The Sheep Detectives

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2:33

The Sheep Detectives

PG

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1h 49m

Kids & Family

Comedy

Mystery & Thriller

Action

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

95%

Tomatometer

193 Reviews

96%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Verified Ratings

In this witty, new breed of mystery, George (Hugh Jackman) is a shepherd who reads detective novels to his beloved sheep every night, assuming they can't possibly understand. But when a mysterious incident disrupts life on the farm, the sheep realize they must become the detectives. As they follow the clues and investigate human suspects, they prove that even sheep can be brilliant crime-solvers.

Critics Consensus

Drolly funny and sweet as a lamb, The Sheep Detectives is a delightful family entertainment that bundles disarmingly profound themes in a cozy package.

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Audience Says

A flock of committed sleuths spin a splendid whodunnit in The Sheep Detectives, a mystery as whimsical as it is charming.

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Adam Kempenaar

Filmspotting

3d

3.5/5

Mister Rogers-esque in its direct but delicate handling of difficult topics for a young audience.

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Coleman Spilde

Salon.com

Jun 2

Like “Babe” and “Homeward Bound” before it, the film treats its younger audience with the respect and maturity they deserve.

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Shirley Li

The Atlantic

May 27

The result may just be the most tonally surprising feature of the year so far, a rare, unabashedly earnest PG-rated film that has enchanted audiences with the deceptively simple power of well-deployed tropes.

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Tim Miller

Cape Cod Wave Magazine

2d

3.5/4

A nice break from sequels and horror at the cinema, The Sheep Detectives offers sly humor (two rough-and-tumble sheep are named Ronnie and Reggie, as in the Kray twins), while dealing with themes of death, memory and acceptance.

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Erik Childress

Movie Madness Podcast

Jun 16

3.5/4

A film that can stand side-by-side within the Babe universe. A truly lovely and funny family film that doesn’t skimp on crafting a solid mystery.

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Jana Monji

Age of the Geek

Jun 12

4/5

Sheep steal the spotlight from Hugh Jackman in the charming family-friendly murder mystery. Although there is a murder, it isn't bloody and you'll learn a bit more about stereotypes, sheep and the nature of love in this cozy murder mystery.

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Troy

1d

cute, punny, funny, well done family movie

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David W

1d

An actually beautiful grapple with themes of life and death, family and belonging

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Debra

1d

I saw this with my nine year old grandaughter and we loved it!!!!

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Elaine

2d

The movie was entertaining but also thoughtful. We enjoyed it immensely.

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Cameron

2d

Rare to find good movie, appropriate for all ages.

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Kevin

2d

I thought it was a very good family movie. Very pleasant.

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Kyle Balda

Director

Hugh Jackman

George Hardy

Nicholas Braun

Officer Tim Derry

Emma Thompson

Lydia Harbottle

Nicholas Galitzine

Elliot Matthews

Hong Chau

Beth Pennock

The Sheep Detectives: Movie Clip - I Have A Question As Well

1:05

The Sheep Detectives: Exclusive Clip - Introducing the Sheep

1:27

The Sheep Detectives: Movie Clip - I See Everything

0:35

The Sheep Detectives: Movie Clip - Reading

0:51

The Sheep Detectives: Movie Clip - Crossing the Road

1:15

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The BEST Script Hugh Jackman's Ever Read?!

0:44

"It's Knives Out Meets Babe" Hugh Jackman & Nicholas Braun on 'The Sheep Detectives'

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The Sheep Detectives: Featurette - First Look

1:49

The Sheep Detectives: Trailer 2

2:33

The Sheep Detectives: Trailer 1

2:39

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Synopsis

In this witty, new breed of mystery, George (Hugh Jackman) is a shepherd who reads detective novels to his beloved sheep every night, assuming they can't possibly understand. But when a mysterious incident disrupts life on the farm, the sheep realize they must become the detectives. As they follow the clues and investigate human suspects, they prove that even sheep can be brilliant crime-solvers.

Director: Kyle Balda
Producer: Lindsay Doran, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner
Screenwriter: Craig Mazin, Craig Mazin
Distributor: Amazon MGM Studios
Production Co: Working Title Films, Three Strange Angels
Rating: PG (Thematic Material|Some Violent Content|Brief Language)
Genre: Kids & Family, Comedy, Mystery & Thriller, Action
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 8, 2026, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 24, 2026
Runtime: 1h 49m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos