# Onward

> 2020 film directed by Dan Scanlon

**Wikidata**: [Q59690895](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q59690895)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onward_(film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/onward

## Summary

Onward is a 2020 computer-animated fantasy film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Pictures, directed by Dan Scanlon. The film tells the story of two elf brothers, Ian and Barley Lightfoot, who embark on a quest to use a magical spell to spend one more day with their deceased father, discovering adventure and family bonds along the way. It was released on March 6, 2020, and is part of Pixar's acclaimed filmography.

## Key Facts

- **Title**: Onward
- **Release Date**: March 6, 2020 (United States), March 5, 2020 (Australia), April 3, 2020 (Russia), March 6, 2020 (Canada)
- **Director**: Dan Scanlon
- **Production Companies**: Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Runtime**: 103 minutes
- **Budget**: $200,000,000
- **Box Office**: $141,940,042 (domestic), $61,555,145 (international), $203,495,187 (worldwide)
- **Genre**: Fantasy film, animated film
- **IMDb ID**: tt7146812
- **Rotten Tomatoes**: 88% (7.2/10 average, 61/100 critics consensus)
- **Part of Series**: List of Pixar films
- **Language**: English
- **Animation Style**: Computer-generated imagery (CGI)

## FAQs

### What is the plot of Onward?

Onward follows two elf brothers, Ian and Barley Lightfoot, who live in a world where magic once thrived but has now become obsolete. On Ian's 16th birthday, their mother gives them a magical spell that their late father left behind—a spell that will allow them to spend one more day with him. However, the spell only works partially, bringing back only his legs. The brothers must embark on a quest to find a Phoenix Gem that could complete the spell before the day is over.

### Who are the voice actors in Onward?

The film features Tom Holland as Ian Lightfoot and Chris Pratt as Barley Lightfoot. Julia Louis-Dreypus voices their mother, Laurel Lightfoot, while Octavia Spencer plays a rainicorn named Coreys. The cast also includes Tracee Ellis Ross, Lena Waithe, and others.

### How did Onward perform at the box office?

Onward had a budget of $200 million and grossed approximately $203.5 million worldwide. The film opened in March 2020, but its theatrical run was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused theater closures worldwide just weeks after its release.

### What themes does Onward explore?

Onward explores themes of family, grief, loss, brotherhood, and growing up. The film deals with the emotional journey of dealing with the absence of a parent and the importance of cherishing the time we have with family. It also explores a world where magic has been forgotten in favor of technology, paralleling the brothers' journey from childhood fantasy to adult reality.

### Is Onward connected to other Pixar films?

Onward is part of the list of Pixar films and shares thematic connections with other Pixar movies about family relationships, such as Coco and Soul. It was produced by Pixar Animation Studios, the same studio behind hits like Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and Inside Out.

### What awards did Onward receive?

Onward was nominated for various awards including the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. The film received critical praise for its animation, voice performances, and emotional storytelling, earning an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

## Why It Matters

Onward represents Pixar's continued exploration of emotionally complex family narratives within the framework of animated fantasy. Released in March 2020, the film faced unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced theaters to close just weeks after its release. This significantly impacted its box office performance, yet the film still managed to resonate with audiences and critics alike.

The film is notable for its unique blend of fantasy world-building with contemporary family dynamics. By setting the story in a world where magic has faded into myth, Pixar created an allegory for growing up and letting go of childhood fantasies while still honoring their importance in shaping who we become. The relationship between the two brothers—introverted Ian and boisterous Barley—mirrors the dynamics of many sibling relationships, exploring how different personalities can come together in times of need.

Onward also marks a significant moment in Pixar's history as part of their partnership with Walt Disney Pictures, continuing the studio's tradition of producing emotionally resonant animated films that appeal to both children and adults. The film's exploration of grief and loss without becoming overly sentimental demonstrated Pixar's mature approach to difficult themes.

The movie's release during the pandemic also highlighted the evolving landscape of film distribution, as Disney eventually made Onward available on Disney+ earlier than originally planned, making it one of the first major Pixar films to have a significant digital release during the health crisis.

## Notable For

- First Pixar film released in 2020
- Features Tom Holland and Chris Pratt as lead voice actors
- Runtime of 103 minutes
- Budget of $200 million
- Worldwide gross of approximately $203.5 million
- 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes
- Directed by Dan Scanlon (also known for Monsters University)
- Features a world where magic has been replaced by technology
- Deals with themes of grief, family, and brotherhood
- Part of the prestigious list of Pixar films
- Released during the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting its theatrical performance

## Body

### Production Background

Onward was produced by Pixar Animation Studios in collaboration with Walt Disney Pictures, continuing the partnership that began with Pixar's acquisition by Disney in 2006. The film was directed by Dan Scanlon, who previously directed Monsters University and served as a writer and director on other Pixar projects. Scanlon drew inspiration from his own experience of losing his father when he was young, making the film's themes of grief and father-son relationships deeply personal.

The production involved the talented voice cast of Tom Holland (Spider-Man) as Ian Lightfoot and Chris Pratt (Guardians of the Galaxy, Jurassic World) as Barley Lightfoot. Holland's casting represented a significant get for Pixar, as the British actor was already a global star through the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Pratt's comedic timing brought the character of Barley to life as the enthusiastic older brother who clings to fantasy and magic in contrast to Ian's more skeptical worldview.

### Story and Setting

The film is set in a suburban fantasy world where mythical creatures—elves, mermaids, centaurs, and pixies—now live modern, mundane lives. Magic, once a central part of this world, has become largely extinct, replaced by technology and practicality. This setting allowed Pixar to explore themes of nostalgia, the loss of wonder, and the tension between fantasy and reality.

The central quest involves the brothers traveling across their world to find the Phoenix Gem, a magical artifact that could complete the spell to bring back their father fully. Their journey takes them through various fantastical locations and forces them to work together despite their differences, ultimately teaching them about the importance of family and appreciating the moments they have.

### Release and Distribution

Onward was released in the United States on March 6, 2020. The release came just as the COVID-19 pandemic was beginning to significantly impact the film industry. Within weeks, theaters worldwide began closing due to health concerns, severely affecting the film's box office performance. Despite this, the film managed to gross over $203 million worldwide against its $200 million budget.

Disney eventually made the decision to release Onward on Disney+ earlier than planned, making it available to stream at home as part of the company's response to the pandemic's impact on theatrical releases. This move marked a significant moment in film distribution history, as major studios began experimenting with simultaneous theatrical and streaming releases during the health crisis.

### Critical Reception

Onward received generally positive reviews from critics, earning an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics praised the film's animation, voice performances, and emotional depth, though some noted it didn't reach the heights of Pixar's best works. The film's exploration of grief and family dynamics was particularly lauded, with many reviewers highlighting how effectively the movie handled difficult emotional topics within an animated framework.

The film was nominated for several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, demonstrating recognition of its quality despite the challenging circumstances of its release. The Rotten Tomatoes critical consensus praised it as "a heartfelt, beautifully animated adventure that explores family bonds and growing up."

### Technical Achievements

As a Pixar production, Onward featured cutting-edge computer animation, including detailed fantasy environments, magical effects, and expressive character animation. The film's visual design created a unique world that blended modern suburban settings with fantasy elements, from the brothers' house to the various magical creatures they encounter.

The animation of the rainicorn Coreys, played by Octavia Spencer, represented a particular technical challenge, requiring the creation of a unique fantasy creature that could convey emotion and personality. The film's magical sequences, including the initial spell and various enchanted encounters, showcased Pixar's continued innovation in visual effects.

### Related Entities and Connections

Onward is connected to several major entities through its production and distribution:

- **Pixar Animation Studios**: The production studio behind the film, founded in 1986 and headquartered in Emeryville, California. Pixar is renowned for pioneering computer-generated animation and producing critically acclaimed films like Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and Inside Out.

- **Walt Disney Pictures**: The co-production company and distributor, which acquired Pixar in 2006. Disney Pictures has been responsible for distributing all Pixar films since the acquisition.

- **United States**: The country of origin for the film, specifically produced in Hollywood, California.

- **Film**: Onward belongs to the broader category of films, specifically as a computer-animated feature film.

- **Animated Film**: As an animated film, Onward is part of a genre that uses various animation techniques to tell its story.

- **Fantasy Film**: The film is classified as a fantasy film, featuring magical elements and a fictional world.

- **List of Pixar Films**: Onward is included in the official list of Pixar films, joining the studio's extensive filmography.

### Cultural Impact

Despite its challenging release circumstances, Onward left a mark on popular culture. The film's themes of dealing with the loss of a parent resonated with many viewers, particularly those who have experienced similar losses. The relationship between Ian and Barley became a touchstone for discussions about sibling dynamics and the different ways people process grief.

The film also contributed to ongoing conversations about representation in animation, with its diverse cast of characters and modern interpretation of fantasy tropes. Its exploration of a world where magic has been forgotten reflected broader cultural discussions about the loss of wonder and imagination in adult life.

Onward's release during the pandemic also made it a historical artifact of a unique moment in film industry history, when major studios were forced to adapt to unprecedented circumstances and experiment with new distribution models that would shape the future of the industry.

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