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.
Does Soul have end credit scenes?
Yes!
Soul does have end credit scenes. Stay until the very end!
Explore the complete cast of Soul, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.
Daveed Diggs
Paul
Jamie Foxx
Joe
Angela Bassett
Dorothea
Alice Braga
Counselor Jerry
John Ratzenberger
Ahmir-Khalib Thompson
Aiyanna Miorin
Azriel Dalman
Donnell Rawlings
Dez
Graham Norton
Moonwind
Jason Pace
June Squibb
Phylicia Rashad
Libba
Rachel House
Terry
Richard Ayoade
Counselor Jerry
Sam Lavagnino
Tina Fey
22
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See how Soul is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Soul stands among top-rated movies in its genre.
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.
The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for Soul
Art & Craft
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
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
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
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
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.
83
Metascore
8.2
User Score
95%
TOMATOMETER
88%
User Score
8.0 /10
IMDb Rating
81
%
User Score
Challenge your knowledge of Soul with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.
What is Joe Gardner's primary profession at the start of the movie?
Discover all the awards and nominations received by Soul, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how Soul and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.
Read the complete plot summary of Soul, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.
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.”
Determined not to let death steal away his dreams, Joe attempts to escape but unexpectedly lands in the “Great Before,” a realm where souls are prepared for life on Earth by counselor figures, all named Jerry. Assuming the role of an instructor, Joe is paired with 22, a cynical soul who has resisted finding her purpose and remains in the Great Before for eons. Together, they embark on a journey where 22 asserts that she possesses a badge requiring completion with her “spark” to return Joe to his life.
In his efforts to ignite 22’s finding of passion, Joe tries various approaches, but they all fall flat. With little choice left, 22 introduces Joe to a euphoric zone where people experience intense passions and where some lost souls reside. There, they encounter Moonwind, a sign twirler dedicated to rescuing the lost, who offers to help Joe return to his body. They discover that Joe’s fall resulted in a coma, leading him into this strange new existence. When Joe jumps back into his life, he inadvertently brings 22 along, resulting in 22 inhabiting Joe’s body, with Joe trapped inside a therapy cat.
As Joe and 22 navigate through these unexpected twists, they escape the hospital, and 22 begins to embrace the joys of life, experiencing simple pleasures from Joe’s perspective. Their journey continues at Joe’s apartment, where a student named Connie arrives, revealing her intention to quit the band. 22 inspires Connie to rediscover her love for music through a heartfelt trombone solo, reinforcing that the world is still full of promise and joy.
At the barbershop, a meaningful exchange with Dez convinces 22 that life can be profound, prompting them to visit Libba to fix ripped pants, resulting in a reconciliation that acknowledges Joe’s passion. Yet, as Moonwind attempts to restore Joe to his rightful body, 22 experiences a transformation and decides she must seek her own purpose on Earth. In her rush to flee, she inadvertently brings both herself and Joe back to the Great Before, where a confrontation leads to Joe revealing the truth about the badge meant to signify achievement.
Just as Joe learns that the essence of the “spark” isn’t about life’s ultimate goal but readiness to embrace life itself, he returns for his performance with Dorothea, feeling hollow despite the success. Inspired by the memory objects collected by 22 during their time together, he ventures back into the zone to seek her out, confronting her when she feels lost and aimless. Using a small maple seed, Joe reassures her of her readiness for life. With renewed purpose, 22 finally recovers her badge, ready to embrace her existence alongside Joe.
As Joe prepares to depart for the Great Beyond, a Jerry offers him an extraordinary gift—a chance to continue living. Grateful and invigorated, Joe returns to his body on Earth, now fully committed to living life to the fullest and cherishing every moment.
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