The Most Popular Muppet Movie, Ranked

Choose the movie you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 25, 2024 06:43
In the world of colorful characters and joyous storytelling, Muppet movies hold a special place in the hearts of many. These films, steeped in creativity and whimsical tales, spark a unique connection across generations. Understanding which movie tops the list as the crowd favorite helps fans new and old connect over shared narratives and unforgettable characters. By voting for your preferred Muppet movie, you contribute to a live snapshot of collective tastes and preferences. This dynamic ranking not only reflects which stories resonate most with audiences today but also guides new viewers towards the films that have charmed the most fans. Your participation shapes this energetic discussion and keeps the legacy of the Muppets vibrant and exciting for everyone involved.

What Is the Most Popular Muppet Movie?

  1. 1
    14
    votes
    This movie brought the Muppets back into the mainstream after a long hiatus, and it features catchy songs and a heartwarming story.
    The Muppets (2011) is a comedy musical film that follows the story of Walter, a Muppet fan, and his brother Gary, as they embark on a mission to reunite the Muppets, who have disbanded years ago. Together with Gary's girlfriend Mary, they attempt to save their beloved Muppet Theater from being destroyed by a greedy oil tycoon. The film incorporates iconic Muppet characters, delightful musical numbers, and heartwarming humor.
    • Release Date: November 23, 2011
    • Runtime: 103 minutes
    • Genre: Comedy, Musical, Family
    • Production Company: Walt Disney Pictures
    • Box Office: $165.2 million
    The Muppets (2011) in other rankings
  2. 2
    41
    votes
    The first feature-length Muppet movie, this film is a classic that introduced the world to Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the gang.
    The Muppet Movie (1979) is a musical comedy film that serves as the origin story of the beloved Muppet characters. It follows Kermit the Frog as he embarks on a cross-country journey to pursue his dream of becoming a Hollywood star, meeting his future friends and fellow Muppets along the way. Filled with humor, heartwarming moments, and memorable songs, the movie showcases the iconic Muppet humor and charm.
    • Release Date: June 22, 1979
    • Running Time: 95 minutes
    • Director: James Frawley
    • Screenplay: Jack Burns, Jerry Juhl
    • Music: Paul Williams, Kenny Ascher
  3. 3
    20
    votes
    This movie follows the Muppets on a globe-trotting adventure and features a hilarious performance by Tina Fey as a Russian prison guard.
    Muppets Most Wanted (2014) is a comedy-adventure musical film featuring the beloved Muppet characters. It follows the Muppets as they embark on a grand world tour, but find themselves entangled in a criminal plot led by the dastardly Constantine, who looks identical to Kermit the Frog.
    • Release Date: March 21, 2014
    • Running Time: 112 minutes
    • Production Company: Walt Disney Pictures
    • Genre: Comedy, Adventure, Musical
    • Music: Composed by Bret McKenzie
  4. 4
    14
    votes
    This movie is a fun and silly heist caper that sees the Muppets trying to solve a mystery in London.
    The Great Muppet Caper (1981) is a musical comedy film featuring the beloved Muppet characters. It was directed by Jim Henson and produced by David Lazer. The movie follows Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear, and Gonzo as they travel to London to investigate the theft of Lady Holiday's diamond necklace. Along the way, they get caught up in a hilarious and adventurous caper. With its charming characters, witty humor, and catchy musical numbers, The Great Muppet Caper has become a classic among Muppet fans.
    • Release Date: 1981
    • Director: Jim Henson
    • Producer: David Lazer
    • Genre: Musical comedy
    • Running Time: 95 minutes
  5. 5
    16
    votes
    Muppet Treasure Island (1996)
    edited by Zanaq · Public domain
    This movie is a swashbuckling adventure that sees the Muppets taking on the classic tale of Treasure Island.
    Muppet Treasure Island (1996) is a musical adventure comedy film that combines the whimsical nature of the Muppets with the classic tale of Treasure Island. The movie follows young Jim Hawkins as he embarks on a brave journey to find hidden treasure with the help of his Muppet friends and the infamous Long John Silver.
    • Release Date: February 16, 1996
    • Genre: Musical, Adventure, Comedy
    • Running Time: 99 minutes
    • Rating: G
    • Main Cast: Tim Curry, Kevin Bishop, Billy Connolly
  6. 6
    19
    votes
    This movie sees Gonzo trying to discover his past and features a fun soundtrack that includes songs from the 70s and 80s.
    Muppets from Space is a 1999 comedy film featuring the beloved Muppet characters. In this movie, Gonzo, the eccentric blue alien-like Muppet, starts to question his origins and sets out on a quest to find his true family. Joined by his loyal friends, the Muppets race against time to prevent Gonzo from being captured by a secret government agency.
    • Release Year: 1999
    • Genre: Comedy
    • Director: Tim Hill
    • Screenplay: Jerry Juhl, Joey Mazzarino
    • Running Time: 88 minutes
  7. 7
    12
    votes
    This movie sees the Muppets trying to make it on Broadway and features a memorable scene where they ride bicycles through the city.
    The Muppets Take Manhattan is a musical comedy film released in 1984. It is the third installment in The Muppets film series. The movie follows Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the Muppet gang as they showcase their musical in New York City in hopes of finding success on Broadway.
    • Release Year: 1984
    • Film Series: The Muppets
    • Genre: Musical, Comedy
    • Director: Frank Oz
    • Writer: Tom Patchett, Jay Tarses, Frank Oz
  8. 8
    9
    votes
    This movie is a heartwarming retelling of the classic Charles Dickens story, with Kermit playing Bob Cratchit and Michael Caine playing Scrooge.
    A Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) is a musical fantasy comedy film featuring the Muppets, based on Charles Dickens' classic novel 'A Christmas Carol'. In this adaptation, the characters of the Muppets portray the familiar roles from the original story, with Michael Caine starring as Ebenezer Scrooge. The film combines heartwarming Christmas themes with the beloved humor and charm of the Muppet characters.
    • Release Year: 1992
    • Genre: Musical, Fantasy, Comedy
    • Runtime: 85 minutes
    • Starring: Michael Caine, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, The Great Gonzo, and various Muppet characters
    • Music: Score composed by Miles Goodman, featuring original songs by Paul Williams
  9. 9
    13
    votes
    This movie is a fun and festive holiday romp that sees the Muppets trying to save their theater from a greedy banker.
    It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie is a made-for-TV musical comedy film featuring the beloved Muppet characters. The film combines elements of the classic Christmas tale It's a Wonderful Life with the humor and charm of the Muppets. It tells the story of Kermit the Frog, who faces financial troubles and contemplates giving up on his dreams during the holiday season. In a twist of fate, an angel named Daniel shows Kermit what life would be like if he had never been born, leading him to realize the true importance of friendship, love, and the Muppet Theater.
    • Release year: 2002
    • Genre: Musical comedy
    • Director: Kirk R. Thatcher
    • Writer: Tom Martin
    • Starring: Steve Whitmire, David Arquette, Joan Cusack
  10. 10
    14
    votes
    This movie is a Halloween special that sees the Muppets taking on the iconic Disneyland ride and features appearances by some classic Disney villains.
    Muppets Haunted Mansion (2021) is a comedy-musical television film that combines the beloved Muppet characters with the spooky setting of Disney's Haunted Mansion attraction. It follows the iconic Muppet character, Gonzo, as he dares to spend one night in the haunted mansion.
    • Release Date: October 8, 2021
    • Genre: Comedy, Musical
    • Director: Kirk R. Thatcher
    • Writer: Kirk R. Thatcher, Kelly Younger
    • Starring: Bill Barretta, Dave Goelz, Eric Jacobson, David Rudman

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Ranking factors for popular movie

  1. Box office success
    Evaluate the financial success of each Muppet movie by looking at box office figures. Higher-grossing films usually indicate more popularity among viewers.
  2. Critical reception
    Consider the reviews and ratings from critics, as well as any awards and nominations the movies received. A well-received film by critics typically signifies a higher quality in terms of storytelling, acting, and production values.
  3. Audience reception
    Check audience reviews and ratings on platforms such as IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Metacritic. A higher audience score generally indicates a more well-liked and popular movie among viewers.
  4. Cultural impact
    Assess the lasting impact of each Muppet movie on popular culture. Movies that have had a significant impact on society, through things like memorable catchphrases, iconic scenes, or spawning popular merchandise, are often more popular and well-regarded.
  5. Timelessness
    Determine how well each movie has aged since its release. Muppet movies that continue to be enjoyable and relevant to modern audiences will likely rank higher in popularity.
  6. Re-watchability
    Consider how enjoyable the Muppet movie is to watch multiple times. Movies with high re-watchability are generally more popular as they attract audiences to watch them again and again.
  7. Character development
    Evaluate the quality and depth of the characters in each Muppet movie. Films that showcase memorable and well-developed characters are usually more engaging and popular among audiences.
  8. Story and screenplay
    Analyze the strength of the story and screenplay in each Muppet movie. A well-written and engaging story will generally lead to a more popular and successful film.
  9. Music and soundtrack
    Take into account the quality of the music and soundtrack in each Muppet movie, as memorable tunes and soundtracks can contribute to the movie's overall popularity.
  10. Legacy and influence on future Muppet content
    Consider the impact each Muppet movie had on the creation of subsequent Muppet-related content, such as TV shows, spin-offs, and merchandise. A movie that has influenced and shaped the future of the Muppet universe will likely hold a higher standing in popularity among fans.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Muppet movie. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Film is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1519 views
  • 172 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Film once every 24 hours. The rank of each Film is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular muppet movie

The Muppets have been a favorite among audiences of all ages for decades. The lovable characters created by Jim Henson have graced both the big and small screens, entertaining millions around the globe. With so many Muppet movies to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which one is the most popular. From classic favorites like "The Muppets Take Manhattan" to modern hits like "Muppets Most Wanted," each film offers a unique and entertaining adventure. So, which Muppet movie reigns supreme? Let's take a closer look and find out.

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