The Story of Under the Boardwalk and Its Charming Ocean Setting
Under the Boardwalk is a 2023 animated adventure that takes us beneath the beach and into the world of hermit crabs navigating both literal and emotional storms. The film follows two crabs from opposing families who get separated from their community when a tempest sweeps them far from home. What starts as a survival story becomes something richer—a journey about courage, connection, and the idea that sometimes you have to get lost to understand what really matters. The PG rating keeps things accessible for younger viewers, though the emotional beats land for adults too.
How Under the Boardwalk Came Together: Directors, Cast, and Studio Power
Director David Soren, working alongside co-writer Lorene Scafaria, helmed this project for Paramount Animation in partnership with Big Kid Pictures and DNEG, the visual effects powerhouse. The voice cast brings serious star power to the proceedings—Keke Palmer and Michael Cera anchor the two lead crabs, while Bobby Cannavale, Russell Brand, John Magaro, Jon Rudnitsky, and Steven Van Zandt round out the ensemble. That's a roster that suggests Paramount was betting on this property, even if the film's eventual box office performance didn't quite match the studio's ambitions. The 87-minute runtime keeps the pacing brisk, which works in the film's favor—there's no sagging middle act here. On IMDb, the film sits at 5.9 out of 10 based on 1,556 votes, a middling score that reflects the kind of mixed reception animated films sometimes get when they're solid but not transcendent. What's striking is that Soren's previous work (Madagascar 3) showed real visual flair, and that sensibility carries through in the 3D animation work here.
Why Under the Boardwalk Works as a Family Musical
The film doesn't pretend to be something it isn't. It's a straightforward family adventure wrapped in musical numbers, and that honesty is part of its charm. What I keep coming back to is how the hermit crab conceit actually works thematically—these creatures literally carry their homes on their backs, which makes the metaphorical journey about finding home hit differently. The animation is genuinely appealing; the underwater sequences pop with color and movement in a way that justifies the 3D format without feeling gimmicky. Palmer and Cera have nice chemistry, their voice work capturing both comedic timing and genuine vulnerability when the script asks for it. The supporting characters—particularly the family dynamics that drive the plot—feel earned rather than obligatory, and the film doesn't shy away from showing that reconciliation takes work. I'm not sure the musical numbers will stick with you after the credits roll, but they're serviceable and don't interrupt the flow. Hard to say if the film's middling critical reception stems from audience fatigue with talking-animal adventures or just the reality that not every well-made animated film becomes a cultural touchstone.
Where to Stream Under the Boardwalk Online
Under the Boardwalk is currently available on major OTT services—check the Where to Watch widget at the top of this page to see which platforms carry it in your region. Streaming availability shifts regularly, so Movie OTT tracks the current lineup across Netflix, Prime Video, and other major services to save you the hunt. The film's 87-minute runtime makes it an easy weeknight watch, and it's the kind of title that works well as a family viewing night without requiring a theatrical commitment. If you've got young kids or you're in the mood for something low-stakes and colorful, the convenience of streaming means you can start it immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who directed Under the Boardwalk?
David Soren directed the film and co-wrote the screenplay with Lorene Scafaria. Soren previously worked on Madagascar 3, bringing his visual storytelling experience to this underwater adventure.
Q: What's the runtime of Under the Boardwalk?
The film runs 87 minutes, making it a brisk, family-friendly viewing experience that doesn't overstay its welcome.
Q: Is Under the Boardwalk rated G or PG?
Under the Boardwalk carries a PG rating, which means it's appropriate for kids but some material may not be suitable for young children without parental guidance.
Q: Who voices the main characters in Under the Boardwalk?
Keke Palmer and Michael Cera voice the two lead hermit crabs, with supporting performances from Bobby Cannavale, Russell Brand, John Magaro, Jon Rudnitsky, and Steven Van Zandt.
Q: What's the plot of Under the Boardwalk?
Two hermit crabs are swept away from home by a storm and embark on a journey to return to their families. Along the way, their courage helps unite their feuding families and sets the stage for better summers ahead.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Watch Under the Boardwalk
Under the Boardwalk won't revolutionize animated family cinema, but it doesn't need to. It's a competently made adventure with heart, decent humor, and enough visual appeal to keep kids engaged and parents from checking their phones constantly. The film understands what it is—a musical about crabs finding their way home—and commits to that premise without irony or pretension. If you're looking for something to watch with family on a weekend afternoon, or you've got streaming time to fill, this one's worth the 87 minutes. Movie OTT readers familiar with recent animated releases will recognize the formula, but the execution here is solid enough to recommend.
