The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie is a 2004 American live-action/animated adventure comedy film based on the animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants. The first installment in the SpongeBob SquarePants film series, it was co-written, co-produced, and directed by series creator Stephen Hillenburg (in his feature directorial debut).

Hillenburg directed the film, titled The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, which was theatrically released in the United States on November 19, 2004, to critical and commercial success. It was originally planned to act as the series finale, but the series success led to the production of more episodes.