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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.

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!

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Soul

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.


Ratings and Reviews for Soul

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.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

87

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

90
Echo Score

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.

85
Echo Score

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.

80
Echo Score

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.

88
Echo Score

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.

90
Echo Score

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.

Metacritic

83

Metascore

8.2

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

95%

TOMATOMETER

review

88%

User Score

IMDb

8.0 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

81

%

User Score

Take the Ultimate Soul Movie Quiz

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.


Soul Quiz: Discovering Purpose: Test your knowledge about the animated film Soul and its journey of self-discovery.

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

Awards & Nominations for Soul

Explore awards

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.


93rd Academy Awards 2021

Win

Animated Feature Film

Win

Music (Original Score)

Nomination

Sound

74th British Academy Film Awards 2021

Win

Best Animated Film

Pete Docter
Win

Best Original Music

Nomination

Best Sound

26th Critics' Choice Awards 2021

Win

Best Score

Jon Batiste

48th Annie Awards 2021

Win

Best Animated Feature

36th Artios Awards 2021

Win

Animation

78th Golden Globe Awards 2021

Win

Best Original Score

Win

Best Animated Feature Film

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for Soul

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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.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for Soul

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from Soul. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Official Teaser Trailer

Official Trailer

Official Trailer 2

The Music of Soul | Behind the Scenes

Q&A | BFI London Film Festival 2020

Back in Theaters

Cars Featured in Soul

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Explore all cars featured in Soul, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


Dodge

2006

Charger

Ford

1998

Crown Victoria

Ford

2008

E-Series

Ford

1985

F-Series

Ford

2011

Transit Connect

GM

C/K-Series

Grumman-Olson

Kurbmaster

Land-Rover

Range Rover Series II

New

Flyer Xcelsior XD40

Opel

Meriva A

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


jazzafterlifemeaning of lifepurposecatjazz musicianmusicianmusic teacherfalling into a manholesoullost soulbadgedisappointmentsubwaysubway trainpizzanew york citycartoon catbody swapsurrealismcgi animationcomputer animationa film about the meaning of human lifeschool bandwatercraftmiddle schoolseamstressmanholenumber 22 as character namesign twirlercomatherapy cataccountanthospitalbarberjazz pianistdrummerreference to gemini the constellationreference to the constellationsbeforelifeself sacrificeambitionmother son relationshipjazz bandopportunity of a lifetimemusic teachingmale protagonistlifechasehospital gown

Articles, Reviews & Explainers About Soul

Stay updated on Soul with in-depth articles, critical reviews, and ending explainers. Explore hidden meanings, major themes, and expert insights into the film’s story and impact.


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