THE BOB’S BURGER MOVIE
A family mystery with heart, adult jokes, and poor pacing.
Should You Watch It?
This animated feature has a good heart. The Belcher family learns to rely on one another, love one another despite their faults, and support the family restaurant they have worked hard to build. The movie also includes musical numbers, slapstick comedy, and pro-capitalist elements.
But the film struggles to find its audience. Some jokes may appeal to a 13-year-old, while the raunchier humor can offend younger viewers and their parents. Poor pacing and comedy clichés further weaken the experience.
The PG-13 content matters. The movie includes adult humor, bathroom jokes, alcohol use, and foul language. Because of that combination, discerning adults who already enjoy the television series may find some value at home, but this is not a family movie-night choice. Wait for home, and reserve it for discerning adults.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESBob and Linda Belcher may lose their restaurant after the bank refuses to give them a loan. Then a sinkhole forms in front of the business, making it even harder for customers to arrive.
When Louise, Tina, and Gene discover a dead body at the bottom of the sinkhole, the children decide to investigate. Solving the mystery could help save their parents’ restaurant—and bring the family closer together.
Is It Any Good?
Two stars means the film has some worthwhile elements but falls short as a satisfying whole. The Belchers’ family devotion gives the story warmth, and the musical numbers and slapstick comedy provide energy.
Still, the movie is poorly paced and leans on comedy clichés. Its attempt to serve both younger comedy fans and older viewers with edgier jokes places it in an awkward middle ground. Apart from fans of the television program, few viewers may find that balance rewarding.
The Worldview
The strongest message is the importance of family. The Belchers learn to love one another despite their faults and shortcomings, and the film includes pro-marriage elements as Linda encourages Bob while Bob realizes he needs to do the same for her.
The movie also presents strong pro-capitalist ideas through the family’s effort to preserve their restaurant and what they have worked to achieve. Those positive themes are weakened by pagan content and behavior, as well as the adult humor, alcohol use, and foul language.
At its center, the film values family loyalty and marital support. Scripture likewise honors steadfast love within the family: “What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate” (Mark 10:9).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Dominant Worldview and Other Worldview Content/Elements
Strong moral worldview about the importance of family, plus some pro-marriage elements where Linda encourages Bob and Bob realizes that he needs to do the same for Linda, with some strong pro-capitalist elements, mitigated by some pagan content and behavior
Foul Language
Eleven profanities (including OMG, GD and Jesus). Several light obscenities such as “a**,” “bada**” and “crap,” and some bathroom humor
Violence
The story revolves around a murder, so there’s some cartoon violence, but it isn’t graphic or bloody, and there are also some scenes of peril
Sex
No sex scenes, but there are some raunchy jokes
Nudity
No nudity Alcohol Use/Abuse: Several scenes involving alcohol
Smoking and/or Drug Use and Abuse
No smoking or drugs;
Miscellaneous Immorality
It’s clear that a group of people are rough around the edges and have spent time in prison.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
The Belchers learn to love one another despite their faults. What does love look like when family members disappoint one another?
1 Corinthians 13:4–7 · Colossians 3:13–14Linda encourages Bob, and Bob realizes he needs to support her too. How can spouses strengthen one another through fear and difficulty?
Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 · Ephesians 5:25The family works to protect its restaurant and livelihood. What does Scripture teach about honest work and caring for those entrusted to us?
Colossians 3:23–24 · 1 Timothy 5:8The film includes pagan content and behavior. How should Christians show discernment when entertainment mixes positive ideas with beliefs that do not honor God?
Romans 12:2 · 1 Thessalonians 5:21–22The Final Word
This movie’s family loyalty and marital support are genuine strengths, but poor pacing and adult content limit its audience. It is best reserved for discerning adults who already know the series. For a family-friendly movie night, choose something else. WAIT FOR HOME — ADULTS ONLY.
