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Animated comedy

Soul (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Soul (2020) movie poster

Soul is a 2020 animated comedy directed by Pete Docter and Kemp Powers, starring Jamie Foxx as Joe, Phylicia Rashad and Angela Bassett. It runs 1 hour 40 minutes and earned $122 million worldwide on a $150 million budget. It won 2 Oscars, including Animated Feature Film and Music (Original Score), and 9 awards in all. Critics gave it 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and 83 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 8.0/10.

IMDb rating
8.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes
95%
worldwide gross
$122M
Oscars won
2
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Soul (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 40m (100 min)
Directors
Pete Docter and Kemp Powers
Original language
English
Budget
$150M
After the credits
Yes Extra scene during or after the credits
The story

What Is Soul About?

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

A middle school band teacher named Joe Gardner suddenly finds himself in The Great Before, a vibrant realm where young souls prepare for life on Earth. Partnering with the cynical and reluctant soul number 22, Joe sets out on a journey to return to his body in New York City. Along the way, they experience life's challenges and joys, leading Joe to a profound realization about the value of everyday moments and the importance of human connection.

Soul Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • jazz
  • afterlife
  • meaning of life
  • purpose
  • cat
  • jazz musician
  • musician
  • music teacher
  • falling into a manhole
  • soul
  • lost soul
  • badge
+38 more
  • disappointment
  • subway
  • subway train
  • pizza
  • new york city
  • cartoon cat
  • body swap
  • surrealism
  • cgi animation
  • computer animation
  • a film about the meaning of human life
  • school band
  • watercraft
  • middle school
  • seamstress
  • manhole
  • number 22 as character name
  • sign twirler
  • coma
  • therapy cat
  • accountant
  • hospital
  • barber
  • jazz pianist
  • drummer
  • reference to gemini the constellation
  • reference to the constellations
  • beforelife
  • self sacrifice
  • ambition
  • mother son relationship
  • jazz band
  • opportunity of a lifetime
  • music teaching
  • male protagonist
  • life
  • chase
  • hospital gown
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Cast & crew

Soul Cast & Characters

Jamie Foxx leads the cast as Joe, with Phylicia Rashad as Libba and Angela Bassett as Dorothea. Directed by Pete Docter and Kemp Powers; 17 actors are credited in all.

From the directors

More from Pete Docter and Kemp Powers

More films directed by Pete Docter and Kemp Powers, best-rated first: Inside Out, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Up and Monsters, Inc..

Ratings

Soul Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Soul 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and 83 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 8.0/10. Our Echo Score gives it 87/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in story & flow (80).

87 /100

Soul Echo Score Breakdown

Soul delivers an emotionally resonant exploration of purpose and identity, anchored by striking animation and a reflective narrative. The film's strengths lie in its evocative visual design, expressive character development, and a thoughtful score that elevates pivotal moments. While some thematic complexity may challenge younger viewers and pacing occasionally feels uneven, the overall cohesion and lasting emotional impact secure its status as one of Pixar’s notably inspired releases.

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

  • Art & Craft 90

    In terms of art and craft, Soul presents exceptional animation and meticulously crafted visual design. The film’s depiction of the jazz-infused spiritual realm features fluid character movement, vibrant color schemes, and polished world-building that underscore its thematic exploration. Careful editing maintains clarity across rapid transitions between Earth and the Great Before. Overall, the visual craftsmanship consistently reinforces the story’s emotional and conceptual ambitions.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    When it comes to character and emotion, Soul offers deeply felt performances and relatable growth arcs. The protagonist’s journey is conveyed through nuanced voice acting and expressive animation that highlight subtle emotional beats. Supporting figures provide moments of warmth and wit, fostering empathetic connections that resonate in key sequences. In total, the film’s character work sustains both heartfelt engagement and meaningful reflection.

  • Story & Flow 80

    In terms of story and flow, Soul balances philosophical themes with a coherent narrative structure. Early pacing accelerates through world-building phases, establishing the central premise of purpose versus passion. Some transitions between metaphysical concepts and real-world stakes momentarily disrupt momentum, yet the original premise and emotional payoffs maintain sustained engagement. Overall, the plot achieves a thoughtful blend of originality and accessible storytelling.

  • Sensory Experience 88

    When considering the sensory experience, Soul features a compelling blend of sound design and musical composition. The jazz-infused soundtrack provides dynamic rhythms that complement fluid visual sequences, while ambient effects enrich transitions between settings. The audio mix offers clarity in dialogue and musical numbers, underscoring emotional peaks without overwhelming the narrative. Collectively, these elements create a cohesive sensory landscape that supports the film’s thematic ambitions.

  • Rewatch Factor 90

    In terms of rewatch value, Soul demonstrates enduring appeal through its layered themes and emotional nuance. Subsequent viewings reveal additional visual details and thematic motifs that deepen appreciation for the film’s message. The combination of thoughtful humor, heartfelt moments, and polished animation invites audiences to revisit key scenes. Overall, the movie sustains strong replay potential by offering fresh insights with each viewing.

Plot

Soul Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Soul 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

Joe Gardner, a passionate middle school music teacher, feels as though he is in a rut and unfulfilled in his job. Longing for a career in jazz—a dream disapproved by his seamstress mother, Libba—Joe’s life takes an unexpected turn when he learns about an audition for the band of jazz legend Dorothea Williams. After impressing Dorothea with his remarkable piano skills, he is offered a position in her band right away. However, just as he is about to revel in his good fortune, he falls down a manhole and finds himself transitioning into the “Great Beyond.”

Full summary

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

Read the full summary
Box office

Soul Box Office & Budget

Soul grossed $122 million worldwide on a $150 million budget, 81% of what it cost. $946,154 came from the US and Canada and $121 million (99%) from the rest of the world.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$122M

81% of its budget back

US & Canada
$946.2K
International
$121M
Budget
$150M
US & Canada 1% Rest of the world 99%
Awards

Soul Awards & Nominations

Soul won 2 Oscars, including Animated Feature Film and Music (Original Score), and 9 awards in all.

9 wins11 nominations6 ceremonies

Show all 6 ceremonies
Videos

Soul Trailers & Videos

6 videos: 3 trailers, 1 teaser, 1 featurette and 1 behind-the-scenes video.

All 6 videos
Official Teaser Trailer
  • Trailer Official Trailer
  • Trailer Official Trailer 2
  • Teaser Back in Theaters
  • Featurette Q&A | BFI London Film Festival 2020
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Soul?

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

What is Joe Gardner's primary profession at the start of the movie?

Cars

Cars in Soul

13 cars on screen, including the Opel Meriva A and the 2006 Dodge Charger.

All 13 cars
  • Opel Meriva A in Soul Opel Meriva A Minor role
  • 2006 Dodge Charger in Soul 2006 Dodge Charger Background role
  • 1998 Ford Crown Victoria in Soul 1998 Ford Crown Victoria Background role
  • 2008 Ford E-Series in Soul 2008 Ford E-Series Background role

Seen Soul?

FAQ

Soul FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

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

How long is Soul?

Soul runs 1 hour 40 minutes (100 minutes).

When was Soul released?

Soul was released on December 25, 2020.

Who directed Soul?

Soul was directed by Pete Docter and Kemp Powers.

More films by Pete Docter

Who is in the cast of Soul?

Soul stars Jamie Foxx as Joe, Phylicia Rashad as Libba and Angela Bassett as Dorothea, among 17 credited actors.

How much did Soul make at the box office?

Soul grossed $122 million worldwide ($946,154 domestic, $121 million international) on a budget of $150 million.

How is Soul rated?

Soul has 8.0/10 on IMDb, 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, 83 on Metacritic and 81% on TMDB.

What awards did Soul win?

Soul won 9 awards from 11 nominations, including Best Animated Film at the BAFTA 2021.

Does Soul have a post-credit scene?

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

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