Overview
A young artist embarks on a magical journey to illuminate a world threatened by darkness.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Mild
- enchanting
- contemplative
- whimsical
- family movie night
- quiet afternoon
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film as a refreshingly calm and enchanting animated fantasy distinguished by its ornate hand-drawn design, Celtic cultural influence, music, and imaginative storytelling.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The film's ornate environments and glowing sacred book draw directly on the visual language of illuminated Celtic manuscripts.
Irish folklore, Celtic mythology, Aisling, and the Book of Kells provide the film's central imaginative and cultural framework.
Brendan's artistic vision and determination to complete the book oppose fear, isolation, and the threat of barbarian raids.
Critics specifically highlighted the film's calm pacing, moments of silence, gorgeous music, and enchanting atmosphere.
Films like The Secret of Kells, and why
Song of the Sea
shares hand-drawn animation, mythology, spiritual themes, and a young protagonist confronting a dangerous natural world
Wolfwalkers
shares celtic folklore, ornate visual design, child-centered fantasy adventure, and themes of courage and spiritual inheritance
Princess Mononoke
shares enchanted forests, mythic creatures, painterly animation, and a serious coming-of-age fantasy tone
Spirited Away
shares visually inventive animation, mystical world-building, childhood wonder, and a quest shaped by ancient wisdom
Movie Details
- Director
- Tomm Moore
- Release Date
- 2009-02-09
- Runtime
- 79 min
- Rating
- 7.4 / 10 (821)
Cast
- Evan McGuire
- Christen Mooney
- Brendan Gleeson
- Mick Lally
- Liam Hourican
- Paul Tylak
- Michael McGrath
- Paul Young
- Nora Twomey
- Alli McCann
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Secret of Kells about?
- A sheltered monastery boy finds courage and creative purpose while helping illuminate a magical manuscript amid raids and Celtic enchantment.
- What is The Secret of Kells like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Secret of Kells as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.
- Is The Secret of Kells violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in The Secret of Kells as mild.
- What did critics think of The Secret of Kells?
- Critics broadly praised the film as a refreshingly calm and enchanting animated fantasy distinguished by its ornate hand-drawn design, Celtic cultural influence, music, and imaginative storytelling.
- Which films are like The Secret of Kells?
- Films with a similar feel include Song of the Sea, Wolfwalkers, Princess Mononoke, and Spirited Away.
- How long is The Secret of Kells?
- The Secret of Kells runs 79 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Secret of Kells?
- In United States, The Secret of Kells is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
