A selfish postman and a reclusive toymaker form an unlikely friendship, delivering joy to a cold, dark town that desperately needs it.
Acting
J.K. Simmons' gravelly warmth carries the whole thing.
Writing
Origin story that actually earns every sentimental beat.
Director
Sergio Pablos
Jason Schwartzman
Jesper (voice)
J.K. Simmons
Klaus (voice)
Rashida Jones
Alva (voice)
Joan Cusack
Mrs. Krum (voice)
Norm Macdonald
Mogens (voice)
Will Sasso
Mr. Ellingboe (voice)
Mila Brener
Ellingboe Girl 3 (voice)
Neda Margrethe Labba
Margu (voice)
Sydney Brower
Ellingboe Girl (voice)
Julian Zane
Krum Boy (voice)
Emma Shannon
Creepy girl 1 (voice)
Kendall Joy Hall
Annelise (voice)
Sky Alexis
Ellingboe Girl 2 (voice)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Director Sergio Pablos co-created Despicable Me but left Illumination to prove traditional animation wasn't dead.
Netflix's first original animated feature and still widely considered their best—the Academy snub still stings.
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