The latest installment in the SpongeBob SquarePants franchise, *The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants*, has made waves by breaking a decade-old record for critical acclaim. Released this weekend, the film garnered an impressive 85% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, surpassing the previous record set by *The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water* in 2015, which achieved an 80% score.
This fourth theatrical release from the beloved Nickelodeon animated series sees the return of Tom Kenny as the voice of SpongeBob, while Mark Hamill lends his voice to the character of The Flying Dutchman. The film’s plot revolves around SpongeBob’s quest to prove his bravery by embarking on an adventure through the Underworld alongside The Flying Dutchman. The cast also includes Clancy Brown as Mr. Krabs, alongside notable voices from Regina Hall, George Lopez, and Ice Spice.
Critical Reception Highlights Humor and Nostalgia
Critics have praised *The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants* for its humor and “wacky comedy,” elements familiar to fans of the series. The film is noted for its “adolescent tone” that steers clear of being “cruel,” resonating positively with its audience. Some negative reviews have emerged, with a few critics arguing that it fails to meet the bar for quality children’s entertainment. Yet, for many fans of SpongeBob SquarePants, the humor and style are exactly what they seek.
While audience scores are still pending, the initial critical reception suggests this film could serve as a significant rebound following the less favorably received *The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run*, which obtained a mere 66% score in 2020. The original *The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie* from 2004 also performed moderately with a 68% score, while the spinoff *The Plankton Movie* released in 2025 achieved a score of 71%.
Mark Hamill Takes on a Legacy Role
Mark Hamill’s casting as The Flying Dutchman may raise eyebrows, especially with original actors like Tom Kenny and Clancy Brown reprising their roles. Hamill replaces Brian Doyle-Murray, who voiced the character for over 25 years. The reasons behind Doyle-Murray’s departure remain unclear, as he has not appeared in any projects since 2018.
At this year’s Comic-Con, Hamill humorously remarked that “every child in America will hate my guts” upon witnessing his portrayal in *The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants*. His enthusiasm for the role suggests he is ready to embrace the character’s villainous nature, adding a fresh dynamic to the beloved franchise.
With the film already making an impact at the box office and achieving critical acclaim, *The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants* appears to be a delightful addition to the animated series, appealing to long-time fans and new audiences alike.
