The Bob’s Burgers Movie, released in May 2022, was a love letter to longtime fans of the Belcher family. It brought the show’s signature charm, offbeat humor, and surprisingly emotional core to the big screen, while also weaving in musical numbers and a mystery plot involving murder, family secrets, and a giant sinkhole. Critics praised the movie for its heartfelt writing and strong comedic timing, and it currently holds a solid rating across major review aggregators. But despite the success, fans hoping for a sequel shouldn’t hold their breath.
Where to Watch The Bob’s Burgers Movie
If you haven’t seen it yet (or just want to rewatch it), The Bob’s Burgers Movie is available to stream on Hulu and Disney+ for subscribers who have the bundle. It’s also available for rent or purchase on platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Vudu, and Amazon Prime Video. For fans in regions where Disney+ is the primary streaming home for 20th Century Studios content, the movie can often be found in the Star hub of the platform.
Why There Likely Won’t Be a Sequel
Despite its warm reception and strong performance on streaming, the creators of Bob’s Burgers have been clear that making a movie while continuing the television series was no easy feat. H. Jon Benjamin, who voices Bob Belcher, has said that writing a full-length feature alongside the fast-paced production schedule of a network series was extremely demanding. In interviews, series creator Loren Bouchard expressed similar sentiments—suggesting that while they loved making the film, it may remain a one-time event.
The movie took years to develop, with an original release date of 2020 before delays pushed it to 2022. The animation team and writing staff had to juggle the film’s production with their ongoing work on the series, which made for a grueling experience that, while rewarding, probably isn’t one they’re eager to repeat without a significant break or change in format.
A Possible Shift in Focus
While a direct sequel may not be in the cards, that doesn’t mean Bob’s Burgers is going anywhere. The series is currently in its 15th season and continues to be a cornerstone of Fox’s Sunday night animation block alongside The Simpsons and Family Guy. It recently went on midseason hiatus, but reports suggest it will return with new episodes in May 2025.
Additionally, there are rumors floating around the internet about a potential live-action adaptation of Bob’s Burgers—one that bizarrely casts Adam Driver as Bob. These reports, while entertaining, haven’t been confirmed and seem more like a viral joke than a serious project. Still, the buzz reflects just how passionate and imaginative the fanbase remains.
The Legacy of the Bob’s Burgers Movie
Rather than launch a new film franchise, The Bob’s Burgers Movie seems to have served as a celebratory capstone for everything the show had achieved over a decade on the air. It rewarded loyal viewers with deeper character moments, musical flair, and a story that could only work on the big screen. It also introduced casual audiences to the show’s endearing weirdness in a format that required no prior knowledge to enjoy.
While there may never be a “Bob’s Burgers Movie 2,” the original film stands as a rare example of a television adaptation that feels both necessary and true to its roots. And as long as the Belchers are flipping burgers on TV, the spirit of the movie lives on.
Key Takeaways
- “The Bob’s Burgers Movie” is currently streaming on Hulu, Disney+, and fuboTV or available to rent/purchase on Apple TV and Google Play.
- The animated film follows the Belcher family dealing with a restaurant-threatening sinkhole and financial troubles.
- The movie maintains the show’s signature humor while expanding the story into a musical comedy-mystery-adventure format.
Plot and Character Exploration
The Bob’s Burgers Movie expands on the beloved TV series by presenting a high-stakes story that tests the Belcher family’s resilience and relationships. The plot combines financial struggles with a murder mystery while maintaining the show’s signature humor and heart.
Mystery and Adventure in ‘The Bob’s Burgers Movie’
The movie’s central conflict begins when a massive sinkhole opens directly in front of Bob’s Burgers restaurant, completely blocking the entrance. This disaster couldn’t come at a worse time, as the Belchers are already struggling to make payments on their business loan.
While Bob and Linda focus on keeping their restaurant afloat despite the impossible circumstances, the Belcher children embark on their own adventure. Tina, Gene, and Louise discover a murder mystery involving the death of a carnival worker (or “carnie”).
The kids believe solving this mystery might somehow save their family’s restaurant. This clever plot device splits the narrative between the adults dealing with practical problems and the children’s more fantastical investigation, creating two complementary storylines that eventually converge.
The film balances the urgency of potential financial ruin with the excitement of the murder mystery, keeping viewers invested in both narratives.
Character Development: The Belcher Family Spotlight
The movie provides deeper insights into each Belcher family member than a typical episode can offer. The extended format allows for meaningful character development while maintaining their familiar quirks.
The sinkhole crisis forces each character to confront their insecurities and demonstrate their strengths. Bob faces his fears about business failure, while Linda’s optimism is tested to its limits.
The children’s personalities drive their approach to the mystery. Louise’s boldness, Tina’s anxiety-riddled determination, and Gene’s creative energy all play crucial roles in moving the investigation forward.
What makes the film special is how it honors the established personalities from the show while allowing each character to grow. Fans of the series will recognize the authentic portrayal of the Belchers while appreciating the new dimensions added to their favorite characters.
The Dynamic of Bob and Linda
Bob and Linda’s relationship takes center stage as they face potential financial ruin. Their contrasting approaches to crisis—Bob’s anxiety versus Linda’s optimism—create both tension and touching moments throughout the film.
Bob’s worries about the restaurant payments show his deep commitment to providing for his family. His character arc involves learning to believe in himself and his business despite overwhelming odds.
Linda serves as the family’s emotional backbone. Her unwavering support for Bob and determination to find creative solutions showcase why their partnership works so well. She organizes impromptu burger sales and refuses to give up hope.
Their marriage is portrayed realistically, with disagreements and frustrations, but ultimately grounded in mutual respect and love. The financial pressures put strain on their relationship but also highlight their complementary strengths.
Tina, Gene, and Louise: Character Arcs
Each Belcher child experiences significant character development through their murder mystery adventure. The high stakes push them beyond their comfort zones in different ways.
Tina’s romantic daydreams about zombies and Jimmy Jr. take a backseat as she finds courage to face real dangers. Her awkward determination becomes an asset during the investigation, showing growth beyond her usual teenage anxieties.
Gene’s musical aspirations and sound effects provide both comic relief and unexpected solutions to problems. His creativity proves valuable in key moments, giving him newfound confidence.
Louise, despite her tough exterior, reveals vulnerability when the family’s restaurant—her future inheritance—is threatened. The youngest Belcher demonstrates leadership qualities and emotional depth beyond her years.
Their collective journey strengthens the siblings’ bond as they work together to solve the mystery. Each child contributes their unique perspective and abilities, ultimately proving that the Belcher kids are capable of extraordinary things when united.
Creative Elements and Audience Reception
The Bob’s Burgers Movie successfully translates the charm of the beloved animated series to the big screen through enhanced animation, thoughtful storytelling, and musical elements that fans have come to love.
Animation Quality and Artistic Directions
The film elevates the show’s distinctive visual style with more detailed backgrounds and fluid character movements. Director Bernard Derriman and creator Loren Bouchard maintained the series’ recognizable aesthetic while adding cinematic enhancements appropriate for theaters.
Unlike other animated shows like The Simpsons or Family Guy, Bob’s Burgers embraces a more realistic animation approach. Characters move with natural weight and expressions that feel authentic despite their cartoonish design.
The Wonder Wharf setting receives particular attention, expanding beyond what’s possible in the TV series. Vibrant colors and expanded environments give longtime fans new visual treats while remaining accessible to newcomers.
The animation team paid special attention to small details – from kitchen equipment in the restaurant to Jimmy Jr.’s dance moves – creating a visually rich experience that rewards careful viewing.
Bringing the TV Series to Cinematic Life
The movie maintains the show’s family-friendly yet clever adult humor while introducing more ambitious storytelling. The feature-length format allows for deeper character development than typical 22-minute episodes.
Musical numbers, a staple of the series, are expanded for the “Sunny Side Up Summer” theme with more complex choreography and arrangements. These sequences showcase the Belcher family’s characteristic optimism amid financial struggles.
The film balances the intimate family dynamics fans love with a broader mystery-adventure structure that justifies the cinematic treatment. This approach prevents the movie from feeling like an extended episode.
20th Century Studios provided resources to enhance production values without compromising the show’s working-class sensibility. The expanded canvas allows for more complex crowd scenes and action sequences that wouldn’t be possible on television.
Critics and Audience Reviews
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film earned strong praise from critics who appreciated how it remained true to the series while offering enough substance for theatrical release. Reviewers particularly noted the balance of humor and heart.
Longtime fans responded positively to the film’s faithfulness to the source material. Many appreciated how the movie respects the intelligence of its audience without relying on franchise references or inside jokes that might alienate newcomers.
Critics highlighted the film’s “genre salad” approach, mixing musical elements with mystery and comedy. This creative versatility distinguishes it from other animated TV-to-film adaptations.
Some reviews mentioned the film’s celebration of working-class resilience, a theme consistent throughout the series. The Belchers’ financial struggles and creative problem-solving resonated with audiences facing similar challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Bob’s Burgers Movie has generated many questions from fans about streaming options, cast details, and its place in the show’s timeline. These answers provide key information for viewers wanting to enjoy the film.
Where can I stream the new Bob’s Burgers movie?
The Bob’s Burgers Movie is currently available to stream on both HBO Max and Hulu. This availability makes it accessible for subscribers to either platform without additional rental fees.
Viewers with Disney+ subscriptions should note that despite Disney’s ownership of the franchise, the film is not currently available on this platform in the US.
Has the Bob’s Burgers Movie been released on Netflix?
No, The Bob’s Burgers Movie is not available on Netflix as of March 2025. The streaming rights are currently held exclusively by HBO Max and Hulu.
Netflix subscribers interested in watching will need to access one of these other platforms or check for rental options on digital marketplaces.
Is there a sequel to the Bob’s Burgers movie planned, and what is its release date?
There has been no official announcement regarding a sequel to The Bob’s Burgers Movie as of March 2025. The creators and studio have not confirmed plans for a follow-up film.
The original movie performed moderately well at the box office, but the studio has focused on continuing the television series rather than developing another feature film.
Who is included in the cast of The Bob’s Burgers Movie?
The Bob’s Burgers Movie features the same voice cast as the television series. H. Jon Benjamin voices Bob Belcher, with John Roberts as Linda Belcher.
Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman, and Kristen Schaal return as the Belcher children: Tina, Gene, and Louise. The film also includes regular supporting characters voiced by the show’s established cast members.
When is the Bob’s Burgers movie set within the show’s timeline?
The Bob’s Burgers Movie takes place within the continuity of the television series, specifically between seasons. Fans wondering about timing can watch the movie after season 10 without missing important plot developments.
The events of the film are referenced in later seasons, but the movie works as a standalone story that doesn’t require watching all episodes first.
Are there plans for a live-action adaptation of Bob’s Burgers?
There are currently no announced plans for a live-action adaptation of Bob’s Burgers. The franchise has remained exclusively animated across both its television and film iterations.
While other animated properties have received live-action treatments in recent years, Fox and Disney have not indicated any intention to develop Bob’s Burgers in this format.
