The Secret of Moonacre

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The Secret of Moonacre

PG

2009

1h 43m

Adventure

Fantasy

Romance

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

23%

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22 Reviews

47%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

Maria Merryweather is orphaned at the age of 13 and forced to leave her luxurious life in London. She goes to stay with her somewhat eccentric uncle named Sir Benjamin at Moonacre Manor. While reading the pages of a magical book, Maria discovers her true destiny as the Moon Princess of a fantastical war-torn kingdom, which she must save from falling into the sea forever.

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Critics Consensus

Despite impressive production values, this is staid, plodding and unimpressive fantasy-fare, with poor performances struggling with an underdeveloped script.

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Edward Porter

The Times (UK)

Feb 12, 2009

2/5

Richards starred in 2007's The Golden Compass and, compared with big-budget fantasies of that kind, this smaller effort can't help looking mimsy, despite its good intentions.

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Anthony Quinn

Independent (UK)

Feb 10, 2009

1/5

A sluggish narrative is further hampered by "comic" turns (Juliet Stevenson, as a gurning governess) and some frankly shameless knockoffs.

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Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

Feb 6, 2009

A sweet if faintly soporific fantasy adventure for family audiences.

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Karen Wirsling

Common Sense Media

Feb 13, 2017

4/5

Enchanting fantasy turns teen into sweet, selfless princess.

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Common Sense Media Editors

Common Sense Media

Jan 25, 2011

4/5

Enchanting fantasy turns teen into sweet, selfless princess.

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Philip French

Observer (UK)

Feb 12, 2009

A film about magic that remains obdurately unmagical.

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VITALII H

@freakynickison Sep 24, 2026

I was having fun with the plot and the story, however execution was bad… I wish the movie was produced today and by someone talented and capable of showing the whimsicalness of it all that I was so craving for. The production was especially bad during the action/"fighting" scenes, it was so bad. I liked the fairytale aspect of the movie but it wasn’t much tbh, I was expecting more. More side plots, more background info and stories, I would like to know what happened to Maria’s mom and I didn’t even felt the connection that she had with her father… It was very plain. I didn’t care for anyone in this story and it was poorly made. I liked Maria’s room and I absolutely hated every train her dresses had throughout the entire movie.

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Charity C.

@ChaChaHollaa111 Apr 5, 2026

A magical movie 💫 one of my favorites

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Julia S

@Jsconverse Feb 9, 2026

This will always be one of my favorite movies. I will say it’s not a complex story line but that’s why I love about it. It’s easy to watch and perfect for winding down for the day. Watching this in middle school for the first time warmed my heart. It has a childlike playfulness about it. I always thought the movie looked so beautiful and fantastical. Love the magical creatures and the nature themes.

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Charlee K

@Charlee107 Jan 29, 2026

This will forever be one of my fav movies

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Isabella H

@RT20248471 Mar 31, 2025

It is and will always be the best movie i have ever seen. i definitely recommend this movie! So good!

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Remy R

@RT11029639 Dec 30, 2024

This movie is criminally underrated it’s literally my favourite movie ever. It’s a beautiful fantasy movie with amazing characters (how can you not be in love with Robin de noir be so fr) plus the costumes are actually stunning. These reviews don’t know what they’re on about you better watch it. (Plus did I mention ROBIN DE NOIR! I’m actually in love at this point guys-)

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Gabor Csupo

Director

Dakota Blue Richards

Maria

Tim Curry

Coeur De Noir

Natascha McElhone

Loveday

Juliet Stevenson

Miss Heliotrope

Augustus Prew

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Synopsis

Maria Merryweather is orphaned at the age of 13 and forced to leave her luxurious life in London. She goes to stay with her somewhat eccentric uncle named Sir Benjamin at Moonacre Manor. While reading the pages of a magical book, Maria discovers her true destiny as the Moon Princess of a fantastical war-torn kingdom, which she must save from falling into the sea forever.

Director: Gabor Csupo
Producer: Michael Cowan
Screenwriter: Graham Alborough, Lucy Shuttleworth
Production Co: UK Film Council, Spice Factory, Australian Film Commission, South Pacific Pictures
Rating: PG (Some Mild Peril|Language)
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Romance
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 10, 2016
Runtime: 1h 43m

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