As families and animation fans of all ages try to keep entertained and inspired while following stay-at-home precautions for coronavirus, tons of studios and content outlets are reaching out to let Animag readers know their options. Acclaimed stop-motion studio LAIKA has compiled a helpful guide on where to find their five artistically bold and highly enjoyable Oscar-nominated features — available across a range of physical, streaming and digital platforms in the U.S., Canada and U.K.
MISSING LINK (2019)
Mr. Link, a.k.a. Bigfoot (voiced by Zach Galifianakis), is lonely and believes that famed investigator of myths, Sir Lionel Frost (Hugh Jackman), is the one man who can help. With adventurer Adelina Fortnight (Zoe Saldana), the trio embarks on an epic journey to find Link’s distant relatives in the fabled Shangri-La. Along the way each finds their true identity.
U.S.: Hulu, iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Instant Video, Xbox / Microsoft Store, FandangoNOW, Vudu, Sony Playstation, Redbox On Demand
U.K.: Netflix, iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, Google Play, Xbox / Microsoft Store, Sky Store
Canada: Amazon Prime, iTunes, Google Play, Google Play, Xbox / Microsoft Store
KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS (2016)
An epic action-adventure set in a fantastical Japan. Clever, kindhearted Kubo’s (voiced by Art Parkinson of Game of Thrones) relatively quiet existence is upended when he accidentally summons a spirit from his past which storms down from the heavens to enforce an age-old vendetta. Now on the run, Kubo joins forces with Monkey (Academy Award winner Charlize Theron) and Beetle (Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey), and sets out on a thrilling quest to save his family and solve the mystery of his fallen father, the greatest samurai warrior the world has ever known. With the help of his shamisen – a magical musical instrument – Kubo battles gods, monsters and epic landscapes to unlock the secret of his legacy, reunite his family and fulfill his heroic destiny.
U.S.: Xbox / Microsoft Store, FandangoNOW, and Vudu
U.K.: Channel Four, Xbox / Microsoft Store
Canada: Netflix, iTunes, Google Play, Xbox / Microsoft Store
THE BOXTROLLS (2014)
The Boxtrolls, a kind-hearted community of quirky, mischievous, fantastical box-wearing tinkerers, have lovingly raised a human orphan, Eggs (voiced by Isaac Hempstead-Wright of Game of Thrones), since infancy. In the amazing cavernous home they’ve built beneath the cobblestoned streets of Cheesebridge, they transform mechanical junk into magical inventions and live a happy and harmonious existence away from the posh society above that fears them thanks to the scary stories spread by the villainous Archibald Snatcher (Academy Award winner Ben Kingsley). When Eggs and his Boxtrolls family become increasingly at risk because of Cheesebridge’s citizens misunderstanding them, Eggs must venture above ground, “into the light,” where he meets and teams up with another 11-year old, the fabulously feisty Winnie (Elle Fanning). Together, Eggs and Winnie devise a daring plan to save the Boxtrolls from Snatcher, embarking on an adventure with madcap antics and open hearts which proves that heroes come in all shapes and sizes – even rectangles.
U.S.: Freeform, FandangoNOW, Vudu
U.K.: Netflix, Channel Four
Canada: Netflix, iTunes, Google Play, Xbox / Microsoft Store
PARANORMAN (2012)
ParaNorman is the thrilling story of 11-year-old Norman Babcock (Kodi Smit-McPhee) who must use his unique ability to see and speak with the dead to save his town from a centuries-old curse. In addition to spooky zombies, he’ll also have to take on mysterious ghosts, wily witches and, worst of all, clueless grown-ups. Now caught in a wild race against time to save his family, friends, and town, Norman must bravely summon up all that makes a hero – courage and compassion – as he finds his paranormal activities pushed to their otherworldly limits. Voice cast includes Anna Kendrick, Leslie Mann and Christopher Mintz-Plasse.
U.S.: Xbox / Microsoft Store, FandangoNOW, Vudu
U.K.: Sky TV, Xbox / Microsoft Store
Canada: Amazon Prime, iTunes, Google Play, Xbox / Microsoft Store
CORALINE (2009)
Coraline Jones (Dakota Fanning) is bored in her new home until she finds a secret door that leads her into a world that’s just like her own…but better! But when this fantastical adventure turns dangerous and her “other” Mother (Teri Hatcher) tries to keep her forever, Coraline must count on all of her resourcefulness, determination, and bravery to get back home – and save her family.
U.S.: Starz, Xbox / Microsoft Store, FandangoNOW, Vudu
U.K.: Coraline – Xbox / Microsoft Store
Canada: Crave Starz, iTunes, Google Play, Xbox / Microsoft Store
