The Emoji Movie
Gene, a multi-expressional emoji, sets out on a journey to become a normal emoji.
Despite a respectable budget of $50.0M, The Emoji Movie became a solid performer, earning $216.9M worldwide—a 334% return.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
The Emoji Movie (2017) exhibits precise dramatic framework, characteristic of Tony Leondis's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 11-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 26 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.7, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Gene lives in Textopolis, a digital city inside a smartphone where emojis live. He's a "meh" emoji who is supposed to be expressionless, but he struggles to make just one face.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 10 minutes when Gene panics during his first call to work and makes multiple expressions instead of just "meh." His malfunction is broadcast to all of Textopolis. He's labeled a malfunction and marked for deletion by Smiler.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
At 43 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Notably, this crucial beat The phone user (Alex) schedules an appointment at the phone store to erase the phone because of the malfunctions Gene is causing. Stakes are raised: now everyone in the phone will be deleted. False defeat., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 65 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Gene and Hi-5 are captured by the bots. Jailbreak sacrifices her chance to reach the Cloud to save them but is captured too. Gene believes he's destroyed everyone's chances and ruined everything. All seems lost., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 69 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Gene, Hi-5, and Jailbreak work together to stop the phone deletion. Gene uses all his expressions to help Alex send the perfect message. They defeat Smiler and her bots. The phone is saved., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Emoji Movie's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 11 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping The Emoji Movie against these established plot points, we can identify how Tony Leondis utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Emoji Movie within the animation genre.
Tony Leondis's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Tony Leondis films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.7, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. The Emoji Movie exemplifies the director's characteristic narrative technique. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Tony Leondis filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional animation films include The Bad Guys, The Quintessential Quintuplets Movie and Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel I. Presage Flower. For more Tony Leondis analyses, see Igor.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Gene lives in Textopolis, a digital city inside a smartphone where emojis live. He's a "meh" emoji who is supposed to be expressionless, but he struggles to make just one face.
Theme
Gene's parents discuss conformity: "We're supposed to be meh." His father warns him about standing out. The theme of authenticity versus conformity is established.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to Textopolis and the emoji world. Emojis prepare for work in the text center. Gene attends his first day at work, nervous about making the right expression. The rules of this world are established.
Disruption
Gene panics during his first call to work and makes multiple expressions instead of just "meh." His malfunction is broadcast to all of Textopolis. He's labeled a malfunction and marked for deletion by Smiler.
Resistance
Gene debates whether to accept deletion or try to fix himself. He meets Hi-5, a once-popular emoji now forgotten. Hi-5 tells Gene about a hacker who might be able to reprogram him. Gene resists leaving but realizes he has no choice.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
The fun and games of traveling through various apps: Just Dance, Instagram, Candy Crush. Gene, Hi-5, and Jailbreak bond while evading Smiler's bot army. Gene discovers his multiple expressions can be useful.
Midpoint
The phone user (Alex) schedules an appointment at the phone store to erase the phone because of the malfunctions Gene is causing. Stakes are raised: now everyone in the phone will be deleted. False defeat.
Opposition
Pressure intensifies as the group races against time. Smiler's bots close in. Gene and Jailbreak grow closer. Gene learns Jailbreak is actually a princess emoji who rejected her programming. Their journey becomes more dangerous.
Collapse
Gene and Hi-5 are captured by the bots. Jailbreak sacrifices her chance to reach the Cloud to save them but is captured too. Gene believes he's destroyed everyone's chances and ruined everything. All seems lost.
Crisis
Gene faces his darkest moment in captivity. He must decide whether to accept deletion to save the phone or find another way. He reflects on what he's learned about being himself.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Gene, Hi-5, and Jailbreak work together to stop the phone deletion. Gene uses all his expressions to help Alex send the perfect message. They defeat Smiler and her bots. The phone is saved.