The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants (2025) is an American animated adventure comedy. It is directed by series veteran Derek Drymon and written by Pam Brady and Matt Lieberman.
The film brings back the regular voice cast — Tom Kenny, Clancy Brown, Rodger Bumpass, and Bill Fagerbakke — with notable additions including Mark Hamill and Regina Hall.
The plot follows SpongeBob as he tries to prove his bravery by following the Flying Dutchman into the ocean’s deepest, most mysterious places. The movie is based on the long-running SpongeBob SquarePants franchise. It premiered at AFI and opens wide in U.S. theaters on December 19, 2025, from Paramount Pictures.
The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants Age Rating
The film is rated PG by the MPA for rude humor, action, and some scary images. This PG rating flags mild content that may need parental guidance for younger children. The rating indicates the film contains cartoonish peril and jokes that some kids might find annoying or unsettling. Parents should note the specific content areas below when deciding if it’s right for their child.
Violence & Peril
Violence is present but cartoonish and non-graphic. Action sequences include chases, perilous deep-sea scenes, and tense encounters with spooky creatures. Some moments are designed to be scary in a family-friendly way, using sudden visuals and dramatic music. The overall tone stays comedic rather than realistic or disturbing.
Language
Language is mild and appropriate for a PG audience. Expect a few rude jokes and occasional mild profanity used for comic effect. There are no pervasive strong expletives or racial slurs reported in promotional materials. The dialog follows the series’ usual playful tone.
Mature Themes
Mature themes are minimal and handled lightly. The film explores ideas of bravery, self-worth, and friendship. There is no sexual content or drug use noted in official ratings and guides. Emotional beats may be gentle and suitable for discussion with younger viewers.
Is The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants Suitable for Kids?
Ages 0–5: With Guidance. Very young children may find loud action and spooky visuals upsetting. Parents should consider watching with toddlers and be ready to turn away during tense moments.
Ages 6–9: Yes. Most children in this range should enjoy the humor and adventure. Mild scares and silly peril are part of the fun, but sensitive kids may need reassurance.
Ages 10–12: Yes. Older children will understand the movie’s jokes and themes. They may appreciate the deeper jokes aimed at adults and the franchise callbacks.
Final recommendation: The movie is broadly family-friendly and suited to school-age kids, but parents of very young children should preview or watch together.
What Parents Can Do
- Preview key scenes if your child is easily frightened, because the film includes sudden scary images and tense sequences.
- Explain the theme of bravery before viewing, focusing on inner courage rather than macho showmanship.
- After the movie, ask your child what brave choices they noticed and discuss how SpongeBob’s actions differ from real-life bravery.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is Search For SquarePants’ official age rating?
A: The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants is rated PG by the MPA for rude humor, action, and some scary images.
Q: Is Search For SquarePants appropriate for kids and teens?
A: Yes. The film is targeted at families and older children, though very young children may be startled by some scenes.
Q: Are there scary or intense moments?
A: Yes. Expect spooky, deep-sea visuals and tense action sequences, but nothing graphic or realistic.
Q: Is there strong language or slurs in Search For SquarePants?
A: No. Language is mild and limited to rude humor typical of the franchise.
Q: Is there sexual content or adult themes?
A: No. The movie contains no sexual content and keeps mature themes light and family appropriate.
Q: Where will it be released?
A: The film is distributed by Paramount Pictures and opens in U.S. theaters on December 19, 2025.
The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants | Official Website