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Action thriller

Nimona (2023): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Nimona (2023) movie poster

Nimona is a 2023 action thriller directed by Nick Bruno and Troy Quane, starring Chloë Grace Moretz as Nimona, Riz Ahmed and Eugene Lee Yang. It is partly based on Nimona by N. D. Stevenson. It runs 1 hour 41 minutes and earned $123,904 worldwide. It was nominated for 1 Oscar. Critics gave it 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and 75 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.5/10.

IMDb rating
7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes
92%
worldwide gross
$123.9K
award nominations
3
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Nimona (2023) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 41m (101 min)
Directors
Nick Bruno and Troy Quane
Genres
Action , Adventure , Sci-Fi , Drama
Original language
English
Studio
Netflix
After the credits
Yes Extra scene during or after the credits
The story

What Is Nimona About?

The premise of Nimona without spoilers, adapted from Nimona by N. D. Stevenson. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

In a world blending medieval traditions and futuristic technology, a knight framed for a crime finds an unlikely ally in Nimona, a mischievous shapeshifter. Ballister Boldheart must team up with her to clear his name and navigate a kingdom where heroism and villainy are not always clear. Their partnership leads to a chaotic adventure, challenging the established order and unleashing Nimona’s extraordinary abilities.

Nimona Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • gay protagonist
  • shapeshifting
  • based on graphic novel
  • based on comic
  • knight
  • lesbian subtext
  • cel shaded
  • 2023
  • epic fantasy
  • blue sky studios
  • science fantasy
  • medieval
+38 more
  • magic
  • monster
  • epic
  • hero
  • castle
  • gay character
  • male male kiss
  • gay kiss
  • sword and sorcery fantasy
  • gay
  • boyfriend boyfriend relationship
  • strong female
  • gay fighter
  • gay warrior
  • strong gay character
  • epic adventure
  • teenager
  • transgender
  • non binary
  • gender fluid
  • cel shaded animation
  • based on comic book
  • exploration
  • technology
  • female protagonist
  • dragon
  • good versus evil
  • villain
  • kingdom
  • attempted suicide
  • pizza slice
  • soda bottle
  • attempted suicide by stabbing
  • calling someone a monster
  • train
  • train station
  • explosion
  • armor
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Cast & crew

Nimona Cast & Characters

Chloë Grace Moretz leads the cast as Nimona, with Riz Ahmed as Ballister Boldheart and Eugene Lee Yang as Ambrosius Goldenloin. Directed by Nick Bruno and Troy Quane; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Nimona

· 6 more
From the directors

More from Nick Bruno and Troy Quane

More films directed by Nick Bruno and Troy Quane, best-rated first: Spies in Disguise and The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol.

Ratings

Nimona Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Nimona 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and 75 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 78/100, strongest in sensory experience (88) and weakest in story & flow (68).

78 /100

Nimona Echo Score Breakdown

Nimona garners a largely favorable reception, with particular praise for its visual design and energetic tone. Critics and users highlight the film's inventive art style, engaging characters, and a story that balances humor with themes of acceptance, though some note uneven pacing and occasional narrative thinness. The consensus points to a memorable animated experience that rewards repeat viewings despite a few structural shortcomings.

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

  • Art & Craft 85

    In terms of visual craft, Nimona is widely commended for its distinctive art style and imaginative world‑building. Reviewers note an "anime vibe" fused with medieval‑futuristic design, a vivid color palette, and fluid animation that enhance the narrative. Even the few critiques acknowledge the film’s visual ambition. Overall, the visual execution stands out as a major strength.

  • Character & Emotion 70

    When evaluating character work, the film receives mixed feedback. Many praise nuanced performances, especially the vocal work of the lead and the depth of the protagonists' relationship, while others describe certain figures as caricatures and criticize limited emotional resonance. The thematic focus on identity and acceptance adds depth, but uneven execution tempers overall enthusiasm for character development.

  • Story & Flow 68

    Storywise, Nimona is seen as an engaging yet imperfect narrative. Critics highlight its nuanced take on belonging and its subversion of fairy‑tale tropes, and many users find the plot well‑paced and heartfelt. Conversely, some point to a lack of originality in core plot beats and occasional overextension toward the climax. The result is a generally appealing story with noticeable flaws.

  • Sensory Experience 88

    The sensory experience of Nimona is consistently praised. Reviewers commend the cohesive visual style, dynamic sound design, and a soundtrack that reinforces the film's tone. The blend of action, humor, and atmospheric audio contributes to an immersive viewing experience, and few criticisms are offered regarding its sensory components.

  • Rewatch Factor 78

    Regarding rewatch value, Nimona is regarded as a film that invites repeat viewings. Audiences appreciate its lively humor, emotional moments, and stylized visuals, often expressing desire for a sequel. While some note a lingering unsatisfying ending, the overall sentiment is that the film maintains lasting appeal and rewards additional watches.

Plot

Nimona Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Nimona 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 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

The citizens of a once-peaceful medieval kingdom are thrown into chaos when an unexpected attack occurs from the Great Black Monster. A thousand years prior, the revered Gloreth emerged as the hero who defeated this fearsome creature and established protective walls around the kingdom, ensuring peace for generations. This protective measure was institutionalized through the Institute for Elite Knights, where only the descendants of knights, including Ambrosius Goldenloin (Eugene Lee Yang), can be knighted.

Full summary

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

Read the full summary
Box office

Nimona Box Office

Nimona grossed $123,904 worldwide.

2023 box office

Worldwide gross

$123.9K

International
$123.9K
Awards

Nimona Awards & Nominations

Nimona was nominated for 1 Oscar. The 3 nominations come from 3 ceremonies.

3 nominations3 ceremonies

Videos

Nimona Trailers & Videos

19 videos: 1 trailer, 1 teaser, 3 clips, 9 featurettes and 5 behind-the-scenes videos.

All 19 videos
Official Trailer
  • Teaser Official Teaser
  • Clip Promise You Won't Freak Out Clip
  • Clip Demon Baby
  • Clip Shapeshifting Showdown!
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Nimona?

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 is the legendary heroine that defeated the Great Black Monster?

Details

Nimona Also Known As

10 alternative titles, including “怪物少女妮莫娜” and “니모나”.

Also known as
  • 怪物少女妮莫娜
  • 니모나
  • นิโมนา
  • Німона
  • Нимона
  • ニモーナ
  • נימונה
  • نيمونا
  • نیمونا
  • निमोना

Seen Nimona?

FAQ

Nimona FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, the book behind it and awards of Nimona, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Nimona?

Nimona runs 1 hour 41 minutes (101 minutes).

When was Nimona released?

Nimona was released on June 23, 2023.

Who directed Nimona?

Nimona was directed by Nick Bruno and Troy Quane.

More films by Nick Bruno

Who is in the cast of Nimona?

Nimona stars Chloë Grace Moretz as Nimona, Riz Ahmed as Ballister Boldheart and Eugene Lee Yang as Ambrosius Goldenloin, among 10 credited actors.

How much did Nimona make at the box office?

Nimona grossed $123,904 worldwide.

How is Nimona rated?

Nimona has 7.5/10 on IMDb, 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, 75 on Metacritic and 79% on TMDB.

Is Nimona based on a book?

Yes. Nimona is partly adapted from Nimona by N. D. Stevenson.

Was Nimona nominated for any awards?

Nimona received 3 nominations across 3 ceremonies.

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