Kubo and the Two Strings

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Kubo and the Two Strings

PG

2016

1h 42m

Kids & Family

Fantasy

Adventure

Action

Animation

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

97%

Tomatometer

230 Reviews

86%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

Young Kubo's peaceful existence comes crashing down when he accidentally summons a vengeful spirit from the past. Now on the run, Kubo joins forces with Monkey and Beetle to unlock a secret legacy. Armed with a magical instrument, Kubo must battle the Moon King and other gods and monsters to save his family and solve the mystery of his fallen father, the greatest samurai warrior the world has ever known.

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Critics Consensus

Kubo and the Two Strings matches its incredible animation with an absorbing -- and bravely melancholy -- story that has something to offer audiences of all ages.

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Tara Brady

Irish Times

Dec 27, 2016

4/5

Sweeping tableaux, a wonderful voice cast and adventure that feels genuinely folkloric make this a film that definitely deserves to be taken out of cellophane.

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Kate Muir

The Times (UK)

Oct 10, 2016

4/5

A glorious flight of the imagination.

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Wendy Ide

Observer (UK)

Sep 11, 2016

5/5

It explores unexpectedly profound ideas of rebirth and destiny rewritten, like origami paper sheets refolded into another form.

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Matt Oakes

Silver Screen Riot

Oct 14, 2026

A-

If there was ever any doubt that the circle of awesome that began with Coraline, Paranorman and The Boxtrolls would be broken, breathe relief.

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Gavin Spoors

FILMHOUNDS Magazine

Aug 20, 2025

4/5

Thrilling, gorgeous to look at, and packs an emotional punch. This new 4K release provides the best method for rewatching a masterpiece.

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JD Duran

InSession Film

Aug 19, 2024

A

Kubo and the Two Strings isn’t a film that relies on emotion, but rather, it earns its affection by delivering a fun story that is engaging and moving...

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S M

@Mazer415 2 hrs ago

Absolute genius!!! This movie hits so many feel good spots, embracing ancestors, neurodivergency, appreciation of others no matter their age, power or social status, care, consideration, fierce loyalty, and of course a ton of otherworldly scenes. I had to buy the DVD. This film is a treat

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Gn D

@GNGNGN 1 day ago

I watched it after Wildwood, great movie. Not perfect yet simple with great plot

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Matthew D

@OceanSage 1 day ago

A breathtaking journey into friendship and self convictions. Travis Knight directs Laika’s stop motion animated fantasy adventure Kubo and the Two Strings (2016) with a striking patience for the melancholic, quiet moments in life as well as a spirited warmth for Kubo’s odyssey through the hero’s journey. Knight takes you on an emotional voyage with Kubo as you appreciate the themes of motherhood, friendship, morals, community, spirituality, and trust. Kubo and the Two Strings is animation studio Laika’s most emotionally sensitive film. Art Parkinson’s sincere and sweet voice works well for Kubo, with his ability to sound concerned and empathetic to all around him. Meanwhile, Charlize Theron kills it as the tough love Monkey and tenderly earnest Mother voices. Brenda Vaccaro is funny as the elderly lady Kameyo. Rooney Mara is incredible with her dual role as the eerie Sisters. Ralph Fiennes gets to deliver excellent and unsettling speeches to perfection as The Moon King.

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Ellie P

@EPots 3 days ago

The best Laika film.

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Mitch N

@AquamanBoss 3 days ago

Fun watch!

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London T

@RT40446843 5 days ago

My favorite Laika movie of all time! I've rewatched it many times and even listen to the soundtrack

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Travis Knight

Director

Charlize Theron

Monkey

Art Parkinson

Kubo

Ralph Fiennes

Moon King

George Takei

Hosato

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa

Hashi

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Synopsis

Young Kubo's peaceful existence comes crashing down when he accidentally summons a vengeful spirit from the past. Now on the run, Kubo joins forces with Monkey and Beetle to unlock a secret legacy. Armed with a magical instrument, Kubo must battle the Moon King and other gods and monsters to save his family and solve the mystery of his fallen father, the greatest samurai warrior the world has ever known.

Director: Travis Knight
Producer: Arianne Sutner, Travis Knight
Screenwriter: Marc Haimes, Chris Butler
Distributor: Focus Features
Production Co: Focus Features, Laika
Rating: PG (Scary Images|Action and Peril|Thematic Elements)
Genre: Kids & Family, Fantasy, Adventure, Action, Animation
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 19, 2016, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 8, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $48.0M
Runtime: 1h 42m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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