Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Breakneck
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- witty
- irreverent
- energetic
- family movie night
- kids animation afternoon
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film energetic, charming, and visually skillful, though its frenetic cross-cultural approach could feel unfocused.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The film adapts an epic Chinese tale into an English-language animated action comedy for a broad family audience.
Monkey's ego is identified as his greatest adversary alongside demons, dragons, and gods.
Critical reception specifically highlights the frenetic visuals, inventive angles, and energetic animated action.
Monkey battles supernatural opponents with his magical fighting Stick, a central element of the premise.
Films like The Monkey King, and why
Kung Fu Panda
animated fantasy adventure centered on mythic creatures, comic action, and a flawed but charismatic hero
Raya and the Last Dragon
family-friendly animated comedy blending folklore, magical powers, energetic battles, and self-discovery
Abominable
colorful animated fantasy with irreverent humor, legendary characters, and fast-moving quest adventure
Hercules
mythological animated adventure using comedy, spectacle, and a young hero confronting supernatural forces
Movie Details
- Director
- Anthony Stacchi
- Release Date
- 2023-07-30
- Runtime
- 92 min
- Rating
- 6.5 / 10 (369)
Cast
- Jimmy O. Yang
- Bowen Yang
- Jolie Hoang-Rappaport
- Jo Koy
- Ron Yuan
- Nan Li
- Andrew Pang
- Stephanie Hsu
- Sophie Wu
- Hoon Lee
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Monkey King about?
- A mischievous Monkey King wields a magical Stick against supernatural foes while learning that conquering his ego is the hardest battle.
- What is The Monkey King like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Monkey King as breakneck, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The Monkey King violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in The Monkey King as mild.
- What did critics think of The Monkey King?
- Critics broadly found the film energetic, charming, and visually skillful, though its frenetic cross-cultural approach could feel unfocused.
- Which films are like The Monkey King?
- Films with a similar feel include Kung Fu Panda, Raya and the Last Dragon, Abominable, and Hercules.
- How long is The Monkey King?
- The Monkey King runs 92 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Monkey King?
- In United States, The Monkey King streams on Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads.
