Beowulf

If you want animation that is not just for kids, Beowulf is available in Australia on Netflix, and in the US on Kanopy and Hoopla right now. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. With 3,090 viewer ratings on TMDB, this is not a title flying under the radar. Watch it in order — the character development is cumulative. Available now on Netflix — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Beowulf is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that focus is exactly what makes it work. Beowulf treats animation as a medium, not a limitation. A 6th-century Scandinavian warrior named Beowulf embarks on a mission to slay the man-like ogre, Grendel. Ray Winstone and Angelina Jolie lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2007. The visual gags in Beowulf reward close attention without ever depending on it. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

Animation fans will appreciate the craft, but Beowulf works for viewers who do not typically seek out animation too. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. A contained runtime means every scene is doing real work. The writing operates at a level the format's reputation does not fully prepare you for. Adult animation that actually works for adults.