Skip to content
MovieCove
Onward

Onward

Their quest beginneth.

2020102 minPGMidcredits score: 89th percentile of all films
Director
Dan Scanlon
Starring
Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Octavia Spencer

In a suburban fantasy world, two teenage elf brothers embark on an extraordinary quest to discover if there is still a little magic left out there.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Onward?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Onward streaming on Disney+ and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Subscription

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Onward?

Onward earns 7 badges, led by Top 10% of the 2020s and Star-studded.

  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Awards and box office
  • Content
  • Cast

Reception

Is Onward worth watching?

Onward's Midcredits score is the 89th percentile of all films, from 907K ratings across 6 sources. 80% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

89th percentile

Better received than 89% of films

83rd percentile among Animation90th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)85th
Approval (how many liked it)90th

72 /100

85th percentile of all films

78th percentile among Animation83rd percentile among 2020s

Critics 61 · Audience 73

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.4 — solid but not unanimous.

80% liked it

90th percentile of all films

87th percentile among Animation90th percentile among 2020s
80% rated it 7–1020% rated it 1–6

Critics 88% · Audience 95%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 1 Oscar noms · 4 wins / 64 noms overall

  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Animated Feature Film
  • NominatedGolden Globes· Best Motion Picture - Animated

85th percentile

906K ratings across platforms

69th percentile among Animation86th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Up 15% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$175M
Opening weekend$39M
Domestic gross$62M
Worldwide gross$142M

Returned 0.8× its budget — 88th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A road-trip fantasy about two brothers trying to spend one last day with their dead father.

Fans praised

  • relatable brotherly bond with authentic sibling dynamics
  • emotionally resonant ending that delivers catharsis
  • creative suburban fantasy world with clever worldbuilding

Detractors panned

  • formulaic and predictable quest structure
  • underdeveloped world that feels like gags without depth
  • forced emotional manipulation rather than earned sentiment

What stands out

Acting78

lively chemistry between Holland and Pratt

Emotional impactDivisive75

tearjerking finale but manipulated buildup

EndingDivisive72

satisfying catharsis for fans; anticlimactic for detractors

Atmosphere68

cozy suburban fantasy with underused lore

CharactersDivisive65

stock fantasy archetypes with uneven development

PacingDivisive58

slow opening and rushed second half

Plot and storyDivisive55

predictable quest structure with contrived setbacks

Originality52

novel suburban-fantasy concept but derivative execution

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men even
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 5 points apart
  • Critics vs users 4 points apart
  • US vs non-US 5 points apart

Watch experience

What is Onward like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

No single mood: browse every movie of this kindNo one kind of watch fits it, so it is described by how heavy it is.

Watch this when you want something light and easy.

It has a few laughs and leaves you bittersweet. Skip it when you want something with weight.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Moods
HopefulBittersweetJoyful
Heaviest: middle
Warm humor
Register
Adventurous · 11% of filmsWarm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its familial drama and quest fantasy straight with affection and gentle humor, never undercutting its emotional moments.
The rideThe film balances whimsical adventure with sincere emotional beats, peaking in the middle during the quest's setbacks and the brothers' conflict.
StructureThe story follows a conventional three-act structure: setup with the failed spell, conflicts during the journey, and a climax involving the dragon and meeting their father.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

BittersweetHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you with a poignant mix of loss and the value of family bonds, but also a sense of hope and new beginnings.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).QuestRescue
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% (this title) · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Rescue: Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).

10% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeTwo brothers embark on a quest to obtain a rare gem and complete a spell that will resurrect their father for a single day, driving across a modern fantasy suburban landscape.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% (this title) · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% (this title) · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bondsComing of age · 5% of filmsGrief · 6% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores the aching absence of a father and the surprising realization that the brotherly bond has already filled that role.
StanceThe film celebrates family bonds and the idea that love and support can come from unexpected places, affirming the brothers' relationship.

The world

ContemporarySuburbanWildernessDomesticMagical realism
Orchestral classicalOrchestral modernSupportive music · original score
SettingNew Mushroomton, a modern suburb where mythical creatures use cell phones and cars instead of magic.
MusicThe score blends traditional orchestration with Celtic and folk influences to evoke a mythic yet cozy atmosphere.

Content guide

Is Onward okay for kids?

PG

Onward is rated PG: “Rated PG for action/peril and some mild thematic elements” (MPAA). As of August 19, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (23/100), sexual content at minimal (15/100), language at minimal (9/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (10/100) and frightening material at mild (31/100). Overall it is heavier than 11% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 34 other countries
  • UKU
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany6
  • FranceTP
  • IrelandPG
  • New ZealandPG
  • JapanPG12
  • South KoreaALL
  • BrazilL
  • ArgentinaATP
  • Austria6
  • CLTE
  • CzechiaU
  • DenmarkA
  • FinlandK-7
  • GreeceΚ
  • Hong KongI
  • Hungary6
  • IDSemua Umur
  • IndiaU
  • ItalyT
  • MexicoA
  • Netherlands6
  • Norway6
  • Poland7
  • PortugalM/6
  • PRPG
  • Russia6+
  • SingaporePG
  • SKU
  • SpainAPTA
  • Sweden7
  • Taiwan普遍級
  • Türkiye6+
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 3% of all filmsHeavier than 11% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 21%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 28%
Profanity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 15%
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 19%
Frightening / Intense
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 36%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is frightening material, heavier than 36% of PG-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Onward have?

MovieCove's classifier found no depicted content warnings in Onward. 1 is mentioned only, in dialogue or backstory (behind the spoiler gate). Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

Mentioned: referenced in dialogue or backstory, not shown in the story’s present.

Cast and crew

Who is in Onward?

Cast

4 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Tom Holland
as Ian Lightfoot
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Chris Pratt
as Barley Lightfoot
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus
as Laurel Lightfoot
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Octavia Spencer
as The Manticore
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Mel Rodriguez
as Colt Bronco
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Kyle Bornheimer
as Wilden Lightfoot (Dad)
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Lena Waithe
as Officer Spector
Ali Wong
as Officer Gore
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Grey DeLisle
as Dewdrop (Pixie Dusters Leader)
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Tracey Ullman
as Grecklin (Pawn Shop Owner)

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Onward?

Movies like Onward include In Your Dreams (2025), Inside Out (2015) and IF (2024). Of the 12 closest matches, most are magical-realist films, and most are family adventures.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

6 of these 12 share its subject: coming of age. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Onward?

2.5K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: road movie. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.