Lightyear
A determined Space Ranger battles a robotic threat while learning that returning home requires more than technological mastery.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- adventurous
- witty
- uplifting
- family movie night
- weekend viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly appreciated the polished animation, sci-fi atmosphere, humor, and heartfelt moments, while finding the spin-off comparatively formulaic.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The film uses space travel, alien life, robots, cosmic villains, and heroic missions in a family-friendly Pixar format.
Buzz spends years attempting to return home while remaining separated from the community developing around him.
Buzz’s Space Ranger mission repeatedly conflicts with the need to trust recruits and build relationships.
The film presents alien planets, spacecraft, robotic armies, and futuristic technology with a deliberate science-fiction adventure aesthetic.
Films like Lightyear, and why
WALL-E
animated science fiction adventure with family-friendly humor, space peril, and an optimistic team dynamic
Monsters, Inc.
Pixar animation combining colorful alien-world exploration, comedy, emotional growth, and accessible sci-fi ideas
Treasure Planet
family-oriented animated space adventure centered on teamwork, friendship, and a charismatic heroic protagonist
The Incredibles
retro-styled science fiction action adventure with a determined hero confronting an imposing cosmic villain
Movie Details
- Director
- Angus MacLane
- Release Date
- 2022-06-15
- Runtime
- 105 min
- Rating
- 6.9 / 10 (3960)
Cast
- Chris Evans
- Keke Palmer
- Peter Sohn
- Taika Waititi
- Dale Soules
- James Brolin
- Uzo Aduba
- Mary McDonald-Lewis
- Isiah Whitlock Jr.
- Angus MacLane
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Disney Plus
- 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 Lightyear about?
- A determined Space Ranger battles a robotic threat while learning that returning home requires more than technological mastery.
- What is Lightyear like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Lightyear as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Lightyear violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Lightyear as mild.
- What did critics think of Lightyear?
- Critics broadly appreciated the polished animation, sci-fi atmosphere, humor, and heartfelt moments, while finding the spin-off comparatively formulaic.
- Which films are like Lightyear?
- Films with a similar feel include WALL-E, Monsters, Inc., Treasure Planet, and The Incredibles.
- How long is Lightyear?
- Lightyear runs 105 minutes.
- Where can I watch Lightyear?
- In United States, Lightyear streams on Disney Plus.
