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Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is a 2009 American animated science fiction comedy film loosely based on the 1978 children's book by Judi and Ron Barrett.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is a 2009 American animated science fiction comedy film loosely based on the 1978 children's book by Judi and Ron Barrett. The film follows inventor Flint Lockwood, whose machine turns water into food and triggers chaotic food storms. It was produced by Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation and released in September 2009.

Plot

The film follows Flint Lockwood as he invents a machine that converts water into food. After the device begins producing food storms, Flint and reporter Sam Sparks try to stop it before the situation gets worse.

Production

The film was directed and written by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller and produced by Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation. It was loosely based on the 1978 children's book by Judi and Ron Barrett.

Release and reception

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs premiered in Los Angeles on September 12, 2009, and was released in the United States on September 18, 2009. It received positive reviews and was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 67th Golden Globe Awards.

Franchise

The film launched a franchise that includes the 2013 sequel Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 and an animated television series that premiered in 2017.

Key facts

  • The film is an animated adaptation of the 1978 children's book of the same name.
  • Its story centers on Flint Lockwood, whose machine turns water into food and causes destructive food storms.
  • It was a commercial success, grossing about $243 million worldwide against a $100 million budget.
  • A sequel, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2, was released in 2013.
  • The film was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 67th Golden Globe Awards.
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Canadian context

The film was widely distributed in Canada as an English-language Hollywood animated feature and is familiar to Canadian audiences through home video and streaming availability.

Frequently asked questions

What is Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs?
It is a 2009 American animated science fiction comedy film based loosely on the children's book by Judi and Ron Barrett.
Who directed Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs?
The film was directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.
What is the movie about?
It follows inventor Flint Lockwood, whose machine turns water into food and creates dangerous food storms.
When was the film released?
It premiered on September 12, 2009, and was released in the United States on September 18, 2009.
Was the film successful?
Yes. It grossed about $243 million worldwide against a reported $100 million budget.
Did it have sequels or spin-offs?
Yes. A sequel was released in 2013, and an animated TV series premiered in 2017.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloudy_with_a_Chance_of_Meatballs_(film)
    Supports: Release date, directors, cast, plot, box office, sequel, and adaptation details
  2. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/70113007
    Supports: Synopsis, year, rating, genre, and cast
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1196077-cloudy_with_a_chance_of_meatballs
    Supports: Genre, synopsis, director, production company, and rating
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0844471/
    Supports: Plot summary, cast, and credits