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Adventure fantasy film

Wolfwalkers (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Wolfwalkers (2020) movie poster

Wolfwalkers is a 2020 adventure fantasy film directed by Ross Stewart and Tomm Moore, starring Honor Kneafsey as Robyn Goodfellowe, Simon McBurney and Sean Bean. It runs 1 hour 43 minutes and earned $1.3 million worldwide on a $12 million budget. It won 1 award from 6 nominations, one of them 1 Oscar nomination. Critics gave it 99% on Rotten Tomatoes and 87 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 8.0/10.

IMDb rating
8.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes
99%
worldwide gross
$1.3M
award won
1
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Wolfwalkers (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 43m (103 min)
Directors
Ross Stewart and Tomm Moore
Original language
English
Studio
GKIDS
Budget
$12M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Wolfwalkers About?

The premise of Wolfwalkers without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

In medieval Ireland, Robyn Goodfellowe, a young apprentice hunter, joins her father on a dangerous mission to hunt down the last of the wolves. Her perspective shifts when she encounters Mebh, a spirited girl connected to a mysterious tribe. This tribe possesses a unique ability: they can transform into wolves under the moonlight. As Robyn grows closer to Mebh and learns about their culture, she questions everything she thought she knew.

Wolfwalkers Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • friendship
  • family relationships
  • wolf
  • folklore
  • irish folklore
  • celtic folklore
  • wilhelm scream
  • father daughter relationship
  • friend
  • ireland
  • hunter
  • celtic
+38 more
  • drawn animation
  • hunter and the hunted
  • hunter becomes hunted
  • blindfold
  • year 1650
  • kilkenny ireland
  • shapeshifter
  • fall from height
  • hanging by one's ankles
  • hand over mouth
  • mother daughter relationship
  • enchanted forest
  • walled city
  • lord protector
  • wooden stocks
  • scullery maid
  • rebellious daughter
  • healer
  • feral child
  • waterfall
  • transformation
  • woodcutter
  • falcon
  • crossbow
  • shepherd
  • suicide
  • furry
  • female protagonist
  • girl
  • 11 year old girl
  • split screen
  • dog
  • canine
  • woods
  • fire
  • forest fire
  • 2d animation
  • fairy tale fantasy
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Cast & crew

Wolfwalkers Cast & Characters

Honor Kneafsey leads the cast as Robyn Goodfellowe, with Simon McBurney as Lord Protector and Sean Bean as Bill Goodfellowe. Directed by Ross Stewart and Tomm Moore; 13 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Wolfwalkers

· 9 more
From the directors

More from Ross Stewart and Tomm Moore

More films directed by Ross Stewart and Tomm Moore, best-rated first: Song of the Sea, Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet and There’s a Monster in My Kitchen.

Ratings

Wolfwalkers Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Wolfwalkers 99% on Rotten Tomatoes and 87 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 8.0/10. Our Echo Score gives it 92/100, strongest in art & craft (95) and weakest in rewatch factor (85).

92 /100

Wolfwalkers Echo Score Breakdown

Wolfwalkers achieves a remarkable balance of visual flair and narrative engagement, emerging as one of the most accomplished animated features in recent memory. The film’s hand-drawn artistry and mythological storytelling receive near-universal acclaim, with multiple reviewers highlighting its vibrant color contrasts and compelling folklore adaptation. Emotional depth is consistently praised through strong voice work and resonant character arcs. A dynamic soundtrack and thoughtful pacing further elevate the experience. Overall, Wolfwalkers stands out as a richly crafted, emotionally affecting adventure with broad appeal.

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

  • Art & Craft 95

    In terms of art and craft, Wolfwalkers presents a spellbinding visual tapestry that underscores its direction and production design. The hand-drawn aesthetic features sketchy foregrounds and an understated color palette that emphasizes the contrast between the rigid town and the vibrant forest. Editing and compositional choices maintain clarity amid the film’s lush detail. The overall visual style remains cohesive and distinctive, firmly establishing the film’s artistic identity.

  • Character & Emotion 90

    When it comes to character and emotion, the film benefits from nuanced performances and well-defined relationships. Voice work is frequently described as outstanding, and the central friendship radiates genuine warmth. Secondary figures contribute to dramatic stakes, lending depth to moral conflicts. Emotional resonance is sustained through moments of vulnerability and triumph. The net impression is of characters who feel grounded and drive the story’s heartfelt impact.

  • Story & Flow 88

    In terms of story and flow, the narrative draws effectively on Irish folklore to deliver a clear moral arc about freedom and family. Many critics describe the plot as exciting and emotionally compelling, though a few viewers noted occasional pacing lulls during repeated struggles. Themes of right versus wrong and redemption arcs are woven throughout. Despite minor unevenness, the film maintains engagement and offers a satisfying, coherent storyline.

  • Sensory Experience 93

    When assessing the sensory experience, the film excels with a vivid soundtrack and immersive sound design. The inclusion of Aurora’s music and a stirring score underscore emotional peaks and complement the animation. Visual cohesion is supported by consistent stylistic choices, from sketchlike figures to dynamic framing. Auditory and visual elements unite seamlessly to create an immersive world. Overall, the sensory dimension remains a standout strength.

  • Rewatch Factor 85

    Regarding rewatch factor, Wolfwalkers offers strong replay value through its layered folklore references and rich artistry. Viewers praise the hand-drawn aesthetic and find new details on subsequent viewings. Themes of resilience and friendship sustain interest beyond the first watch. Limited availability has posed a minor obstacle, but appreciation grows as more audiences discover it. Ultimately, the film’s lasting appeal suggests it will reward repeat viewings.

Plot

Wolfwalkers Plot Summary

What happens in Wolfwalkers from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In 1650 Ireland, the quiet town of Kilkenny finds itself embroiled in conflict as the villagers struggle to comply with the demands of the autocratic Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell. His orders to clear nearby woods for farming pit them against a pack of wolves that inhabit the forest. Summoned from England, Bill Goodfellowe [Sean Bean] and his spirited daughter Robyn Goodfellowe [Honor Kneafsey] are tasked with eliminating the wolves, allowing the woodcutters to proceed without hindrance. Feeling trapped in the confines of Kilkenny, Robyn, longing for adventure, decides to sneak out with her loyal pet falcon, Merlin.

Full summary

The whole story of Wolfwalkers, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Wolfwalkers Box Office & Budget

Wolfwalkers grossed $1.3 million worldwide on a $12 million budget, 11% of what it cost.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$1.3M

11% of its budget back

International
$1.3M
Budget
$12M
Awards

Wolfwalkers Awards & Nominations

Wolfwalkers won 1 award from 6 nominations, one of them 1 Oscar nomination. Its biggest night was the Annie Awards 2021, with 1 win from 1 nomination.

1 win6 nominations5 ceremonies

Show all 5 ceremonies
Videos

Wolfwalkers Trailers & Videos

6 videos: 2 trailers, 1 teaser and 3 featurettes.

All 6 videos
Conceptual Trailer
  • Trailer Official Trailer
  • Teaser Official Teaser
  • Featurette Legendary Prologue
  • Featurette Q&A | BFI London Film Festival 2020
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Wolfwalkers?

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

In what year is Wolfwalkers set?

Details

Wolfwalkers Also Known As

22 alternative titles, including “Le Peuple loup” and “Wolfwalkers: Espíritu de lobo”.

Also known as
  • Le Peuple loup
  • Wolfwalkers: Espíritu de lobo
  • Ulvevandrerne
  • گرگ‌گردان‌ها
  • گرگ‌نما
  • מוליכי הזאבים
  • 狼行者
  • Les Wolfwalkers
  • वुल्फ़वॉकर्स
  • Wolfwalkers - Il popolo dei lupi
  • ウルフウォーカー
  • Sekret wilczej gromady
+10 more
  • Легенда о волках
  • Вовча ватага
  • Người Hóa Sói - Wolfwalkers
  • '울프워커스' - Wolfwalkers
  • Farkasok népe
  • Legenda apie vilkus
  • Vlkochodci
  • Легенда о вуковима
  • ولف‌واکرز
  • Susikansa

Seen Wolfwalkers?

FAQ

Wolfwalkers FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

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

How long is Wolfwalkers?

Wolfwalkers runs 1 hour 43 minutes (103 minutes).

When was Wolfwalkers released?

Wolfwalkers was released on November 13, 2020.

Who directed Wolfwalkers?

Wolfwalkers was directed by Ross Stewart and Tomm Moore.

Who is in the cast of Wolfwalkers?

Wolfwalkers stars Honor Kneafsey as Robyn Goodfellowe, Simon McBurney as Lord Protector and Sean Bean as Bill Goodfellowe, among 13 credited actors.

How much did Wolfwalkers make at the box office?

Wolfwalkers grossed $1.3 million worldwide on a budget of $12 million.

How is Wolfwalkers rated?

Wolfwalkers has 8.0/10 on IMDb, 99% on Rotten Tomatoes, 87 on Metacritic and 82% on TMDB.

What awards did Wolfwalkers win?

Wolfwalkers won 1 award from 6 nominations, including Best Animated Feature — Independent at the Annie Awards 2021.

Does Wolfwalkers have a post-credit scene?

No. Wolfwalkers has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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