Soul
AnimationFamilyDramaMusicFantasy
8+PG⭐ 6.5 / 10
2020·1h 41m·Pete Docter·Pixar·● Script read & verified
A middle school band teacher and aspiring jazz musician dies just before his big break and finds himself in the afterlife, where he must help...
Best watched together — Complex themes about life, death, and purpose benefit from family discussion
Heads Up for Parents
The film deals directly with death and existential questions that may prompt deep conversations
What's In It
Violence
Very Mild▸
Language
Very Mild▸
Scary
Very Mild▸
Romance
None▸
Substances
None▸
Stimulation
Very Mild▸
Cultural & Values Guide
Faith & Religion
●Buddhist themes
The film's central premise explores Buddhist concepts of the soul's journey, attachment to earthly desires, and finding one's true purpose beyond material ambitions. Joe's spiritual transformation from obsessive pursuit of jazz fame to understanding what truly makes life worth living directly reflects Buddhist philosophy about letting go of attachment.
Family Takeaways
What it gets right
- ✓Celebrates the value of teaching and mentoring others
- ✓Shows that life's meaning comes from everyday moments, not just big achievements
Awards: Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score
Cast:Jamie FoxxTina FeyGraham NortonRachel HouseAlice Braga