The Kid Who Would Be King

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2:23

The Kid Who Would Be King

PG

2019

2h 0m

Kids & Family

Fantasy

Adventure

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

90%

Tomatometer

193 Reviews

56%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

Old-school magic meets the modern world when young Alex stumbles upon the mythical sword Excalibur. He soon unites his friends and enemies, and they become knights who join forces with the legendary wizard Merlin. Together, they must save mankind from the wicked enchantress Morgana and her army of supernatural warriors.

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Critics Consensus

The Kid Who Would Be King recalls classic all-ages adventures -- and repurposes a timeless legend -- for a thoroughly enjoyable new addition to the family movie canon.

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Andrea Gronvall

Chicago Reader

Feb 19, 2020

The movie has the freshness, innocence, and energy of youngsters on the threshold of adulthood, embarked on a grand heroic adventure.

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Christy Lemire

FilmWeek (LAist)

Sep 17, 2019

It's got a great kid-energy to it, but also [has] real adventures, real danger, and real stakes.

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Simran Hans

Observer (UK)

Feb 17, 2019

2/5

I'm a huge fan of Cornish's 2011 debut Attack the Block, but this film isn't nearly as energetic or enjoyably wacky as its predecessor.

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Calum Cooper

Source (Scotland)

Jul 14, 2024

3/5

Not without its flaws for sure, but a film with a lot of fun to share and convictions to uphold.

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Kate Boyle

InSession Film

Mar 8, 2023

B

The themes and messages of the film were relatable and thoughtfully packed in a whimsical coming of age adventure.

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M.N. Miller

Ready Steady Cut

Aug 19, 2022

3.5/5

Cornish’s family adventure film can be entertaining and is flawlessly produced, though it almost lands on the wrong side of the fence in terms of the fun by taking itself a bit too seriously.

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Levi H

@RT19154595 Aug 9, 2026

I thought it was awesome, first saw it in 7th grade, and I am still watching it, it's the best live action mythology movie

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Elizabeth P

@RT74103022 Jun 6, 2026

It wasn't bad, although not sure how other adults will like it, but it's perfect for kids. Overall, it was enjoyable despite some cringy parts in it, but the action and adventure in it does make up for it. The only letdown besides a couple cringy scenes was not seeing a full version of Merlin's powers in combat, although at least they put something down towards the end. In my opinion, the theme of it all really makes it a good influence for others, so if you're looking for a good movie to watch, this is not a bad one, although the CGI could've used a little work.

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andrew H

@andrew512 May 6, 2026

this movie is trash a bunch of kids who are bullies fight cheesy looking dragon weird mutations and skeleton people the action is bad like really bad the script is worse, the comedy we won't talk about because it is so bad, and the cgi is the worst of it all except for the f**king boy who only got in it because he is Andy Serkis' jerk of a kid.

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stevko O

@EldoradoAvocado Apr 25, 2026

Some parts are super cringe, but it's still an OK movie.

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Solomon S

@RT71961097 Apr 16, 2026

The Kid Who Would Be King is an absolute blast—smart, adventurous, and full of heart. It takes the classic legend of King Arthur and gives it a fresh, modern twist that actually works. The young cast brings tons of charm, the humor lands (LOVE Merlin in this), and the message about courage, friendship, and stepping up when it matters hits in all the right ways. It’s one of those rare family movies that’s just as fun for adults as it is for kids. Seriously underrated and definitely worth the watch.

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Ben T

@RT68584392 Jun 29, 2025

Its a laugh watched it back in 2019

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Joe Cornish

Director

Louis Ashbourne Serkis

Alex

Rebecca Ferguson

Morgana

Patrick Stewart

Adult Merlin

Dean Chaumoo

Bedders

Tom Taylor

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Synopsis

Old-school magic meets the modern world when young Alex stumbles upon the mythical sword Excalibur. He soon unites his friends and enemies, and they become knights who join forces with the legendary wizard Merlin. Together, they must save mankind from the wicked enchantress Morgana and her army of supernatural warriors.

Director: Joe Cornish
Producer: Nira Park, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner
Screenwriter: Joe Cornish
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: Working Title Films, Big Talk Pictures
Rating: PG (Language|Fantasy Action Violence|Scary Images|Some Bullying|Thematic Elements)
Genre: Kids & Family, Fantasy, Adventure
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 25, 2019, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 2, 2019
Box Office (Gross USA): $16.8M
Runtime: 2h 0m
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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