The Secret of Kells (2009)
Kernel Score: 85% · 765 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Animation, Family, Fantasy
Released: 2009-02-09
Runtime: 78 minutes
Where to watch The Secret of Kells
- Free with ads: Kanopy
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Adventure awaits 12 year old Brendan who must fight Vikings and a serpent god to find a crystal and complete the legendary Book of Kells. In order to finish Brother Aiden's book, Brendan must overcome his deepest fears on a secret quest that will take him beyond the abbey walls and into the enchanted forest where dangerous mythical creatures hide. Will Brendan succeed in his quest?
The Secret of Kells parents' guide: ages 7+
Parents need to know that The Secret of Kells is an animated fantasy-adventure with mild peril from Viking raids and mythical monsters.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Includes Viking raids and encounters with a serpent god and other mythical creatures, but violence is largely stylized.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Secret of Kells
If you liked The Secret of Kells, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Song of the Sea (2014) — 90%
- How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) — 87%
- Wolfwalkers (2020) — 90%
- The Sea Beast (2022) — 82%
- Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (2003) — 77%
- Saint Seiya: Warriors of the Final Holy Battle (1989) — 81%
- Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001) — 79%
- How to Train Your Dragon (2025) — 88%
Director
Cast
- Evan McGuire as Brendan (voice)
- Christen Mooney as Aisling (voice)
- Brendan Gleeson as Abbot Cellach (voice)
- Mick Lally as Aidan (voice)
- Liam Hourican as Brother Tang / Leonardo (voice)
- Paul Tylak as Brother Assoua (voice)
- Michael McGrath as Adult Brendan (voice)
- Paul Young as Brother Square (voice)
- Nora Twomey as Additional Voices and Walla (voice)
- Alli McCann as Additional Voices and Walla (voice)
The Secret of Kells FAQ
Is The Secret of Kells good?
The Secret of Kells has an 85% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 765 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Secret of Kells?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Secret of Kells OK for kids?
The Secret of Kells is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 7+. Parents need to know that The Secret of Kells is an animated fantasy-adventure with mild peril from Viking raids and mythical monsters.
What movies are like The Secret of Kells?
If you liked The Secret of Kells, try Song of the Sea, How to Train Your Dragon 2, Wolfwalkers and The Sea Beast.