The Book of Life

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The Book of Life

PG

2014

1h 35m

Kids & Family

Comedy

Adventure

Fantasy

Animation

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

82%

Tomatometer

124 Reviews

77%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

In the Mexican town of San Angel, Manolo (Diego Luna), Maria (Zoë Saldana) and Joaquin (Channing Tatum) have been friends ever since childhood. Although their lives have taken different paths -- Maria was sent to Europe, Joaquin joined the military, and Manolo studied to become a bullfighter -- one thing remains the same: Manolo and Joaquin both want to marry Maria. Little does the trio know that battling husband-and-wife deities have made a high-stakes wager on the love triangle's outcome.

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Critics Consensus

The Book of Life's gorgeous animation is a treat, but it's a pity that its story lacks the same level of craft and detail that its thrilling visuals provide.

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Jake Wilson

Sydney Morning Herald

Apr 2, 2015

3/5

Though the plot gets a bit congested, the film remains far less predictable than most of its kind.

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Mark Kermode

Observer (UK)

Oct 26, 2014

4/5

It's refreshingly sparky fare, boasting eye-catching design (wooden toys inspire CG magic), musical weirdness (Radiohead will never sound the same again) and proper laugh-out-loud jokes for young and old alike.

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Mar Diestro-Dópido

Sight & Sound

Oct 24, 2014

Drawing on Mexican folklore and other Latin American traditions, Jorge R. Gutirrez's version of death in his beautiful, witty 3D-animated debut The Book of Life is bursting with vibrant colours and magic -- a constantly expanding, neverending party.

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Diego Batlle

Otroscines.com

Dec 9, 2025

3/5

While the story treads familiar ground,...the animation (there's a 3D version) completely abandons naturalism to offer a rich universe filled with vibrant figures and elements rendered in a distinctly Mexican color palette! [Full review in Spanish]

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Cory Woodroof

Williamson Home Page

Feb 11, 2022

The Book of Life, like the best animated films, has its own tone, which helps it stand apart as its own thing. The music, a mix of original songs and fun takes on pop hits, is also worthy of praise.

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James Croot

The Post NZ

Feb 8, 2021

4/5

An unexpected delight for all ages.

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Robert P

@Superbad 6 days ago

The Book of Life is a *4* star Movie...

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B P

@Bradster69 Sep 6, 2026

Definitely Recommend It

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Jed I

@RT01296269 Aug 1, 2026

5.0/10 — "Poor"/"Inferior"/"Amateurish" -(Seen on 7/29/26)

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Hansen B

@RT60145529 Jul 3, 2026

This movie is just like wall-e but different still this movie is great

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Brohm T

@RT87340942 May 27, 2026

This was an absolute banger There was not a movie that could make the same level of joy this does every time it comes on screen I stop instantly and lock eyes with the movie this is a masterpiece and I would never ever watch something else when this is an option watch this if you get the chance day night morning any time it is always a banger and when you seen what I mean you will love this film so much too even when the websites say it’s a four it’s a five they lie ya know but I’m telling straight truth so believe me and watch this movie right now as when this is An option it would forever use this film as old as I remember er this movie was always there in any time I watch it every year at least 10 times maybe with others but sometimes on my own same as megamind that is a absolute banger but not the second but back to this one if you ever and I mean ever get the chance to watch it do it as it is 🔥 and I would give all my money away to watch it just one more time i think you should.

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Ghost W.

@gh0sthasprblems May 19, 2026

So happy I watched this instead of trick or treating. Amazing decision

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Jorge R. Gutierrez

Director

Diego Luna

Manolo

Zoe Saldaña

Maria

Channing Tatum

Joaquin

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Synopsis

In the Mexican town of San Angel, Manolo (Diego Luna), Maria (Zoë Saldana) and Joaquin (Channing Tatum) have been friends ever since childhood. Although their lives have taken different paths -- Maria was sent to Europe, Joaquin joined the military, and Manolo studied to become a bullfighter -- one thing remains the same: Manolo and Joaquin both want to marry Maria. Little does the trio know that battling husband-and-wife deities have made a high-stakes wager on the love triangle's outcome.

Director: Jorge R. Gutierrez
Producer: Guillermo del Toro, Aaron D. Berger, Brad Booker, Carina Schulze
Screenwriter: Jorge R. Gutierrez, Doug Langdale
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: 20th Century Fox Animation, Chatrone, Reel FX Creative Studios
Rating: PG (Mild Action|Brief Scary Images|Rude Humor|Some Thematic Elements)
Genre: Kids & Family, Comedy, Adventure, Fantasy, Animation
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 17, 2014, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 9, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $50.1M
Runtime: 1h 35m
Sound Mix: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital

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