Children’s playful imagination has been celebrated in media, films, books, music, etc, and it has led to some classic stories about kids indulging in harmless activities like playing with imaginary friends. This has been used for comedic effect, as a way to explore coming of age, and, in some cases, to terrify audiences. This year, though, has given fans of fantasy films a very special treat in the Netflix original animation,The Imaginary.
We will examine how this heartfelt gem has beaten out all the other ‘imaginary friend’ movies this year and why you should watch it yourself. Perfect for a family watch party or a solo watch for those young at heart,The Imaginaryis the best of this year’s ‘imaginary friends’ movies.
Netflix’s The Imaginary Plot and Cast
The Imaginaryis aNetflix original animethat follows an imaginary friend named Rudger, the creation of a young girl named Amanda. Together, the two spend their evenings in a world of their own making, and during the days, Rudger follows Amanda to school. When they are out in the real world, they attract the attention of an adult who thrives on consuming others' imaginary friends, Mr. Bunting, and in an attempt to separate the two, he causes an accident that leaves Rudger on his own. Whisked away to the world of other forgotten imaginary friends, Rudger begins a desperate search for a means to save Amanda while the evil Mr. Bunting is hot on his trail.
Every Best Animated Feature Film Oscar-Winner (So Far), Ranked
Since the 2002 Oscars ceremony, there have been 22 Best Animated Feature Film winners. Here’s a look at them all.
The Imaginarywas made by Studio Ponoc, which, while still young, has a long history working in the industry with its founder, Yoshiaki Nishimura, the former lead filmproducer of Studio Ghibli. Since its inception in 2015, the company has also produced a few notable titles, includingMary and the Witch’s FlowerandModest Heroes. While primarily a young cast with few voice-acting credits, the project includes some notable names in both the English and Japanese casts.
This includes Sakura Andô as Lizzie, who has had roles in Japanese hits likeShoplifters,Godzilla Minus One,andMonster(2023). Other notable actors attached to the cast include Riisa Naka (The Girl Who Leapt Through Time,Summer Wars), Issei Ogata (Yi Yi,Tony Takitani), Hayley Atwell (Peggy Carter in theCaptain AmericaFranchise), and Hana Sugisaki (Blade of the Immortal,Her Love Boils Water)
How The Imaginary Beat Out This Year’s Imaginary Best Friends Films
Movies about imaginary friendshave been around for some time, even if it is not a common theme in cinema. However,this year has seen a healthy helping of filmsinspired by childlike daydreaming, both comedic, horrific, and dramatic. This means that to take the title of ‘best imaginary friend film’ of the year,The Imaginaryhad to deal with some stiff competition:
Of the films listed above,Imaginaryis an easy competitor to beat. The Blumhouse film flopped hard at the box office and was met with a poor audience and critical reception;Imaginarycurrently sits at 24% with criticsand 54% with audiences.Ricky Stanickylanded a bit better, with a 47% critical score on Rotten Tomatoes and positive feedback from audiences with 72%. However, the crass comedy does not have enough meat for the ‘imaginary friend’ hook to make it notable, let alone considered the best; it is more of an honorable mention.
The 10 Best Animated Sci-Fi Movies of All Time
Science fiction and animation help audiences see the world in new ways. Together, they produced the greatest films of all time.
John Krasinski’sIFfell short of its expectations. While boasting fun character designs, confusion about the target audience, awkward humor, and general pacing issues left many wanting more.Orion and the Darkis the closest contender, as The DreamWorks Netflix original is a wonderfully executed trip into childhood imagination that animation fans won’t want to miss. If anything,Orion and the DarkandThe Imaginaryare perfect companion piecesfor exploring the best release this year around childhood imagination. Still, we have to give a slight edge toThe Imaginary.
The Imaginarystrikes that perfect balance of childhood wonderment and sentimentality. Studio Ponoc has done a remarkable job tapping into that same wholesomeness, sharp visual direction, and emotional elements;comparisons to a Studio Ghibli productionare not far off. The animation work is exceptional, with the myriad of fantastical creatures inspired by childhood imagination, one-upping John Krasinski’sIF.
The score is tailored to hit those emotional notes, the voice acting for both the English and Japanese cast is great, and the movie can appeal to young and old fans with its mix of childlike wonderment with an intelligent script that will appeal to mature viewers.The Imaginaryis, hands down, the best movie about imaginary friends to come out this year.
Is The Imaginary Worth a Watch, and Where Is It Streaming?
The Imaginary
Read Our Review
The Imaginaryis ideal for family entertainment, with a strong classical story that celebrates the power of imagination, and for fans of heartwarming anime along the lines of a Studio Ghibli production. Unless you are looking for a more mature comedy or horror movie along the linesof Ricky Stanickyor Blumhouse’sImaginary,The Imaginaryshould be a must-watch and your first choice of this year’s ‘imaginary friend-themed’ movies.you’re able to streamThe ImaginaryonNetflixright now.
