The Star

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The Star

PG

Released Nov 17, 2017

1h 26m

Kids & Family

Holiday

Comedy

Adventure

Animation

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

45%

Tomatometer

51 Reviews

70%

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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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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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

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Stephen C

Funny holiday characters in 1 hour and 26 minutes!!!!!!!! Rated PG for Some Thematic Elements!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $40,400,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/20/25

Full Review

SkyRo P

"The Star," featuring an impressive lineup including Steven Yeun, Oprah Winfrey, Kelly Clarkson, and many other talented stars, offers a fresh perspective on the story of Jesus's birth. The film beautifully narrates Mary’s journey as she carries her child, intertwined with the heartwarming tale of a donkey striving for freedom and ultimately becoming Mary's loyal companion. This film is a remarkable creation, both in its storytelling and animation. I was truly captivated by its artistry and the depth of its narrative. It stands out as one of the most remarkable animated features I’ve seen in a long time. Given my love for animated films, I’m surprised I hadn’t come across this gem sooner. I feel fortunate to have finally experienced it.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/01/25

Full Review

Keith H

Beautiful movie. My kids absolutely loved it! Great work

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/11/25

Full Review

Cudalbu R

Interesting to see the birth of the Messiah from the perspective of the side-characters and animals themselves.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/25/24

Full Review

Victoria M

I loved this movie. Cute and clever. Such a funny twist on a serious event! My kids loved this movie

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/25/24

Full Review

Jeniffer T

I was pleasantly surprised to find this movie on Netflix, and I’m so glad we watched it! Our toddler loved it, and we enjoyed it as a family. The animation is beautiful, and the story told from the animals’ perspective is both unique and heartwarming. There are several funny moments that had us all laughing together! It’s refreshing to see a movie with a biblical message, especially during the Christmas season. I highly recommend The Star for a fun and meaningful family movie night.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/23/24

Full Review

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Timothy Reckart

Director

Steven Yeun

Bo

Keegan-Michael Key

Dave

Aidy Bryant

Ruth

Gina Rodriguez

Mary

Zachary Levi

Joseph

The Star: Official Clip - Good Tidings of Great Joy

1:20

The Star: Official Clip - This Bird Can Dance!

3:04

The Star: Official Clip - When Animals Attack

3:49

The Star: Official Clip - The Nativity

4:46

The Star: Official Clip - Marketplace Disaster

2:44

The Star: Official Clip - Prayers from Donkeys

3:13

The Star: Official Clip - Animal Impersonations

1:58

The Star: Official Clip - Bo's Big Escape

2:07

The Star: Official Clip - The King of the Shoes

2:55

The Star: Official Clip - The Angel Appears Before Mary

1:42

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The Star: Trailer 1

2:00

The Star: International Teaser Trailer

1:01

The Star: Teaser Trailer 1

1:50

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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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