Rejected (2000)
Don Hertzfeldt's anarchic animated short film where rejected TV commercials spiral into surreal, Oscar-nominated brilliance.
Rejected - Movie Information
Rejected - Plot
A hilarious collection of animated television commercials that were rejected because of their creator's failing grip on sanity.
Rejected - Trailer
Check out this clip and get a taste of the surreal chaos that awaits.
Where to Watch Rejected
Looking for where to watch Rejected?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Rejected - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Don Hertzfeldt
Main Cast
- Robert May
- Jennifer Nyholm
- Don Hertzfeldt
Writers
- Don Hertzfeldt
Producers
- Don Hertzfeldt
Rejected - FAQs
What is Rejected about?
Rejected follows a fictional animator commissioned to produce TV commercials who gradually loses his grip on sanity. The result is a series of increasingly bizarre, surreal, and darkly funny animated spots that spiral into total absurdist chaos — and ultimately tear apart the fabric of the film itself.
Was Rejected nominated for an Academy Award?
Yes! Rejected earned Don Hertzfeldt an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Short Film at the 2002 Oscars. It's widely considered one of the greatest animated short films ever made, cementing Hertzfeldt's reputation as a singular voice in independent animation.
Where can you watch Rejected online?
Rejected is available to watch through various streaming and rental platforms. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date viewing options in your region, as availability can vary. Don Hertzfeldt has also made portions of his work accessible through his official channels over the years.
What makes Rejected so uniquely funny and strange?
The film's genius lies in its deliberately crude stick-figure animation clashing with increasingly unhinged content. Hertzfeldt uses non-sequitur humor, existential dread, and meta-commentary on commercialism to build a surreal crescendo. Lines like “My spoon is too big” and “I am a banana” became genuine internet classics.
Does Rejected have a deeper meaning beneath the absurdity?
Absolutely. Beneath the laughs, Rejected is a sharp satire of commercial culture and the dehumanizing demands placed on creative artists. The animator's mental breakdown mirrors the tension between artistic integrity and corporate expectation — themes Hertzfeldt would continue exploring throughout his career.
Who directed and created Rejected?
Don Hertzfeldt wrote, directed, produced, and animated Rejected entirely on his own under his studio Bitter Films. He also voiced characters including Spoon Guy, Banana, and the Queen of France. His one-man approach is central to the film's raw, handcrafted charm.
How long is Rejected?
Rejected runs just 9 minutes — but it packs more invention, humor, and emotional chaos into those nine minutes than most feature films manage in two hours. It's a short film in length only; its cultural footprint is enormous.
Is Rejected considered a classic of animated film?
Without question. Rejected is regularly cited among the greatest animated short films ever produced. Its influence on internet humor, surrealist comedy, and independent animation is immeasurable. It helped launch Don Hertzfeldt into the pantheon of essential American animators.
More About Rejected
Explore further details about Rejected on these authoritative resources.