Movies for a Farmette Evening: 6 Films That Speak to Country Life

Reviews by Clara Henwick, Because Chickens Deserve Good Cinema Too

Intro: Fireflies, Lemonade, and the Silver Screen

There's nothing like a summer evening on the farmette—fireflies blinking in the dusk, my chickens clucking softly as they settle in, and a big bowl of popcorn balanced on my lap. I string a sheet between the maple trees, pour a tall glass of my tart homemade lemonade, and press play. These are the films that speak to me, to my chickens, and to the rhythm of a life where fair ribbons and feed buckets mean everything.

Each movie here has been tested by the most discerning critics: my Rhode Island Reds, who will walk away from anything that doesn't capture the true spirit of country living. So grab your lemonade, settle in with your own flock (feathered or otherwise), and let's find some cinematic magic in the simple rhythms of farmette life.

1. Chicken Run (2000) – Netflix

Oh, how my girls and I cackle at this one. Ginger and her flock plotting an escape feels mighty familiar—I've had more than one hen dream up her own jailbreak from the run. The determination, the teamwork, the sheer stubbornness of a chicken with a plan—it all hits home. Watching it, I can't help but imagine my Petunia in Ginger's role, feathers puffed, marching her sisters into glory.

Lemonade Pairing: Classic tart lemonade with a sprig of fresh mint—because even escape artists need refreshment.

2. Charlotte's Web (2006) – Prime

This one makes me tear up every time. Wilbur's innocence, Charlotte's wisdom, and the county fair atmosphere feel stitched right into my own life. I've walked those same dusty paths, clutching a ribbon and praying my bird would stand proud for the judges. And oh, Templeton! He reminds me of the raccoons who raid my feed bins—mischievous, shameless, but part of the ecosystem all the same.

Lemonade Pairing: Honey-sweetened lemonade—because fair days call for something special.

3. The Biggest Little Farm (2018) – Hulu

Whenever I'm knee-deep in mud, trying to fix a fence post, I think of this film. It's not just about farming—it's about faith, patience, and finding beauty in the mess. Watching barren land transform into a thriving farm reminds me why I keep going, even when the weather is cruel or the hens refuse to lay. One egg at a time, one dream at a time—that's the heartbeat of a farmette.

Lemonade Pairing: Lavender-infused lemonade—because transformation takes time and patience.

4. Babe (1995) – Prime

Oh Babe, you polite little wonder! If a pig can learn to herd sheep, surely my Petunia can learn not to spill my lemonade. Babe's journey from outsider to champion gives me hope every fair season when I haul my biggest, chonkiest hen into the ring. Will she take the ribbon this year? Babe says yes—so long as she believes in herself (and so long as I keep the feathers brushed just right).

Lemonade Pairing: Strawberry lemonade—because champions deserve something sweet and pink.

5. Napoleon Dynamite (2004) – Hulu

Now, this one might feel out of place, but hear me out. The small-town awkwardness, the 4-H competitions, and yes, even the chicken farm scene—it all rings true. I laughed myself silly watching Napoleon's world, because I swear half the people at my county fair could walk straight out of that movie. And honestly? I'd trade a dozen eggs for one of those "Vote for Pedro" shirts.

Lemonade Pairing: Classic lemonade with extra ice—because small-town life is cool in its own way.

6. The Egg and I (1947) – Prime

An oldie but a goodie. The slapstick chaos of two city folks trying to run a chicken farm is painfully relatable. Broken fences, stubborn hens, neighbors who don't quite get it—I've lived it all. But beneath the comedy, there's a kind of charm, a reminder that this life may be hard, but it's full of joy too. Every cracked egg, every runaway hen, every stubborn rooster—it's all part of the story.

Lemonade Pairing: Rosemary lemonade—because even chaos needs a touch of sophistication.

Closing Thoughts: Stream Before the Chickens Roost

Movies on the farmette aren't just entertainment; they're reflections of a life lived close to the land, close to the creatures who depend on me. My chickens might not care much for plot twists, but they do love the sound of my laughter and the company of a picnic at dusk.

And me? I'll keep pouring the lemonade and raising my chonkiest hen, dreaming of blue ribbons and golden sunsets, with the silver screen glowing against the night sky. Because sometimes the best stories are the ones that remind us why we chose this life—mud, feathers, and all.

So string up your sheet, mix up your lemonade, and let these films remind you that the best entertainment often comes with a side of farm fresh eggs and the gentle clucking of contented chickens.

– Clara Henwick, Farmette Film Critic