7.5
Where can I stream The Secret of Kells legally?
You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Secret of Kells fingerprint
Stunning style, big heart, a touch of humor.
Energy
Spectacular
- Spectacle7
- Tension6
- Adrenaline5
Heart
Awe-inspiring and hopeful
Much of it is about growing up.
- Wonder9
- Hopefulness8
- Coming of Age8
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Physical Comedy3
- Situational Comedy2
World
Fantasy, history, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion9
- Novelty9
- Rewatchability8
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
- Direction9
- Acting8
- Narrative Structure8
Style
Standout cinematography, visual style, and score
A distinctive visual signature.
- Cinematography10
- Visual Stylization10
- Music Composition9
Energy
MediumSpectacular
The Secret of Kells is spectacular.
All energy traits
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare5Frightening moments and scares.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
- Uncanny5Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
Heart
HighAwe-inspiring and hopeful
Much of it is about growing up.
Emotionally, it's awe-inspiring, hopeful, and wholesome. Much of it is about growing up.
All heart traits
- Wonder9Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Hopefulness8Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age8Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy5Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics5Relationships and generational ties.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
Related traits
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Physical Comedy3Slapstick and visual gags.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighFantasy, history, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around fantasy, history, and growing up. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Fantasy9Mythic worlds and magical systems.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Surrealism6Dreamlike, bizarre imagery.
- Mystery5Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
Very highStandout cinematography, visual style, and score
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the cinematography, visual style, and score stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography10Visual composition and camera work.
- Visual Stylization10Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Composition9Score and musical identity.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality8The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalKidsPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensComfort WatchPure EscapismThought-Provoking
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About
Turn the darkness into light
Adventure awaits 12 year old Brendan who must fight Vikings and a serpent god to find a crystal and complete the legendary Book of Kells. In order to finish Brother Aiden's book, Brendan must overcome his deepest fears on a secret quest that will take him beyond the abbey walls and into the enchanted forest where dangerous mythical creatures hide. Will Brendan succeed in his quest?
Celtic FolkloreStunning 2D AnimationMedieval FantasyIlluminated ManuscriptsMythological AdventureComing of AgeEnchanted ForestViking InvasionsLyrical Score
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Secret of Kells
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Secret of Kells worth watching?
81
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 82/100 (IMDb 7.5, Rotten Tomatoes 90%, and Metacritic 81). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Secret of Kells rated?
NRViolence
It's rated NR in the United States. Content advisories: violence.
How long is The Secret of Kells?
1 h 19 min
The Secret of Kells runs 1 h 19 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Secret of Kells?
Critics86
Audiences80
Yes. Critics average 86 and audiences 80 out of 100, so both groups see The Secret of Kells much the same way.
Was The Secret of Kells a box office hit?
Budget$8 million
Box office$2 million
No. It cost about $8 million to make and earned $2 million worldwide, 23% of its budget.
What language is The Secret of Kells in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in Ireland, France, Belgium.
In how many countries can I watch The Secret of Kells?
24
+10
+10GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Secret of Kells in 24 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Secret of Kells use?
Cats Are SnarkersMotifsForeshadowingBody to JewelHumanoid AbominationMundane UtilityThe Fair FolkDidn't Think This ThroughJesus TabooFelony MisdemeanorMorphic ResonanceBig Damn Heroesand 134 more
TV Tropes lists 146 storytelling tropes for The Secret of Kells, including Cats Are Snarkers, Motifs, Foreshadowing.