McFarland, USA

Right now you can watch McFarland, USA in Australia on Disney Plus, and in the US on Disney Plus and Hulu — and the writing holds up regardless of the format's reputation. It says what it needs to say in one sitting, no filler. 950 viewers have already rated it on TMDB — the kind of consensus that does not happen by accident. A harder one to justify skipping than to start. There is no real reason to keep putting it off — it is right there on Disney Plus.

There is a reason McFarland, USA keeps coming up in conversation. McFarland, USA treats animation as a medium, not a limitation. A track coach in a small California town transforms a team of athletes into championship contenders. Kevin Costner and Maria Bello lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2015. The visual gags in McFarland, USA reward close attention without ever depending on it. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

Animation fans will appreciate the craft, but McFarland, USA works for viewers who do not typically seek out animation too. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch from start to finish. Kevin Costner brings more to the role than the format usually demands. A harder one to justify skipping than to start.