New ‘Animal Farm’ Adaptation Faces Criticism as Rotten Tomatoes Score Plummets

A new animated adaptation of ‘Animal Farm’ is encountering a significant wave of negative reviews following its release, with critics assigning it a notably low score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Released in 2026, this updated version of George Orwell’s classic novella delves into themes of power, control, and political corruption. Directed by Andy Serkis and penned by Nicholas Stoller, the film features a voice cast that includes prominent actors such as Seth Rogen, Steve Buscemi, Glenn Close, Woody Harrelson, Kieran Culkin, and others.

Initial reactions from critics have largely been unfavorable. Currently, the film holds a mere 24% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on approximately 50 reviews. Many reviewers have noted that the film struggles with its tone and storytelling, despite its attempt to offer a fresh take on the well-known narrative.

Some critics have been particularly harsh in their assessments. One review characterized the film as a disappointing viewing experience, describing it as exhausting and poorly executed. Another critic remarked, “The problems here are not that Serkis and Stoller took ‘Animal Farm’ in a different direction. It’s how badly miscalculated this becomes.” Additional critiques have pointed out the subpar animation and humor that fails to resonate.

However, not all feedback has been negative. A few reviewers suggested that the film could still ignite conversations, particularly among younger audiences watching it alongside their parents. One positive review highlighted that it might encourage discussion, even if the overall execution is inconsistent.

The movie premiered at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June 2025 before its broader release in the United States and Canada in May 2026. Despite a lengthy production timeline and years of development, it has struggled to win over critics upon its release.

Beyond formal reviews, the film has sparked considerable debate online. Some viewers have questioned the alterations made to Orwell’s original narrative. The adaptation reportedly shifts focus and introduces new characters and themes not present in the book, leading to disagreements among audiences regarding its fidelity to the original message.

Social media reactions have also varied, with some individuals strongly criticizing the adaptation’s direction while others defend it as a contemporary reinterpretation.

This film is part of a long lineage of ‘Animal Farm’ adaptations, following earlier versions released in 1954 and 1999, both of which also faced their share of criticism for various reasons.

Overall, the new adaptation is currently under scrutiny as audience and critic reactions continue to pour in, with its low rating positioning it as one of the more poorly received animated releases of the year.

This response underscores the challenges of adapting a well-known story like ‘Animal Farm.’ Audiences often have strong expectations based on the original book, making any significant changes likely to divide opinions swiftly. At the same time, filmmakers frequently strive to bring fresh perspectives to classic material. What are your thoughts on this kind of adaptation? Should it adhere closely to the original, or is it acceptable to take more creative liberties? Share your opinions in the comments.