2017)
In 2100, when humanity has abandoned the earth, a colony of extravagant creatures still thrives in the deepest abyss of the ocean.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
SnoozefestMovies like thisGood Burger 2 (2023)
Dexter Reed is down on his luck after another one of his inventions fails. Ed welcomes Dex back to Good Burger with open arms and gives him his old job back. With a new crew working at Good Burger, Dex devises a plan to get back on his feet but unfortunately puts the fate of Good Burger at risk once again.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both family & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGood Burger (1997)
Two L.A. teens with summer jobs at Good Burger try to save their small restaurant when a corporate giant burger franchise moves in across the street.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both family & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHelp! I'm a Fish (2000)
Three children are accidentally transformed into fish after consuming a potion made by an eccentric scientist. The kids end up in the sea, with one problem: they must find and drink the antidote within 48 hours, or forever remain as fish.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea (2000)
Set several years after the first film, Ariel and Prince Eric are happily married with a daughter, Melody. In order to protect Melody from the Sea Witch, Morgana, they have not told her about her mermaid heritage. Melody is curious and ventures into the sea, where she meets new friends. But will she become a pawn in Morgana's quest to take control of the ocean from King Triton?
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSpongeBob SquarePants: SpongeBob Goes Prehistoric (2004)
It's twice the underwater hilarity in a double-length feature episode with SpongeBob, Patrick and Squidward as three pioneering sea dwellers in the time before comedy (BC). "SpongeBob Goes Prehistoric" includes a double-length episode plus eight bonus episodes: SpongeBob BC, Nature Pants, Fools in April, I'm with Stupid, Patty Hype, Squid on Strike, The Great Snail Race, Plankton's Arm, and Squilliam Returns.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & family
BurgerWorld (2023)
Two co-workers at a derelict fast-food franchise accidentally discover a yonic meat portal to another realm — a “burger” world, wherein they’re the only ones who can liberate an oppressed vegetable populace from the all-controlling hand of big meat.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & comedy
The Little Mermaid (1989)
This colorful adventure tells the story of an impetuous mermaid princess named Ariel who falls in love with the very human Prince Eric and puts everything on the line for the chance to be with him. Memorable songs and characters -- including the villainous sea witch Ursula.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & family
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe NeedyMonster (2025)
"The NeedyMonster" is the multi-award-winning short film that swept international festivals and took home several Academy Awards. It tells the unforgettable story of Jonathan, a sensitive young boy caught in the emotional whirlwind of leaving his childhood home. Out of his deepest fears and longing bursts the NeedyMonster—an oddly sweet, clingy creature with וואחד פה ג'ורה and a romantic (and a bit sexual) drama with Jonathan in the background. As Jonathan’s world spins out of control, the line between reality and imagination blurs. With stunning visuals and a heart-punch of a story, The NeedyMonster dives into the chaos of childhood emotion, showing that sometimes our most annoying monsters are just the parts of us screaming to be heard. Hailed as “a masterpiece of emotional fantasy” by critics worldwide, this film isn’t just seen—it’s felt.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both family & comedy
The Last Whale Singer (2026)
When a monstrous creature escapes from a melting iceberg, a self-doubting teenage humpback whale must face his greatest fears and dive into the darkest depths with his friends, to discover the mystical song that can save the oceans from destruction.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & family
Home Fries (1998)
Dorian and Angus chase down their womanizing stepfather with a helicopter, frightening him to death. In his effort to cover their tracks, Dorian begins investigating his stepfather's mistress, Sally. She works at a fast-food drive-through, she's pregnant and Dorian quickly falls in love with her. Unfortunately, his scheming mother wants Sally dead. And Sally isn't sure she wants Dorian to be her child's father and also his brother.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
SnoozefestMovies like thisMirreyes vs Godínez: Las Vegas (2025)
Genaro and Mich travel to Las Vegas with their colleagues to save the shoe store with a crucial contract. Between parties and crazy situations, they must maintain a balance between work, friendship, and love to achieve their goal.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Ebola Syndrome (1996)
A violent fugitive on the run from the law makes his way from Hong Kong to South Africa, where he discovers that he's immune to the Ebola virus, and later returns home to spread the deadly disease.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like this
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like SpongeBob SquarePants?
The closest matches to SpongeBob SquarePants are Small Fry (2011), The Boss Baby: Get That Baby! (2020) and The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (2004). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after SpongeBob SquarePants?
Start with Small Fry (2011), the closest match to SpongeBob SquarePants.
What is the highest-rated movie like SpongeBob SquarePants?
Moana (2016), rated 7.6/10 by 14,168 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like SpongeBob SquarePants?
The Last Whale Singer (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like SpongeBob SquarePants?
Yes: Small Fry (2011), The Boss Baby: Get That Baby! (2020) and The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (2004).
How are movies similar to SpongeBob SquarePants chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside SpongeBob SquarePants, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.