🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Benjamin Renner
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family
- Release year: 2023
- Runtime (length): 1h 23min
- IMDb rating: 6.6/10 (39K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 72%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Overprotective dad forces his family on a road trip to prove how dangerous the world is, but accidentally teaches them to have fun instead.
🍿 Migration: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Overprotective Beginnings
Mack, a cautious mallard duck, fills his kids with fearful stories to keep them safe on their New England pond. Pam, his wife, disagrees, feeling they’re missing out on life. Their son, Dax, is keen for adventure, while younger daughter Gwen is adorable and easily scared, setting up the family dynamic.

The Call to Migrate
When a migrating duck family stops by, Dax is smitten with a girl duck named Kim, who invites them to Jamaica. Mack dismisses the idea rudely, leading to a confrontation with Pam, who desperately wants the family to experience life beyond their pond. This sets the stage for Mack’s reluctant but crucial decision.

A Journey Begins
Influenced by Uncle Dan’s potentially lonely future, Mack surprises his family by agreeing to the trip to Jamaica, much to their delight. Uncle Dan also joins. Their journey is fraught with challenges, first getting lost, then taking shelter with unsettling herons, and finally arriving in New York City, separated from Uncle Dan.

New York Encounters
In New York, the Mallards encounter Chump, a streetwise pigeon who offers to guide them to Delroy, a Jamaican parrot who knows the way to Jamaica. They learn that ducks are considered delicacies, adding a sinister element to their adventure. The family’s interactions with city birds are a key element of the middle act.

Escaping the Chef
To free Delroy, Mack and Pam infiltrate a restaurant kitchen, leading to a chaotic and comical escape involving a salsa dance and the swallowing of a key. They finally manage to free Delroy, but incur the wrath of the relentless Chef, who is determined to make them his next dish.
Duck Farm Deception
Following Delroy, the ducks find what seems to be a duck sanctuary, only to discover it’s a farm run by the Chef. Dax is injured alerting the others and the Chef captures Mack, Pam, Uncle Dan and Delroy, leaving behind Dax and Gwen. The two make a plan to rescue their family.
⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Mack (Kumail Nanjiani): An overprotective mallard father who learns to embrace adventure and overcome his fears for his family.
- Pam (Elizabeth Banks): Mack’s adventurous wife who encourages her family to step outside their comfort zone and explore the world.
- Dax (Caspar Jennings): The Mallards’ son who is eager to explore the world and prove himself capable.
- Gwen (Tresi Gazal): The Mallards’ adorable daughter who is curious, endearing, and always ready for an adventure.
- Uncle Dan (Danny DeVito): Mack’s grumpy but ultimately supportive uncle who reluctantly joins the family on their migration.
- Chump (Awkwafina): A street-smart pigeon in New York City who helps the Mallards on their journey.
- Delroy (Keegan-Michael Key): A Jamaican macaw longing for home, befriending the ducks and helping guide them to Jamaica.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Delroy: “In Kitchen, he’ll make you into duck a l’orange.” – Delroy warns the Mallards about the Chef’s intentions, using ‘duck a l’orange’ as a euphemism for cooking them.
- Gwen: “What’s ‘duck a l’orange’?” – Gwen innocently asks what ‘duck a l’orange’ means, unaware of the danger it implies.
- Chump: “It’s you with ‘l’orange’ on top.” – Chump bluntly explains to Gwen that ‘duck a l’orange’ means she will be cooked with orange on top.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $70,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $127,630,880
- Worldwide Gross: $300,187,799
💥 Migration Reviews
Personal Review
I really enjoyed Migration! The animation was so vibrant, and the characters were super relatable. The scene where the family is flying through the clouds for the first time really gave me goosebumps! I liked how the movie didn’t just focus on the adventure but also on the family dynamics and how they learned to trust each other. Definitely recommend it for a family movie night!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Families with young children”
- “Fans of animated adventure movies”
- “Viewers looking for a heartwarming story about family and overcoming fears”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild peril and suspense”
- “Brief scenes of cooked ducks (non-graphic)”
- “Some thematic elements may be intense for very young children”
Professional Reviews
- IMDb: “Migration offers colorful visuals and a heartwarming story about family unity. While the plot is predictable, the voice acting and animation are top-notch. It’s a fun film for kids and adults, delivering important messages about immigration and self-discovery.
- Rotten Tomatoes: “Though it doesn’t break new ground in animation, Migration is a pleasant family film. The journey of the duck family is filled with laughs and genuine emotion. It’s the kind of movie that parents and kids can both enjoy.
- Metacritic: “Migration is a lighthearted adventure with a classic ‘overcoming fears’ theme. The animation is vibrant, and the voice acting is great. It lacks depth but succeeds as simple, fun entertainment.
Audience Reactions
Viewers loved the humor and heartwarming message of overcoming fears.: The colorful animation and relatable family dynamics resonated with many viewers.
The voice acting and character design were praised as delightful and expressive.: Families appreciated the movie’s ability to entertain both kids and adults.
Overall Consensus: Migration is a visually appealing and heartwarming family film that delivers a simple but effective message about overcoming fears and embracing new experiences.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “While the mallard family is following Chump through the city, they pass a bunch of balloons. One of the balloons is the unicorn from the Despicable Me movies.”
- “When the movie starts, Minions Stuart and Bob play the Universal logo theme with a kazoo and ukulele.”
🖥️ How to Watch Migration?
Migration is currently available to stream on platforms like Peacock and can be rented or purchased on demand via Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and other digital retailers. Check your local listings for cable or satellite options.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Migration, you might like these similar films:
- Rio (2011): Features birds leaving their familiar habitat and going on an adventure to a new place.
- Finding Nemo (2003): Explores themes of overcoming fear and parental protectiveness, similar to Mack’s journey.
- Chicken Run (2000): Chickens making a daring escape from a farm.
🛒 Migration Related Products
- Migration: The Junior Novelization: Relive the movie’s heartwarming journey with this junior novelization, perfect for young readers to immerse themselves in the Mallard family’s adventure.
- Migration Movie-Themed Plush Toys (Dax & Gwen): Snuggle up with these adorable plush toys featuring Dax and Gwen from Migration. These soft and huggable characters are perfect for fans of all ages.
- Migration Official Movie Poster: Decorate your room with the vibrant official movie poster of Migration. This high-quality print captures the essence of the film’s adventurous spirit.
- Migration: Family Adventure Game: Embark on a family-friendly adventure game inspired by Migration. Play as the Mallard family and navigate through challenging levels inspired by scenes from the film.
🎧 Soundtrack
Migration features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Survivor” – performed by Mon Laferte
- “Migration Original Motion Picture Soundtrack” – performed by John Powell
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Migration is rated PG and is generally suitable for families. However, some scenes involving predators and peril might be intense for very young or sensitive children. Parental guidance is advised.
Migration is currently available to stream on Peacock and can be rented or purchased on demand via Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and other digital retailers.
The voice cast includes Kumail Nanjiani as Mack, Elizabeth Banks as Pam, Caspar Jennings as Dax, Tresi Gazal as Gwen, Danny DeVito as Uncle Dan, and Awkwafina as Chump.
The film’s primary message is about overcoming fears and embracing new experiences. It also highlights the importance of family unity and supporting each other through challenges.
🔥 Bonus Content
You’re old enough to do it in the sky now 😂 | Migration edit #shorts
Remember that hilarious scene where the dad finally lets loose? This short edit captures the moment perfectly, and honestly, it’s even funnier the second time around! You HAVE to see this!
Migration explained by an Asian
Ever wondered how someone might hilariously break down the entire plot of ‘Migration’? This video gives you just that, with a side of cultural humor that will have you laughing from start to finish. Trust me, it’s a fresh take!
I Knew It. Illumination’s Migration Has CRASHED…
Curious about why ‘Migration’ didn’t quite soar at the box office? This video dives deep into the reasons behind its performance, offering a critical but fascinating look at the movie’s reception. It’s definitely an interesting perspective!
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