Film

Spies in Disguise

Name: Spies in Disguise
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Family
Released: 2019
Cast: Will Smith, Tom Holland, Ben Mendelsohn, Rashida Jones, Karen Gillan

Spy action
Light-hearted

A buddy-cop spy comedy where a slick secret agent and a nerdy inventor get literally stuck together, forced to overcome their differences to save the world. It's fast, colourful, silly, and genuinely warm—the kind of film that knows exactly what it is and commits fully to the bit. For families and anyone who loves a good odd-couple dynamic.

TMDb rating

3.8

Should you watch it?

Watch it if you enjoy buddy-spy capers where the gadgets are as funny as the gags, and a mismatched pair bickers their way through a bright, cheeky Bond-style romp.

Skip it if you want animation that aims for emotional depth, since this one plays its premise for breezy laughs and keeps the stakes light from start to finish.

What it asks of you: Under two hours and quick on its feet, it wants you to keep up with a steady run of visual jokes and slapstick, with very little quiet time between set pieces.

Not sure? Find tonight's pick in a minute.

If you liked this

Kung Fu Panda2008

Same Blue Sky Studios DNA: a complete goofball becomes an unlikely hero, paired with a seasoned mentor he must learn from. Equally funny for kids and adults, with real heart beneath the chaos and mayhem.

But The plotting is occasionally thin and it relies on broad physical comedy that lands better for younger viewers than cynical older ones.

Wreck-It Ralph2012

Disney animation about misfits learning to value each other's skills. Jampacked with humour, heart, and genuine affection for its characters. The buddy dynamic between Ralph and Vanellope mirrors Lance and Walter's arc.

But The plot meanders in the middle and some of the video game jokes have dated badly since 2012.

The Lego Movie2014

Gleeful, hyperactive family comedy where a bumbling nobody and a polished hero learn they're stronger together. Fast-paced, earnest about its characters' growth, and packed with humour that works across all ages.

But The relentless energy and meta-comedy style won't appeal to anyone craving quieter storytelling or subtlety.

Not sure tonight? Get a pick in a minute, starting from Spies in Disguise

The wildcard

Something you would not have found on your own.

Klaus2019

Both are about partnership forged through proximity and necessity, where each character's greatest weakness is the other's strength. But Klaus strips away jokes and action to find the genuine emotional truth in that dynamic, where Spies finds its joy in comedy.

Gorgeous 2D animation about a cynical con artist and an idealistic postman learning to believe in each other. Visually stunning, genuinely moving, and funny without ever being loud. A completely different register from typical spy comedy, but the emotional core is identical.

But Slower and quieter than you might expect. The sentiment is earned but unmistakable, which some viewers read as saccharine. 2D animation feels less 'cinematic' to audiences weaned on 3D spectacle.

Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted2012

Zany ensemble comedy with the same anarchic spirit. The mismatched team dynamic, visual gags, and willingness to just have fun without overthinking it shares Spies' DNA perfectly.

But It's chaotic to the point of headache for some viewers. The plot takes a definite back seat to jokes and silliness.

Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted poster

Big Hero 62014

A lonely tech genius and a lonely fighter learn to trust a team. Smart action, genuine emotion, and a hero origin that feels earned. The nerd-and-warrior pairing hits similar notes to Lance and Walter.

But Occasionally saccharine, and the back half relies on spectacle over character work. Some will find it too earnest.

Megamind2010

Clever supervillain comedy about being forced to team up with your opposite. Sharp writing, genuine heart, and excellent voice work from Will Ferrell. The role-reversal humour is immensely satisfying.

But The romantic subplot dilutes the main buddy dynamic. Some jokes and references feel dated now.

How to Train Your Dragon2010

Boy and dragon learn to understand each other despite every reason not to. Stunning animation, real emotional stakes, and a friendship built on genuine trust rather than forced proximity. The character arc work is excellent.

But Slower paced than Spies in Disguise. Less gag-driven, more invested in genuine worldbuilding, which won't suit everyone.

Monsters vs Aliens2009

Misfit team of freaks saves Earth, learning to value what makes them different. Silly, colourful action-comedy with good-natured humour and some genuinely impressive animated action set pieces.

But Feels distinctly of its era in a way that hasn't aged gracefully. The jokes are fairly obvious and the plot is forgettable.

The Incredibles2004

Family of misfits learns to work together. Stylish action, clever character dynamics, and a script that respects both comedy and emotion. The mid-film partnership sequences echo Spies' energy.

But The second half pivots hard toward spectacle and loses some of the character focus. Jack-Jack's antics grate on some viewers.

The Adam Project2022

Same formula: two fundamentally incompatible people stuck together, learning that what they thought made them incompatible is actually why they complete each other. But The Adam Project is about self-acceptance through the other person, where Spies is pure celebration of finding your partner in chaos.

A gruff fighter pilot meets his younger self and they have to work together to survive. Light, propulsive sci-fi action-comedy with real warmth. Less about spy gadgets than internal reckoning, but the buddy dynamic and quippy dialogue share Spies' optimism.

But Leans heavier on sentimentality than Spies does. The plot is convoluted and the emotional beats sometimes feel manufactured. Some will find it treacly rather than touching.