Released in theaters in 2009, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs is a computer-animated comedy directed and written by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. Based on Judi Barrett’s children's book, illustrated by Ron Barrett, the film follows an awkward inventor whose creation sets off an astonishingly absurd weather phenomenon: food begins to rain from the sky. This family-friendly adventure will be available on HBO Max starting February 15, 2026.
At Swallow in Château, Flint Lockwood keeps tinkering with wild inventions and spectacular failures, much to the locals' frustration. But he remains determined to create something meaningful—something that can make people happy and finally give purpose to his inventive talents. When he develops a machine intended to turn water into food, the experiment quickly goes awry: the device malfunctions, destroys the town square, and shoots off into the clouds.
Moments later, the unimaginable happens: cheeseburgers start falling from the sky. The “miracle” causes a sensation and catapults Flint into the spotlight. On site, weather reporter Sam Sparks, who’s there to cover what she calls an unprecedented event, approaches him. But the euphoria quickly gives way to concern: the more the machine “feeds” the city, the more the rainstorms spiral out of control, and the collective craving risks turning into a disaster.
Published in 1978, Judi Barrett’s book inspired a heavily expanded cinematic adaptation. Filmmakers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller kept the central idea — a town where it rains food — as the foundation for an adventurous story and a diverse cast of characters that unfolds over time. The film also represents their debut feature-length animation, marking the beginning of their rise as prominent figures in both animated filmmaking and American comedy.
Visually, the team focused on making the textures, trajectories, and volumes of falling food look authentic, using a variety of materials and lighting references to give a tangible, physical sense to the absurdity. For the original voice cast, Bill Hader lends his voice to Flint, Anna Faris voices Sam Sparks, and Neil Patrick Harris is cast as Steve, the hero’s friend and ally—all delivered with a comedic tone supported by a fast-paced, TV-style rhythm and a roster of eccentric supporting characters.
With its slapstick humor, visual gags, and cartoonish energy, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs appeals to children as young as six, while subtly exploring themes that resonate with older audiences: taking responsibility for the consequences of one's inventions, the desire for recognition, and how a good idea can go awry when it turns into a never-ending spectacle. Following in the footsteps of contemporary animated comedies packed with jokes, the film relies as much on its imaginative universe as on the charm of its characters.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Film | 2009
Released in theaters: October 21, 2009
Available on HBO Max starting from February 15, 2026
Animation, Comedy | Runtime: 1 hour 30 minutes
Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller | Starring Bill Hader, Anna Faris, Neil Patrick Harris
Original title: Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
Country: United States
Suitable for viewers aged 6 and up
Blending an inventor’s tale, sitcom-style humor, and a gradual catastrophe, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs delivers a family adventure with an instantly recognizable concept. It’s driven by highly expressive animation and a gag sense that leans into well-managed escalation for comedic effect.
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