Elio
Family FavoritePG

Elio

They asked for our leader. They got... him.

2025 • 98 min • Animation · Adventure · Science Fiction · Family · Comedy

Synopsis

Elio, a space fanatic with an active imagination, finds himself on a cosmic misadventure where he must form new bonds with eccentric alien lifeforms, navigate a crisis of intergalactic proportions and somehow discover who he is truly meant to be.

Our family guide

Best from age 7
76
Movie Knight Score
1073 reviews
  • 80 Reviewers · 5 · 65%
  • 69 Audience · 1068 · 35%

Elio, a young boy with a vibrant imagination, is whisked away on an intergalactic adventure. He must learn to connect with diverse alien beings and navigate a cosmic crisis, all while discovering his true self. This animated sci-fi comedy explores themes of self-discovery and belonging.

Violence & peril
2/10
Language
1/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking
0/10
Romance & sensuality
0/10
Scary moments
3/10

Heads up

  • Brief moments of peril with alien creatures

What it models well

  • Self-acceptance and belonging
  • Embracing individuality
  • Connecting with others
  • Courage in new situations

Talk about it after

  • What does it mean to be yourself?
  • How can we find common ground with different people?
  • The importance of listening to others

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for Elio. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.

Where to watch

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Top billed cast

Director: Domee Shi, Madeline Sharafian, Adrian Molina • Crew: Julia Cho, Mark Hammer, Mike Jones, Adrian Molina, Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Julia Cho

Trailers & clips

From Storyboards to Final Animation...

Animation Progression Reel | "Welcome to the Communiverse"

Now Available On Disney+

Announce

Abduction Adapt

ELIO's Space Questions.. Answered by Head of Space Libby Jackson | Science Museum X Disney UK

UK to USA: Landing my DREAM Disney-Pixar Role!

From Somerset to.. Space?! Secret Behind The Scenes

Reviewer notes

RecommendedTrusted family reviewers

I have never related to a Pixar movie more than this one. Elio is a charming sci-fi movie all about a young boy named Elio Solis, who is desperate to find connection wih someone who resonates with him. I relate to him a lot, and I even think he might be autistic just like me. The movie also had colorful animation and quirky humor. I will happily watch it again.

Not recommended

Elio (Yonas Kibreab) is an 11-year-old boy who has recently lost his parents. He’s been taken in by his aunt Olga (Zoe Saldana). Olga works in orbital analysis and is gone a lot. Feeling like he doesn’t belong anywhere and nobody wants him, Elio finds comfort in interplanetary life. He takes on an obsession with ham radios and attempts to communicate with aliens while simultaneously trying to get abducted nightly....

Recommended

The geeky young “Elio” has been orphaned into the care of his military aunt “Olga” who works for Uncle Sam helping folks to navigate the debris that’s floating around in outer space. He likes to speak his own language “Elioese” and is fascinated, obsessed even, with making contact with alien life. He’s convinced that there is intelligent life out there, so imagine his surprise when he hears of a possible response ...

Recommended

Elio is a heartwarming, intergalactic adventure that once again proves Pixar's mastery in crafting family-friendly stories layered with deeper emotional undercurrents. The voice cast is impeccable, with every performance radiating charm and sincerity, making it easy for viewers of all ages to connect with these vibrant characters. The score, as is typical for the studio, plays a pivotal role in guiding the emotion...

Recommended

Sickeningly incredible. Pixar never misses.

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Gallery

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