Luca (2021)
Kernel Score: 85% · 8,845 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Animation, Comedy, Fantasy, Family, Drama
Released: 2021-06-17
Runtime: 95 minutes
Is Luca worth watching?
Worth watching. A gentle, sunny story about two sea-monster boys passing as humans on the Italian Riviera. It's low on stakes, but the friendship and the look of the town are lovely for younger viewers.
Watch it if you
- want a warm, low-stress family film
- like stories about friendship and being different
- enjoy summer holiday atmosphere
Skip it if you
- want Pixar's emotional heavyweights
- need a complicated plot
Best for: Family movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Luca
- Stream: Disney+
- Rent: Fandango At Home
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Luca and his best friend Alberto experience an unforgettable summer on the Italian Riviera. But all the fun is threatened by a deeply-held secret: they are sea monsters from another world just below the water’s surface.
Luca parents' guide: ages 5+
Parents need to know that Luca is a PG animated family film about two sea-monster friends enjoying a summer of adventure and self-acceptance on the Italian coast.
- Violence & scariness: A little — Mild fantasy peril from a villain character; nothing intense for a family audience.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Luca
If you liked Luca, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Ciao Alberto (2021) — 81%: Direct companion following the same pair of friends.
- Kiki's Delivery Service (1989) — 89%: A gentle story of a young girl finding independence.
- Robot Dreams (2023) — 90%: Tender friendship story with real feeling.
- Wolf Children (2012) — 89%: Warm family story about hidden identity.
- Monsters, Inc. (2001) — 89%: Pixar monsters and an unlikely friendship.
- Porco Rosso (1992) — 87%: Sunny Italian adventure with a laid-back charm.
Director
Enrico Casarosa
Cast
- Jacob Tremblay as Luca Paguro (voice)
- Jack Dylan Grazer as Alberto Scorfano (voice)
- Emma Berman as Giulia Marcovaldo (voice)
- Saverio Raimondo as Ercole Visconti (voice)
- Maya Rudolph as Daniela Paguro (voice)
- Marco Barricelli as Massimo Marcovaldo (voice)
- Jim Gaffigan as Lorenzo Paguro (voice)
- Peter Sohn as Ciccio (voice)
- Lorenzo Crisci as Guido (voice)
- Marina Massironi as Signora Marsigliese (voice)
Luca FAQ
Is Luca worth watching?
Worth watching. A gentle, sunny story about two sea-monster boys passing as humans on the Italian Riviera. It's low on stakes, but the friendship and the look of the town are lovely for younger viewers.
Where can I watch Luca?
In the US you can stream Luca on Disney+ and rent it from Fandango At Home.
Is Luca OK for kids?
Luca is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 5+. Parents need to know that Luca is a PG animated family film about two sea-monster friends enjoying a summer of adventure and self-acceptance on the Italian coast.
What movies are like Luca?
If you liked Luca, try Ciao Alberto, Kiki's Delivery Service, Robot Dreams and Wolf Children.