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Movies like

Lightyear

Loved the vibe? Here are ten films that hit similar notes—with match scores, reasons to watch, and where to stream in the US.

Lightyear poster

Why people love it

People revisit Lightyear for the same reason it broke through in 2022: clear stakes, memorable faces, and a science fiction rhythm that doesn't stall in the middle. Angus MacLane keeps the ensemble pointed in one direction. The animation and science fiction blend is the engine: it lets the film shift registers without feeling like two different movies stitched together.

animationscience-fictionfamilyadventurerewatchable

Runtime 1h 45m · ★ 6.9

Your 10 recommendations

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  1. 96match

    1.Monsters vs Aliens (2009)

    ★ 6.2 · Animation · Family · Adventure · 1h 34m

    Why you'll love it

    The animation energy of Lightyear is alive in Monsters vs Aliens (2009), filtered through a different story but the same emotional register. It earns its place on this list with a uplifting payoff that rivals the original pick.

    Watch on

    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    • YouTube(Rent)
    • Fandango At Home(Rent)
    • Amazon Video(Buy)
    • Apple TV Store(Buy)
    • Google Play Movies(Buy)
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  2. 94match

    2.Transformers One (2024)

    ★ 8.0 · Animation · Science Fiction · Adventure · 1h 44m

    Why you'll love it

    Transformers One (2024) operates in the same animation as Lightyear, but with its own distinct voice and pacing. The uplifting payoff will feel satisfyingly familiar without retreading the same ground.

    Watch on

    • Amazon Prime Video
    • fuboTV
    • MGM+ Amazon Channel
    • Paramount Plus Premium
    • Paramount Plus Essential
    • Paramount+ Amazon Channel
    • Philo
    • Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel
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  3. 92match

    3.Titan A.E. (2000)

    ★ 6.6 · Animation · Science Fiction · Adventure · 1h 35m

    Why you'll love it

    Titan A.E. (2000) belongs to the same conversation as Lightyear — both anchor their animation in science-fiction emotion that doesn't let go. The uplifting undercurrent connects them more than any plot summary would suggest.

    Watch on

    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    • YouTube(Rent)
    • Fandango At Home(Rent)
    • Amazon Video(Buy)
    • Apple TV Store(Buy)
    • Google Play Movies(Buy)
    + Save for later
  4. 90match

    4.Elio (2025)

    ★ 6.9 · Family · Comedy · Adventure · 1h 38m

    Why you'll love it

    If Lightyear's animation stayed with you, Elio (2025) delivers the same sensation through an entirely different story. The science-fiction through-line is the real common thread between them.

    Watch on

    • Disney Plus
    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    • YouTube(Rent)
    • Fandango At Home(Rent)
    • Amazon Video(Buy)
    • Apple TV Store(Buy)
    + Save for later
  5. 88match

    5.Hoppers (2026)

    ★ 7.6 · Animation · Family · Science Fiction · 1h 45m

    Why you'll love it

    Where Lightyear excels in animation, Hoppers (2026) doubles down on science-fiction to comparable effect. The tonal similarities run deep enough that watching both back-to-back feels intentional.

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  6. 86match

    6.Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

    ★ 8.4 · Animation · Action · Adventure · 1h 57m

    Why you'll love it

    Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) is the natural next step after Lightyear: same animation DNA, different perspective. The uplifting streak and science-fiction elevate it well above a simple genre exercise.

    Watch on

    • Netflix
    • Netflix Standard with Ads
    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    • YouTube(Rent)
    • Fandango At Home(Rent)
    • FlixFling(Rent)
    + Save for later
  7. 84match

    7.Moana (2016)

    ★ 7.6 · Adventure · Comedy · Family · 1h 47m

    Why you'll love it

    Fans of Lightyear who respond to its animation will find Moana (2016) immediately familiar. Both films share a family sensibility without ever feeling like carbon copies of each other.

    Watch on

    • Disney Plus
    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    • YouTube(Rent)
    • Fandango At Home(Rent)
    • Amazon Video(Buy)
    • Apple TV Store(Buy)
    + Save for later
  8. 82match

    8.Minions (2015)

    ★ 6.4 · Family · Animation · Adventure · 1h 31m

    Why you'll love it

    There's a reason Lightyear fans keep landing on Minions (2015) — the animation is unmistakably related even when the plots diverge. Both films operate on the same emotional frequency, especially in their third acts.

    Watch on

    • Peacock Premium
    • Peacock Premium Plus
    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    • YouTube(Rent)
    • Fandango At Home(Rent)
    • Amazon Video(Buy)
    + Save for later
  9. 80match

    9.Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009)

    ★ 6.8 · Animation · Comedy · Family · 1h 34m

    Why you'll love it

    Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs draws from the same animation well as Lightyear, channeling family in ways that feel unmistakably related. The 2009 film makes a natural companion watch — similar in spirit but distinctly its own.

    Watch on

    • Disney Plus
    • fuboTV
    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    • YouTube(Rent)
    • Fandango At Home(Rent)
    • Amazon Video(Buy)
    + Save for later
  10. 78match

    10.Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008)

    ★ 6.5 · Adventure · Animation · Comedy · 1h 29m

    Why you'll love it

    Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008) captures the animation appeal of Lightyear without simply imitating it. The family streak running through both films is what puts Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa at the top of any "if you liked…" shortlist.

    Watch on

    • Peacock Premium
    • Peacock Premium Plus
    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    • YouTube(Rent)
    • Fandango At Home(Rent)
    • Amazon Video(Buy)
    + Save for later

FAQ

What should I watch after Lightyear?
Try Monsters vs Aliens, Transformers One, Titan A.E.—each shares DNA with Lightyear while changing the setting enough to feel fresh.
What genre is Lightyear?
Lightyear (2022) is best described as Animation, Science Fiction, Family, Adventure. Stores and algorithms use different labels, but that mix is what fans actually recognize on a rewatch.
Is Lightyear worth revisiting?
Viewer scores sit around 6.9/10 on TMDB—high enough that replays are common for people who like this animation lane.

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