Onward (2020)
Kernel Score: 85% · 6,490 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Family, Comedy, Adventure, Animation, Fantasy
Released: 2020-02-29
Runtime: 102 minutes
Is Onward worth watching?
Worth watching. Two elf brothers go on a quest to spend one more day with their late father. The fantasy world is clever, the jokes are decent, and the ending is where it earns its tears.
Watch it if you
- like fantasy comedy for the whole family
- enjoy stories about brothers
- want a heartfelt Pixar film that isn't their best
Skip it if you
- want Pixar at its most inventive
- dislike sentimental endings
Best for: Family movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Onward
- Stream: Disney+
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
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.
Onward parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that Onward is a PG animated fantasy adventure about two brothers on a quest involving their late father.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Includes fantasy action and mild peril typical of a PG family adventure.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Onward
If you liked Onward, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Monsters, Inc. (2001) — 89%: Pixar comedy with a friendship at its centre.
- Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022) — 89%: Funny fantasy adventure with a big heart.
- Nimona (2023) — 88%: Fantasy story about identity and friendship.
- How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) — 87%: Fantasy family adventure with emotional weight.
- Big Hero 6 (2014) — 88%: Family story about brothers, loss and heroes.
- Monsters University (2013) — 80%: Pixar prequel with college comedy and friendship.
Director
Cast
- Tom Holland as Ian Lightfoot (voice)
- Chris Pratt as Barley Lightfoot (voice)
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Laurel Lightfoot (voice)
- Octavia Spencer as The Manticore (voice)
- Mel Rodriguez as Officer Colt Bronco (voice)
- Kyle Bornheimer as Wilden Lightfoot (voice)
- Lena Waithe as Officer Spector (voice)
- Ali Wong as Officer Gore (voice)
- Grey DeLisle as Dewdrop (voice)
- Tracey Ullman as Grecklin (voice)
Onward FAQ
Is Onward worth watching?
Worth watching. Two elf brothers go on a quest to spend one more day with their late father. The fantasy world is clever, the jokes are decent, and the ending is where it earns its tears.
Where can I watch Onward?
In the US you can stream Onward on Disney+ and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Onward OK for kids?
Onward is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that Onward is a PG animated fantasy adventure about two brothers on a quest involving their late father.
What movies are like Onward?
If you liked Onward, try Monsters, Inc., Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, Nimona and How to Train Your Dragon 2.