The Book of Life

Play trailer

The Book of Life

PG

Released Oct 17, 2014

1h 35m

Kids & Family

Comedy

Adventure

Fantasy

Animation

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

83%

Tomatometer

126 Reviews

77%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

In the Mexican town of San Angel, Manolo (Diego Luna), Maria (Zoë Saldana) and Joaquin (Channing Tatum) have been friends ever since childhood. Although their lives have taken different paths -- Maria was sent to Europe, Joaquin joined the military, and Manolo studied to become a bullfighter -- one thing remains the same: Manolo and Joaquin both want to marry Maria. Little does the trio know that battling husband-and-wife deities have made a high-stakes wager on the love triangle's outcome.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Buy Now

Critics Consensus

The Book of Life's gorgeous animation is a treat, but it's a pity that its story lacks the same level of craft and detail that its thrilling visuals provide.

Read Critics Reviews

Jake Wilson

Sydney Morning Herald

Though the plot gets a bit congested, the film remains far less predictable than most of its kind.

Rated: 3/5

Apr 2, 2015

Full Review

Mark Kermode

Observer (UK)

It's refreshingly sparky fare, boasting eye-catching design (wooden toys inspire CG magic), musical weirdness (Radiohead will never sound the same again) and proper laugh-out-loud jokes for young and old alike.

Rated: 4/5

Oct 26, 2014

Full Review

Mar Diestro-Dópido

Sight & Sound

Drawing on Mexican folklore and other Latin American traditions, Jorge R. Gutirrez's version of death in his beautiful, witty 3D-animated debut The Book of Life is bursting with vibrant colours and magic -- a constantly expanding, neverending party.

Oct 24, 2014

Full Review

Rolando Gallego

EscribiendoCine

The Book of Life fulfills its premise and contributes its specific uniqueness to the animated universe... [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 7/10

Dec 29, 2023

Full Review

Cory Woodroof

Williamson Home Page

The Book of Life, like the best animated films, has its own tone, which helps it stand apart as its own thing. The music, a mix of original songs and fun takes on pop hits, is also worthy of praise.

Feb 11, 2022

Full Review

James Croot

The Post NZ

An unexpected delight for all ages.

Rated: 4/5

Feb 8, 2021

Full Review

Read all reviews

Carlos I

The Book of Life is such a great animated movie, embodying the kind of quality I wish Pixar had stuck to. It's a truly moving experience, effortlessly blending humor with genuine emotion. The film boasts incredibly catchy musical numbers and delivers a solid, engaging adventure from start to finish.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/01/25

Full Review

Stephen C

LOL, successful comedy movie in 1 hour and 35 minutes!!!!!!!!!! Rated PG for Mild Action, Brief Scary Images, Rude Humor and Some Thematic Elements. Starring the voice talent of Ice Cube!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/31/25

Full Review

TROYS S

The Book of Life's visually stunning animation and overall charm helps make up for its by-the-numbers story.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/20/25

Full Review

Stephen L

"The Book of Life" is a visually breathtaking animated adventure that brings the spirit of Día de los Muertos to life with rich cultural flair. With its vibrant, puppet-like animation style and a heartfelt story of love, courage, and destiny, the film offers a refreshing departure from conventional animated fare. Though the narrative follows familiar beats, its charming characters, lively humor, and inventive soundtrack keep it engaging. While not without its flaws, "The Book of Life" is a uniquely artistic and emotionally resonant film that stands out in the animation landscape.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/15/25

Full Review

Audience Member

I can't to anything here.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

02/08/25

Full Review

Cudalbu R

A brilliant cartoon with great graphics!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/02/25

Full Review

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

Jorge R. Gutierrez

Director

Diego Luna

Manolo

Zoe Saldaña

Maria

Channing Tatum

Joaquin

Ice Cube

The Candle Maker

Ron Perlman

Xibalba

How to Train Your Dragon 2

92%

90%

How to Train Your Dragon 2

Watchlist

TRAILER

for How to Train Your Dragon 2

ParaNorman

89%

72%

ParaNorman

Watchlist

Shrek Forever After

58%

54%

Shrek Forever After

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Shrek Forever After

The Boxtrolls

78%

63%

The Boxtrolls

Watchlist

TRAILER

for The Boxtrolls

A Town Called Panic

81%

86%

A Town Called Panic

Watchlist

TRAILER

for A Town Called Panic

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Seven Hispanic Critics Open Up About Movies that Made a Major Impact On Their Lives

Parental Guidance: Project Almanac, Black or White and more

Best Reviewed Movies by Genre 2014

View more photos

Synopsis

In the Mexican town of San Angel, Manolo (Diego Luna), Maria (Zoë Saldana) and Joaquin (Channing Tatum) have been friends ever since childhood. Although their lives have taken different paths -- Maria was sent to Europe, Joaquin joined the military, and Manolo studied to become a bullfighter -- one thing remains the same: Manolo and Joaquin both want to marry Maria. Little does the trio know that battling husband-and-wife deities have made a high-stakes wager on the love triangle's outcome.

Director: Jorge R. Gutierrez
Producer: Guillermo del Toro, Aaron D. Berger, Brad Booker, Carina Schulze
Screenwriter: Jorge R. Gutierrez, Doug Langdale
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: 20th Century Fox Animation, Chatrone, Reel FX Creative Studios
Rating: PG (Mild Action|Brief Scary Images|Rude Humor|Some Thematic Elements)
Genre: Kids & Family, Comedy, Adventure, Fantasy, Animation
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 17, 2014, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 9, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $50.1M
Runtime: 1h 35m
Sound Mix: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital

Most Popular at Home Now