Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Robot threatens Bikini Bottom in slightly darker spin-off.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Plankton: The Movie
What's the Story?
Plankton (voiced by Mr. Lawrence) has always been obsessed with stealing the Krabby Patty secret formula and dominating the world, but when PLANKTON: THE MOVIE begins, he once again fails in the effort. His wife, the robot Karen (Jill Talley), takes another tack and reworks the grim Chum Bucket into a successful business, but Plankton doesn't like it and burns it down. Spurned and fed up, Karen transforms into a multiheaded evil robot and hatches her own plan for world domination. Now Plankton, with the help of SpongeBob (Tom Kenny), Patrick (Bill Fagerbakke), and the Gal Pals, must look into his own behavior and past to figure out what he's done wrong and try to save his marriage—and Bikini Bottom.
Is It Any Good?
This series spin-off has a built-in audience for its beloved characters as well as some positive themes, but the evil robot plot could overwhelm the youngest (and annoy the oldest) audiences. At its heart, Plankton: The Movie is a story about showing others empathy, learning to say you're sorry, and treating your loved ones with respect. But getting there involves long stretches of shrill threats and cartoon violence. Saving the proceedings are the characters' ultimate charm, quirky musical numbers, and a funny schtick involving SpongeBob as Freud.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the appeal of Plankton and the other SpongeBob characters. What other characters in the SpongeBob universe should be next for a spin-off?
What happens to Plankton when the empathy chip is shoved into his brain? How would you define empathy? How do you show it in your life?
How does the tone of this film differ from other SpongeBob movies and the original show? Did you enjoy it? Do you think it's made for the same audience? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : March 7, 2025
- Cast : Mr. Lawrence , Jill Talley , Tom Kenny
- Director : Dave Needham
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : STEM , Friendship , Animals ( Ocean Creatures )
- Character Strengths : Empathy
- Run time : 87 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : February 24, 2026
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