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The Star

Play trailer 2:00 Poster for The Star PG 2017 1h 26m Kids & Family Holiday Comedy Adventure Animation Play Trailer Watchlist
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45% Tomatometer 51 Reviews 71% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
A small but brave donkey named Bo yearns for a life beyond his daily grind at the village mill. One day, he finds the courage to break free, embarking on the adventure of his dreams. On his journey, he teams up with Ruth, a lovable sheep who has lost her flock, and Dave, a dove who has lofty aspirations. Along with three camels and some eccentric stable animals, Bo and his new friends follow the Star and become accidental heroes in the greatest story ever told -- the first Christmas.
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The Star

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Critics Consensus

The Star may not leave audiences singing "Hallelujah," but its offbeat yet sincere approach to the nativity story makes for acceptably diverting holiday viewing.

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Critics Reviews

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Donald Clarke Irish Times The film believes its myths and propagates them through some of the cheesiest God pop you could ever dread to hear. Rated: 2/5 Dec 1, 2017 Full Review Jake Wilson The Age (Australia) This thin storyline is padded out with subplots that showcase a bizarrely star-studded voice cast. Rated: 1.5/5 Dec 1, 2017 Full Review Ed Potton The Times (UK) Why has nobody thought of this before - the Nativity retold for kids via knockabout animal animation and gloopy pop ballads? Oh yes, because it's an absolutely dreadful idea. Rated: 1/5 Nov 29, 2017 Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Neither the humor nor the animation ever rises above humdrum. Rated: 2/4 Sep 1, 2021 Full Review Hosea Rupprecht Pauline Media Studies The Star is a wonderful retelling of the Christmas story but with a fun twist: the animals who inhabit the story drive the action. Aug 24, 2021 Full Review Jason Escamilla EskimoTV Not a lot of enjoyable moments for adults to engage with but families may enjoy watching, as it is a kid-friendly telling of the birth of Jesus. Rated: C- May 8, 2019 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Declan D. I see the issue with this movie, talking animals with the first Christmas, and people wouldn’t like the idea of this movie, but I don’t mind it and I watch it every year. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/22/25 Full Review Spencer P. A good introduction to the Nativity story for kids, this animated animal retelling may be totally predictable with unremarkable animation, but not without heart and respect for the source. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 11/10/25 Full Review Comedy F As bo peaks throughout the window and saw a star as he goes on a journey to save Mary but with the miller around as a twist to the story the star brought great animation to its story and characters Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/07/25 Full Review FERNANDO V ROTTEN LOGO PLAYED WITH JESUS CHRIST LIKE WHY Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/17/25 Full Review Stephen C Funny holiday characters in 01 hour, 26 minutes, and 05 seconds!!!!!!!! Rated PG for Some Thematic Elements!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $40,400,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/25/25 Full Review TheMovieSearch R The animated feature The Star delivers a surprisingly heartfelt and refreshingly original take on the Nativity story, told through the eyes of a small but determined donkey who dreams of a life beyond the mill. Featuring an impressive voice cast that includes Steven Yeun, Oprah Winfrey, Kelly Clarkson, and many other notable talents, the film blends biblical tradition with comedic charm in a way that feels inviting rather than heavy-handed. From its opening moments, the movie establishes a tone that is warm, humorous, and unexpectedly cinematic, creating an accessible entry point for audiences of all ages. What makes the film stand out is its commitment to telling a familiar story from an unconventional angle. By centering the narrative around a donkey longing for freedom, The Star finds a clever way to merge animal-driven adventure with the spiritual journey of Mary and Joseph. This structure allows the film to weave humor, heart, and reverence together, ensuring that the story never feels one-note. The movie also treats Mary’s journey with genuine tenderness, letting the audience appreciate her resilience and grace while still keeping the focus on its animal protagonists. The animation is far more polished than one might expect for a film that often flies under the radar. Its visuals are bright, expressive, and filled with thoughtful details that elevate the storytelling. Whether depicting small village life or moments of divine wonder, the animators infuse each frame with an energy that keeps the film visually engaging. It’s evident that the creative team approached the project with sincerity rather than relying solely on comedic gags, giving the movie a grounded texture that enhances its emotional resonance. The voice performances are another highlight, bringing distinct personalities to every character without overshadowing the film’s message. Steven Yeun gives the donkey a warm, spirited characterization that keeps the audience rooted in his journey. Kelly Clarkson, Oprah Winfrey, and the rest of the ensemble add bursts of humor and soul without ever turning the film into a celebrity showcase. Their work blends seamlessly into the world, supporting the narrative instead of distracting from it. Beyond the technical strengths, what makes The Star truly memorable is the way it balances entertainment with heart. The film has a disarming sweetness that never feels forced, leaning into themes of purpose, faith, and unexpected heroism. It respects its source material while still embracing creativity, making it feel both reverent and refreshingly modern. There’s a sincerity in its tone that many animated films aim for but rarely capture so effortlessly. For anyone who appreciates animated storytelling or enjoys fresh approaches to classic tales, this film is an unexpected treat. It’s surprising that The Star isn’t more widely talked about, considering how beautifully it blends humor, emotion, and a meaningful message. As someone who loves animated films, discovering this one feels like uncovering a hidden gem—one that deserves far more recognition than it ever received. It’s heartfelt, charming, and genuinely worth seeking out. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/26/25 Full Review Read all reviews
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The Star

The Star: The Star - The Best Nativity Movie Ever! 4K Video The Star: The Star - The Best Nativity Movie Ever! 4K Video 9:46 The Star: Official Clip - Good Tidings of Great Joy The Star: Official Clip - Good Tidings of Great Joy 1:20 The Star: Official Clip - This Bird Can Dance! The Star: Official Clip - This Bird Can Dance! 3:04 The Star: Official Clip - When Animals Attack The Star: Official Clip - When Animals Attack 3:49 The Star: Official Clip - The Nativity The Star: Official Clip - The Nativity 4:46 The Star: Official Clip - Marketplace Disaster The Star: Official Clip - Marketplace Disaster 2:44 The Star: Official Clip - Prayers from Donkeys The Star: Official Clip - Prayers from Donkeys 3:13 The Star: Official Clip - Animal Impersonations The Star: Official Clip - Animal Impersonations 1:58 The Star: Official Clip - Bo's Big Escape The Star: Official Clip - Bo's Big Escape 2:07 The Star: Official Clip - The King of the Shoes The Star: Official Clip - The King of the Shoes 2:55 View more videos
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Movie Info

Synopsis A small but brave donkey named Bo yearns for a life beyond his daily grind at the village mill. One day, he finds the courage to break free, embarking on the adventure of his dreams. On his journey, he teams up with Ruth, a lovable sheep who has lost her flock, and Dave, a dove who has lofty aspirations. Along with three camels and some eccentric stable animals, Bo and his new friends follow the Star and become accidental heroes in the greatest story ever told -- the first Christmas.
Director
Timothy Reckart
Producer
Jenni Magee-Cook
Screenwriter
Carlos Kotkin
Distributor
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Production Co
Franklin Entertainment, Affirm Films, Walden Media, Sony Pictures Animation, Columbia Pictures, The Jim Henson Company
Rating
PG (Some Thematic Elements)
Genre
Kids & Family, Holiday, Comedy, Adventure, Animation
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 17, 2017, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Feb 6, 2018
Box Office (Gross USA)
$40.4M
Runtime
1h 26m
Sound Mix
DTS, Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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