The Book of Life

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The Book of Life

PG

Released Oct 17, 2014

1h 35m

Kids & Family

Comedy

Adventure

Fantasy

Animation

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

82%

Tomatometer

124 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.

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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.

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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

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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

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James Croot

The Post NZ

An unexpected delight for all ages.

Rated: 4/5

Feb 8, 2021

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Esteban G

This movie really touched my heart. Manolo's story is so emotional and authentic that I felt like I was living his adventures with him. The animation is beautiful, but what really shines is the way the movie celebrates culture and family.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/24/25

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Angie V

It's a very beautiful movie, the story catch's you, and it's very entertaining and funny, Also it have emotional parts,gives a good message about the life

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/23/25

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Sebastian B

I think it's a very beautiful film. It's one of those that touches the heart and shows the meaning of love and what one does for it and the beauty of a friendship. Boris Barreto

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/23/25

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Maha F

i loved this movie, i do feel kinda biased as this was one of my childhood movies but the characters are so vibrant and you really want to root for them. not to mention the soundtrack. it was amazing. loved the visuals. my comfort movie. it has a steady story and knows what It wants to be. would for sure recommend

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/15/25

Full Review

K G

An illuminating DotD movie that should not just have to be for kids. Like I titled it, the adults can watch alone. It may not have been a Blue Sky movie, but 20th with Reel FX managed to make this masterpiece. From beautiful attractive designs of our love triangle to the bizarre cartoonish appearance of the mariachi band. I love how this is also educational as well as Mary Beth introduced the students to the Book of Life, its origins & how Mexico is the centre of Earth. Another distinct things it does is tell one of the stories, that being a love triangle - 2 men want a beautiful woman, Maria. Manolo (my favourite character) was the best fit for Maria who was really wonderful with performing songs being selfless, rather doing that than not fighting unlike Joaquin who was a bit full of himself. Soon, Manolo dies but the wierd yet miraculous part is that he came back to life like the deceased to fight those who would make them to the Land of the Forgotten since he has a story to be written more about. I love this movie, I love the music & the romance.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/04/25

Full Review

Michael C

Such a great film the only thing that could’ve made it better a was better build up of Monolos and Mairas relationship

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

06/29/25

Full Review

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Jorge R. Gutierrez

Director

Diego Luna

Manolo

Zoe Saldaña

Maria

Channing Tatum

Joaquin

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The Candle Maker

Ron Perlman

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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

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