Coyote vs. Acme review roundup: the rescued Looney Tunes movie is a hilarious delight, say critics
Coyote vs. Acme, the live-action and animated Looney Tunes comedy that Warner Bros. once shelved, sees Wile E. Coyote sue the Acme Corporation over its faulty products. Critics have welcomed it as a funny, warm-hearted delight, with a few finding the jokes hit-or-miss.
The story (no spoilers)
After decades of failed attempts to catch the Road Runner, Wile E. Coyote decides the problem is not him but the faulty Acme products he keeps buying.
He hires Kevin Avery (Will Forte), a down-on-his-luck Albuquerque personal-injury lawyer, to sue the giant Acme Corporation. Kevin would rather settle, but Wile E. insists on a trial, which pits him against Acme's slick lawyer and his own former boss, Buddy Crane (John Cena). Lana Condor co-stars as Kevin's niece and intern.
Where to watch or download
Links go to official services only. Streaming services let subscribers download titles in their app to watch offline, on supported plans; stores let you buy a copy to download and keep. Availability differs by country and changes over time (checked 18 October 2026). ElysiumHub does not host files or link to unofficial downloads.
The verdict
A treat for Looney Tunes fans and families looking for a smart, funny comedy. It has been available to rent or buy at home since 29 September 2026, so it is an easy pick for a family movie night.
- 96%Rotten TomatoesTomatometer, Certified Fresh, 298 reviews, 18 Oct 2026
- 77MetacriticMetascore, 46 critic reviews, 18 Oct 2026
- 94%RT audiencePopcornmeter, 2,500+ verified ratings, 18 Oct 2026
What critics say
“It's a pleasure to report that the film is a hilarious delight, one of the best live-action/animation films ever”
“Coyote vs. Acme shows why Looney Tunes are just as funny now as they've ever been, with a film that's an amazingly meta answer to corporate shenanigans.”
“Yet the film is missing something: the delirious fizz of true anarchic bedlam.”
“despite replicating the Looney Tunes tone, Coyote Vs. Acme's jokes and one-liners tend to be terribly hit-or-miss, especially once the plot takes over.”
What works
- A genuinely funny, clever premise that turns Looney Tunes logic into a courtroom comedy.
- Lovingly made, with real affection for Wile E. Coyote and classic slapstick.
- Will Forte and John Cena make a fun pair of opposing lawyers.
- Works for both children and adults.
What doesn't
- Some critics found the jokes hit-or-miss once the plot takes over.
- Variety missed the anarchic energy of the best cartoons.
Coyote vs. Acme finally reached cinemas on 28 August 2026, three years after Warner Bros. pulled the finished film and shelved it for a tax write-off. After a public outcry, Ketchup Entertainment bought it and released it, and it arrived to rent or buy online on 29 September. Dave Green directs from a script by Samy Burch, with James Gunn among the producers.
What critics liked
Reviews are glowing. The Hollywood Reporter's Frank Scheck called it a hilarious delight and one of the best live-action and animation films ever made, and IGN's Clint Gage said it shows why Looney Tunes are as funny as they have ever been, with an amazingly meta answer to corporate shenanigans. TheWrap's William Bibbiani noted the irony of a film about taking on a ruthless corporation that was itself rescued from one.
Where it falls short
The few reservations are about the comedy's consistency. Variety's Owen Gleiberman felt it lacks the delirious fizz of true anarchic bedlam, and Screen Daily's Tim Grierson found the jokes terribly hit-or-miss once the courtroom plot takes over.
The performances
Will Forte plays the hapless lawyer Kevin Avery straight, which critics say makes the cartoon chaos around him funnier, and John Cena is a scene-stealing corporate villain.
Should you watch?
With a Certified Fresh 96% Tomatometer and an A CinemaScore, this is an easy family recommendation, especially for anyone who grew up on the Road Runner cartoons.
Quick answers
- Is Coyote vs. Acme worth watching?
- A treat for Looney Tunes fans and families looking for a smart, funny comedy. It has been available to rent or buy at home since 29 September 2026, so it is an easy pick for a family movie night.
- What are the review scores for Coyote vs. Acme?
- Rotten Tomatoes: 96% (Tomatometer, Certified Fresh, 298 reviews, 18 Oct 2026). Metacritic: 77 (Metascore, 46 critic reviews, 18 Oct 2026). RT audience: 94% (Popcornmeter, 2,500+ verified ratings, 18 Oct 2026).
- Where can I watch Coyote vs. Acme?
- Official options: Fandango at Home (rent and buy to keep; US) and Fandango (in cinemas; US). Availability varies by country and changes over time.
- How long is Coyote vs. Acme?
- Coyote vs. Acme runs 101 minutes (1 hr 41 min).
- When was Coyote vs. Acme released?
- Coyote vs. Acme was released on 28 August 2026 by Ketchup Entertainment.
- Who is in Coyote vs. Acme?
- It is directed by Dave Green and stars Will Forte, John Cena, Lana Condor, Tone Bell, Martha Kelly, P. J. Byrne and Eric Bauza.
Sources
This roundup summarises the reviews and reporting below. Follow the links for the full pieces.
- Coyote vs. Acme review · The Hollywood Reporter
- Coyote vs. Acme Review · IGN
- Coyote vs. Acme review · Variety
- Coyote vs. Acme review · Screen Daily
- Coyote vs. Acme · Rotten Tomatoes
- Coyote vs. Acme · Metacritic
- Coyote vs. Acme · Wikipedia
ElysiumHub Screen Desk roundups summarise published reviews and reporting, and are written with AI assistance. Scores belong to the sites that publish them. Read our editorial standards. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.