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Animated drama

Elio (2025): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Elio (2025) movie poster

Elio is a 2025 animated drama directed by Adrian Molina and Domee Shi, starring Yonas Kibreab as Elio, Other Elio, Zoe Saldana and Young Dylan. It runs 1 hour 39 minutes and earned $154.3 million worldwide on a $150 million budget. It was nominated for 1 Oscar. Critics gave it 66 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.6/10.

IMDb rating
6.6/10
worldwide gross
$154.3M
award nominations
17
Echo Score
69
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Elio (2025) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 39m (99 min)
Original language
English
Budget
$150M
After the credits
Yes Extra scene during or after the credits
The story

What Is Elio About?

The premise of Elio without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

A passionate space enthusiast with a vivid imagination and a deep fascination for aliens finds himself unexpectedly thrust into an extraordinary adventure. After being transported to the Communiverse, an interplanetary organization representing numerous galaxies, Elio is mistakenly believed to be Earth’s leader. He must then navigate complex relationships and forge bonds with a diverse group of eccentric alien representatives, facing unforeseen challenges and discovering the true meaning of leadership.

Elio Themes & Keywords

· 32 tags
  • galactic
  • exploration
  • cgi animation
  • computer animation
  • 3d animation
  • character name as title
  • child
  • children
  • planet
  • galaxy
  • pixar
  • 3d
+20 more
  • 3 dimensional
  • cg animation
  • child protagonist
  • space
  • cosmic
  • stand alone movie without sequel
  • imagination
  • dream
  • north american animation
  • ambassador
  • space adventure
  • aunt
  • space sci fi
  • alien invasion sci fi
  • intergalactic
  • alien
  • kids family
  • disney
  • unidentified flying object
  • one word title
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Cast & crew

Elio Cast & Characters

Yonas Kibreab leads the cast as Elio, Other Elio, with Zoe Saldana as Olga Solís and Young Dylan as Bryce. Directed by Adrian Molina, Domee Shi and Madeline Sharafian; 18 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Elio

· 14 more
From the directors

More from the Directors of Elio

More films directed by the directors of Elio, best-rated first: Coco, Turning Red and Bao.

Ratings

Elio Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Elio 66 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 69/100, strongest in art & craft (80) and weakest in rewatch factor (55).

69 /100

Elio Echo Score Breakdown

Elio balances visually appealing craft with a predictable narrative, resulting in an experience that is pleasant but not memorable. The film’s robust animation and spirited musical score earn praise for creating a lively environment, yet many observers find the plot’s episodic structure and familiar beats to dampen long-term impact. While characters exhibit genuine warmth and the sensory design is engaging, the end result feels modest. Overall, Elio offers a watchable family outing that rarely strays beyond comfortable territory.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 80

    In terms of art and craft, Elio delivers strong animation and production design that highlight imaginative alien landscapes. Reviewers note the film’s crisp visual compositions and consistent editing rhythm, contributing to a polished finish. The direction maintains clarity even during more elaborate sequences, though some comment that it follows familiar stylistic patterns. These elements combine to produce an artful presentation that feels professional yet safe.

  • Character & Emotion 70

    When it comes to character and emotion, Elio presents heartfelt moments that underscore themes of belonging and parental connection. The protagonist’s interactions convey sincerity, and supporting figures offer gentle warmth, yet some find the emotional arcs somewhat predictable. While the chemistry within key relationships registers clearly, the depth occasionally lacks nuance. On balance, the character work provides emotional accessibility but stops short of profound complexity.

  • Story & Flow 60

    In terms of story and flow, Elio follows a familiar structure that emphasizes childlike wonder and intergalactic adventure. Observers appreciate moments of cosmic curiosity, but critique the plot’s episodic pacing and predictable developments. The narrative transitions sometimes feel uneven, with early exposition slowing the momentum before a more engaging final act. As a result, the storyline remains serviceable yet leaves limited room for surprises or deeper originality.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    In terms of sensory experience, Elio impresses with a vibrant color palette and a melodic orchestral score. The sound design balances subtle ambience with occasional dynamic cues, enhancing scenes of exploration and emotional resonance. Visual styling achieves cohesion across varied alien settings, though some viewers note that certain effects echo previous franchise entries. Overall, the sensory components deliver an engaging backdrop that elevates the viewing experience.

  • Rewatch Factor 55

    Regarding rewatch factor, Elio offers a moderately rewarding experience that may appeal on repeat viewings for its visual and emotional moments. While the film’s craftsmanship and occasional humor retain freshness, the predictable storyline and conventional beats can diminish long-term appeal. Some viewers report that the novelty of the setting wanes after a single watch. Consequently, the film’s replay value remains modest, primarily suited to fans of comforting family fare.

Plot

Elio Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Elio from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

The film begins with a young Elio Solis, portrayed by Yonas Kibreab, visiting an air and space museum with his aunt, Major Olga Solis. Following the tragic loss of his parents, Elio has struggled to fit in with his peers and form meaningful connections. While exploring the museum, he stumbles upon an exhibit featuring the Voyager 1 spacecraft, which ignites his fascination with outer space and the tantalizing possibility of extraterrestrial life.

Full summary

The whole story of Elio, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Elio Box Office & Budget

Elio grossed $154.3 million worldwide on a $150 million budget, 1.0 times what it cost. $73 million came from the US and Canada and $81.3 million (53%) from the rest of the world.

2025 box office

Worldwide gross

$154.3M

1.0× its budget

US & Canada
$73M
International
$81.3M
Budget
$150M
US & Canada 47% Rest of the world 53%
Awards

Elio Awards & Nominations

Elio was nominated for 1 Oscar. The 17 nominations come from 8 ceremonies, the most at the Annie Awards 2026.

17 nominations8 ceremonies

  • Annie Awards logo
    Annie Awards 2026 10 nominations
    • Nominated Best Feature
    • Nominated Outstanding Achievement for Animated Effects in an Animated Production
    • Nominated Outstanding Achievement for Character Animation in an Animated Feature Production
    • Nominated Outstanding Achievement for Character Design in an Animated Feature Production
    • Nominated Outstanding Achievement for Editorial in an Animated Feature Production
    +5 more at the Annie Awards 2026
    • Nominated Best Animated Feature
  • Producers Guild of America Awards logo
    PGA Awards 2026 1 nomination
    • Nominated Outstanding Producer of Animated Theatrical Motion Pictures
    • Nominated Feature Animation
Show all 8 ceremonies
Videos

Elio Trailers & Videos

28 videos: 5 trailers, 10 teasers, 6 clips, 3 featurettes and 4 behind-the-scenes videos.

All 28 videos
Teaser Trailer
  • Trailer Teaser Trailer
  • Trailer Official Trailer
  • Trailer Final Trailer
  • Trailer "Going to the Movies" Special Look
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Elio?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who takes care of Elio after the death of his parents?

Details

Elio Also Known As

17 alternative titles, including “Disney and Pixar's Elio” and “地球特派員”.

Also known as
  • Disney and Pixar's Elio
  • 地球特派員
  • 地球特派员
  • إليو
  • 外星奇遇記
  • 星つなぎの エリオ
  • Элио
  • Elio: Cậu Bé Đến Từ Trái Đất
  • Еліо
  • เอลิโอ
  • 엘리오
  • אליאו
+5 more
  • 星つなぎのエリオ
  • Έλιο
  • الیو, ელიო
  • Елио от Земята
  • Елио

Seen Elio?

FAQ

Elio FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Elio, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Elio?

Elio runs 1 hour 39 minutes (99 minutes).

When was Elio released?

Elio was released on June 20, 2025.

Who directed Elio?

Elio was directed by Adrian Molina, Domee Shi and Madeline Sharafian.

More films by Adrian Molina

Who is in the cast of Elio?

Elio stars Yonas Kibreab as Elio, Other Elio, Zoe Saldana as Olga Solís and Young Dylan as Bryce, among 18 credited actors.

How much did Elio make at the box office?

Elio grossed $154.3 million worldwide ($73 million domestic, $81.3 million international) on a budget of $150 million.

How is Elio rated?

Elio has 6.6/10 on IMDb and 66 on Metacritic.

Was Elio nominated for any awards?

Elio received 17 nominations across 8 ceremonies.

Does Elio have a post-credit scene?

Yes. Elio has an extra scene during or after the credits, so it is worth staying seated.

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