Brigsby Bear

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2:12

Brigsby Bear

PG-13

2017

1h 37m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

83%

Tomatometer

165 Reviews

87%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

The show Brigsby Bear Adventures is a children's television program produced for an audience of one: James Pope. When the series abruptly ends, Pope's life changes forever as he sets out to finish the storyline himself. To do that, he must learn how to cope with the realities of a new world that he knows nothing about.

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Critics Consensus

Audiences attuned to Brigsby Bear's strange frequency will be moved by its earnest -- and endearingly original -- approach to pop culture's impact and the creative urge.

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J. R. Jones

Chicago Reader

Apr 13, 2020

The rash of real-life cases in which women or children were kidnapped and held captive for years has played out on American movie screens as drama (Room), horror (10 Cloverfield Lane), and now cottage cheese.

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Donald Clarke

Irish Times

Dec 11, 2017

2/5

... little of it makes tonal sense.

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Wendy Ide

Observer (UK)

Dec 10, 2017

3/5

Where the film best succeeds is in creating a credible character who has been insulated from the world he now finds himself flung into.

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Brian T. Carney

Washington Blade

Dec 14, 2022

Mark Hamill is both creepy and creative as the bear’s creator.

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Leo Brady

AMovieGuy.com

Jun 8, 2021

3/4

Director Dave McCary has made an adorable film, celebrating ingenuity, and ones passion for creativity.

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Ian Brill

Battleship Pretension

Apr 13, 2021

Since James' quest is to complete the Brigsby Bear story, the film becomes a celebration of niche fandom, one that is sweet without denying the gravity of what has occurred.

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Juris O

@Juris100 Sep 18, 2026

At first it seemed like the film would be good, but then the film went downhill.

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Mike S.

@bravesunset Apr 1, 2026

This was an excellent show!

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Gabi V

@RT92806737 Mar 29, 2025

It's a nonsence story, with a weird freak "hero", and they flim is also a justification of a crime in a sweet custom...

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Desmond P

@Dez_theGuy Jan 25, 2025

Brigsby Bear is a charming, indie, quirky dramedy with an enchanting story and an overall feel-good message. One of the most underappreciated films out there! It should've snagged an Oscar nomination for its brilliant writing/directing as well as the nuanced performances given by the cast. This should be shown in film schools on how to make a truly great movie. 10/10.

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Georgan G

@RT98616417 Jul 29, 2023

I viewed the theme of this touching film as a child (experientially) who was defined by a show. It was his only entertainment, and only friendship. It was also obvious that he needed to finish the Brigsby story, before he could become a young adult.

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Aaron S

@RT79746728 Mar 20, 2023

I think Kyle Mooney is one of the most undercelebrated comedians in the business. Not only is this movie, which appears to a brain child of his, fantastically written as an offbeat feel good dramedy, his acting and comedic style is paramount to its success. Even back to his YouTube days, his characters that are innocent but bizarre fish out of water are always very strong and what better fish out of water than a mid 20 something who was abducted as a baby by doomsday weirdos and is now returning to the real world. In addition to Mooney, you just want to root for all of the characters in Brigsby Bear. His sister's friends are kind and endearing people who accept James (Mooney) as he is and pursue his unique passions right alongside him. Listen, this isn't a complicated movie. It's an incredibly funny and wholesomely sweet story about loving people as they are. It's a must see in my opinion and it's one of those movies that I feel better for having seen it.

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Synopsis

The show Brigsby Bear Adventures is a children's television program produced for an audience of one: James Pope. When the series abruptly ends, Pope's life changes forever as he sets out to finish the storyline himself. To do that, he must learn how to cope with the realities of a new world that he knows nothing about.

Director: Dave McCary
Producer: Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone, Akiva Schaffer, Will Allegra, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Billy Rosenberg, P. Jennifer Dana, Al Di
Screenwriter: Kevin Costello, Kyle Mooney
Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics
Production Co: Sony Pictures Classics, 3311 Productions
Rating: PG-13 (Drug Material|Brief Sexuality|Teen Partying|Thematic Elements)
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 28, 2017, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 14, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $532.6K
Runtime: 1h 37m

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