Wolfwalkers (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
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.
- 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
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 Show fewer
- 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
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.
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Co-director Ross Stewart -
Co-director Tomm Moore
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Honor Kneafsey as Robyn Goodfellowe -
Simon McBurney as Lord Protector -
Sean Bean as Bill Goodfellowe -
Maria Doyle Kennedy as Mebh's Mother, Moll MacTíre
Also Starring in Wolfwalkers
· 9 more- Eva Whittaker Mebh Óg MacTíre
- Paul Young Sheep Farmer
- Tommy Tiernan Seán Óg
- Jon Kenny Stringy Woodcutter, Ned
- John Morton Stumpy Woodcutter
- Nora Twomey Head Housekeeper, Bridget
- Niamh Moyles Fishmonger
- Amy Dunne
- Oliver McGrath Street Children Ringleader, Padraig
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.
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).
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.
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IMDb 8.0 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 99% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 98%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 87 Metascore
User score 8.6
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 82% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 4.2 /5
2.2K ratings
See on Letterboxd
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
Wolfwalkers Box Office & Budget
Wolfwalkers grossed $1.3 million worldwide on a $12 million budget, 11% of what it cost.
Worldwide gross
$1.3M
11% of its budget back
- International
- $1.3M
- Budget
- $12M
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
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Annie Awards 2021 1 win · 1 nomination- Won Best Animated Feature — Independent
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IFTA Awards 2021 2 nominations- Nominated Best Director
- Nominated Best Script
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BAFTA 2021 1 nomination- Nominated Best Animated Film – Tomm Moore
-
Golden Globes 2021 1 nomination- Nominated Best Animated Feature Film
Show all 5 ceremonies Show fewer ceremonies
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Oscars 2021 1 nomination- Nominated Animated Feature Film
Wolfwalkers Trailers & Videos
6 videos: 2 trailers, 1 teaser and 3 featurettes.
- Trailer Official Trailer
- Teaser Official Teaser
- Featurette Legendary Prologue
- Featurette Q&A | BFI London Film Festival 2020
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
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
In what year is Wolfwalkers set?
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 Show fewer
- Легенда о волках
- Вовча ватага
- Người Hóa Sói - Wolfwalkers
- '울프워커스' - Wolfwalkers
- Farkasok népe
- Legenda apie vilkus
- Vlkochodci
- Легенда о вуковима
- ولفواکرز
- Susikansa
Seen Wolfwalkers?
Movies Like Wolfwalkers
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Company of Wolves, Woodwalkers and Wolf’s Box.
Articles About Wolfwalkers
Our article about Wolfwalkers: “The Evolution of Children's Films and Family Movies”.
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History
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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