The Book of Life (2014)
Kernel Score: 86% · 2,891 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy
Released: 2014-10-01
Runtime: 95 minutes
Is The Book of Life worth watching?
Worth watching. A vivid, funny animated film about a young man torn between family duty and his dream. It looks distinct and has lovely music, though it is a little busy and has a familiar love-triangle shape.
Watch it if you
- like colourful animation
- enjoy stories rooted in Mexican folklore
- want a fun film for the whole family
Skip it if you
- want a surprising plot
- dislike busy animation
Best for: Family movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Book of Life
- 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
The journey of Manolo, a young man who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart. Before choosing which path to follow, he embarks on an incredible adventure that spans fantastical worlds where he must face his greatest fears.
The Book of Life parents' guide: ages 6+
Parents need to know that The Book of Life is a PG animated fantasy musical about a young man torn between family duty and following his heart.
- Violence & scariness: A little — Includes fantastical adventure elements like bullfighting and afterlife realms with mild peril.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Book of Life
If you liked The Book of Life, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Coco (2017) — 90%: Pixar's richer take on the afterlife and family
- Encanto (2021) — 85%: Colourful musical about family and magic
- Ferdinand (2017) — 81%: Warm animated story with a Spanish setting
- ParaNorman (2012) — 78%: Spooky, sweet animated film about the dead
- The Emperor's New Groove (2000) — 87%: Sharp, fast animated comedy
- I Am Frankelda (2025) — 89%: Mexican animated horror-fantasy with strong ratings
Director
Jorge R. Gutierrez
Cast
- Diego Luna as Manolo (voice)
- Channing Tatum as Joaquin (voice)
- Zoe Saldaña as Maria (voice)
- Christina Applegate as Mary Beth (voice)
- Eugenio Derbez as Chato (voice)
- Cheech Marin as Pancho Rodriguez (voice)
- Gabriel Iglesias as Pepe Rodriguez (voice)
- Ron Perlman as Xibalba (voice)
- Kate del Castillo as La Muerte (voice)
- Ana de la Reguera as Carmen Sánchez (voice)
The Book of Life FAQ
Is The Book of Life worth watching?
Worth watching. A vivid, funny animated film about a young man torn between family duty and his dream. It looks distinct and has lovely music, though it is a little busy and has a familiar love-triangle shape.
Where can I watch The Book of Life?
In the US you can stream The Book of Life on Disney+ and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Book of Life OK for kids?
The Book of Life is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 6+. Parents need to know that The Book of Life is a PG animated fantasy musical about a young man torn between family duty and following his heart.
What movies are like The Book of Life?
If you liked The Book of Life, try Coco, Encanto, Ferdinand and ParaNorman.