Onward (2020)

Onward is a warm, funny and adventurous animated film about two elf brothers who set out on a one-day quest to bring back their late father. Set in a suburban fantasy town where magic has been replaced by everyday tech, sixteen-year-old Ian Lightfoot and his older, role-playing–obsessed brother Barley discover a magical staff and a spell that can restore their dad for only one day. When the spell goes wrong, the brothers must race across enchanted landscapes using cryptic maps, spells and a very particular sense of brotherhood to finish what they started — all while their worried mom, Laurel, joins forces with the legendary Manticore to track them down. Viewers can expect a blend of heartfelt emotion and playful comedy: the film balances laugh-out-loud moments, imaginative world-building and high-energy action with genuine themes of grief, identity and growing up. The animation is colorful and inventive, packed with quirky magical creatures and set pieces that turn suburban life into a fantastical playground. At its core the story is a coming-of-age journey — Ian’s search for courage and belonging is matched by Barley’s devotion and nostalgia for the past. What you’ll experience watching Onward: - A family-friendly adventure full of jokes that land for both kids and adults. - Emotional beats that are likely to resonate — tender scenes about loss and connection alongside uplifting moments of growth. - Creative fantasy visuals and playful set pieces that reinvent ordinary locations with magic. - Strong, character-driven storytelling centered on brotherhood, bravery and the idea that love can be revived in unexpected ways. Overall, Onward is an entertaining, touching ride that blends humor and heart, leaving viewers both smiling and moved.

Actors: Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Director: Dan Scanlon

Runtime: 102 min

Genres: Adventure, Animation, Comedy

6.8 /10 61 /100 7.4 /10 6.8 /10