Cat in the Hat Gets Split Critical Reception
Critics are divided on the first animated feature adaptation of the Dr. Seuss classic ahead of its nationwide opening.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Animation
Critics gave the animated film The Cat in the Hat a split reception on Rotten Tomatoes after its review embargo lifted Tuesday at 12 p.m. ET. The film opens in theaters nationwide Friday following preview screenings Thursday.
Why it matters
The film is the first animated feature adaptation of the story, and its reception will shape how audiences and families approach the release. The mixed early response contrasts with the 2003 live-action version starring Mike Myers, which drew a 11% rotten critics' score.
As of publication, the film has seven rotten and six fresh critics' scores on Rotten Tomatoes. The 2003 live-action adaptation drew a 11% rotten critics' score across 149 reviews and a 59% rotten Popcornmeter score from more than 1,000 user ratings.
The players
Bill Hader
Bill Hader is an American actor and comedian known for his work on Saturday Night Live and the series Barry, and he voices the Cat in this film.
Erica Rivinoja
Erica Rivinoja is an animation director and co-director of The Cat in the Hat alongside Alessandro Carloni.
Alessandro Carloni
Alessandro Carloni is an animation director known for his work on Kung Fu Panda and co-directs The Cat in the Hat with Erica Rivinoja.
Mike Myers
Mike Myers is a Canadian actor and comedian who starred in the 2003 live-action adaptation of The Cat in the Hat.
The details
The Cat in the Hat, rated PG, stars Bill Hader as the voice of the Cat and is directed by Erica Rivinoja and Alessandro Carloni. In the story, the Cat is tasked by the I.I.I.I. with bringing cheer to siblings Gabby and Sebastian as they adjust to a move, and he could lose his magical hat if he cannot prove his worth.
Timeline
Tuesday at 12 p.m. ET: Review embargo lifted
Thursday: Preview screenings
Friday: Nationwide theatrical opening
Industry Dynamics
The new animated film follows the 2003 live-action Cat in the Hat starring Mike Myers, which drew an 11% rotten critics' score across 149 reviews. Its split early reception shows how studios are returning to classic children's properties with new animated versions after earlier live-action attempts.
The film opens in theaters nationwide Friday, giving families a direct way to see the new animated version. Preview screenings Thursday offer an earlier chance to view it before the wide release.
The takeaway
Mixed early reviews are a reminder to check audience and critic scores together before choosing a family film. Viewers can compare the new animated release with earlier adaptations to decide which fits their household best.
Further reading
Explore more animation coverage to see how studios are approaching classic children's properties.
