Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)
Kernel Score: 86% · 3,759 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Animation, Adventure, Family
Released: 2016-08-18
Runtime: 102 minutes
Is Kubo and the Two Strings worth watching?
Must-watch. A boy with a magic instrument and origami goes on a quest through feudal Japan. The stop-motion is superb to look at, the story is moving and darker than most family films, and it's thoughtful.
Watch it if you
- love beautiful hand-made animation
- like family films that deal with loss and memory
- enjoy fantasy quests with real emotional weight
Skip it if you
- want a light, jokey kids' movie
- have very young children easily scared by monsters
Best for: Family movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Kubo and the Two Strings
- Stream: Hulu, Peacock, HBO Max
- Free with ads: The Roku Channel
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Kubo mesmerizes the people in his village with his magical gift for spinning wild tales with origami. When he accidentally summons an evil spirit seeking vengeance, Kubo is forced to go on a quest to solve the mystery of his fallen samurai father and his mystical weaponry, as well as discover his own magical powers.
Kubo and the Two Strings parents' guide: ages 6+
Parents need to know that this PG animated fantasy adventure includes some scary spirit imagery but centers on forgiveness and family bonds.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Fantasy quest involves an evil spirit and mild peril appropriate to its PG rating.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Kubo and the Two Strings
If you liked Kubo and the Two Strings, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Wild Robot (2024) — 91%: Beautiful animation with a very moving story of care.
- Castle in the Sky (1986) — 93%: A gentle, inventive fantasy quest with a rich imagined world.
- Isle of Dogs (2018) — 87%: Hand-made stop-motion with a distinctive style and a quest.
- Flow (2024) — 90%: Beautiful wordless animated adventure with real emotion.
- Coco (2017) — 90%: A child, family memory and music in a lovingly made world.
- Klaus (2019) — 92%: Hand-crafted look with a warm, moving story.
Director
Travis Knight
Cast
- Art Parkinson as Kubo (voice)
- Charlize Theron as Monkey / Mother (voice)
- Brenda Vaccaro as Kameyo (voice)
- Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa as Hashi (voice)
- Meyrick Murphy as Mari (voice)
- George Takei as Hosato (voice)
- Rooney Mara as The Sisters (voice)
- Ralph Fiennes as Moon King (voice)
- Matthew McConaughey as Beetle (voice)
- Minae Noji as Minae (voice)
Kubo and the Two Strings FAQ
Is Kubo and the Two Strings worth watching?
Must-watch. A boy with a magic instrument and origami goes on a quest through feudal Japan. The stop-motion is superb to look at, the story is moving and darker than most family films, and it's thoughtful.
Where can I watch Kubo and the Two Strings?
In the US you can stream Kubo and the Two Strings on Hulu, Peacock and HBO Max, watch it free with ads on The Roku Channel and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Kubo and the Two Strings OK for kids?
Kubo and the Two Strings is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 6+. Parents need to know that this PG animated fantasy adventure includes some scary spirit imagery but centers on forgiveness and family bonds.
What movies are like Kubo and the Two Strings?
If you liked Kubo and the Two Strings, try The Wild Robot, Castle in the Sky, Isle of Dogs and Flow.