Overview
A magical summer unfolds on the Italian Riviera, where friendship and adventure await beneath the sun.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- whimsical
- warm
- playful
- family movie night
- summer afternoon
What critics said
Critics broadly found Luca charming and emotionally affecting, praising its infectious warmth and visual beauty while noting its familiar Pixar formula and relatively simple story.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Luca and Alberto appear human on land but reveal their sea-monster nature when wet, making secrecy and acceptance central to the story.
The Italian Riviera, small seaside town, blue water, gelato, pasta, and scooter rides define the film's world and atmosphere.
Alberto's adventurous influence helps sheltered Luca imagine life beyond his underwater home and parental restrictions.
Critics specifically praised the appealing marine and terrestrial designs, luminous blue water, and orange coastal sunsets.
Films like Luca, and why
Finding Nemo
Whimsical animated fantasy, childhood friendship, and a warm coming-of-age story centered on courage and acceptance.
The Good Dinosaur
Family-friendly Pixar adventure combining imaginative world-building, emotional character growth, humor, and themes of independence.
How to Train Your Dragon
Animated friendship adventure with a sheltered young protagonist, colorful settings, gentle peril, and an uplifting emotional arc.
Movie Details
- Director
- Enrico Casarosa
- Release Date
- 2021-06-17
- Runtime
- 95 min
- Rating
- 7.8 / 10 (9143)
Cast
- Jacob Tremblay
- Jack Dylan Grazer
- Emma Berman
- Saverio Raimondo
- Maya Rudolph
- Marco Barricelli
- Jim Gaffigan
- Peter Sohn
- Lorenzo Crisci
- Marina Massironi
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Disney Plus
- Rent
- 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 Luca about?
- A sheltered sea monster discovers friendship, freedom, and the courage to explore the human world during an enchanting Italian summer.
- What is Luca like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Luca as brisk, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Luca violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Luca as mild.
- What did critics think of Luca?
- Critics broadly found Luca charming and emotionally affecting, praising its infectious warmth and visual beauty while noting its familiar Pixar formula and relatively simple story.
- Which films are like Luca?
- Films with a similar feel include Finding Nemo, The Good Dinosaur, and How to Train Your Dragon.
- How long is Luca?
- Luca runs 95 minutes.
- Where can I watch Luca?
- In United States, Luca streams on Disney Plus.
