Why Critics Are Calling It a Masterpiece: LITTLE AMÉLIE | Opens in UK/IE Cinemas - 13 February 2026

Every now and then, a film comes along that feels a bit special. It’s not the massive blockbuster with explosions every two minutes, but something quieter, more thoughtful, and it stays with you long after you’ve left the cinema. Get ready to add a new name to that list, because the beautiful animated film Little Amélie is arriving in UK and Irish cinemas on 13 February 2026.

This isn't just a film for kids; it’s a deeply emotional story that’s already been nominated for an Oscar and a BAFTA, and it’s capturing the hearts of critics and audiences all over the world. It’s the kind of movie that reminds you how powerful animation can be when it’s telling a truly human story.

So what's the story behind Little Amélie?

Imagine being just two-and-a-half years old and seeing the world for the first time. Everything is a wonder, from the smallest bug to the way rain falls on a window. That's the world of Little Amélie. The story is adapted from a best-selling memoir by one of Belgium’s most famous authors, Amélie Nothomb, about her early childhood. The film follows little Amélie as her family lives in post-war Japan. Through her eyes, audiences get to see the beauty of nature and start to understand the complicated, unspoken feelings that adults often try to hide.

What makes this animated film so remarkable is the love and care poured into it. It was seven years in the making, created with charming, traditional hand-drawn animation. You can feel the artistry in every frame. It’s not slick and computer-generated; it’s warm, personal, and full of character. This tender, independent film is a true labour of love, and it’s being brought to the big screen by Vue Lumiere for everyone to experience. The story is both simple and incredibly deep, exploring big feelings from a tiny person’s point of view, making it a unique and profoundly emotional journey.

Not just another cartoon

One look at what the critics are saying and it's clear this is something different. When a children's film gets compared to thoughtful, grown-up classics, you know the filmmakers have done something right. For instance, IndieWire noted that Little Amélie has a 'similar emotional wavelength as recent genre classics like Boyhood or Lady Bird'. Those films are famous for perfectly capturing the feeling of growing up, and Little Amélie does the same for the very earliest years of life.

The praise doesn’t stop there. The New York Times found 'warm existentialism (in a children’s film, no less)', which sounds complicated but really isn't. It just means the film isn't afraid to gently ask big questions about life, just like a curious child would. And for animation fans, the comparisons are huge. The Hollywood Reporter said it's like 'Terrence Malick meets Hiyao Miyazaki for tykes'. For anyone unfamiliar, Terrence Malick is a director known for making beautiful, dreamy, and philosophical films. And Hiyao Miyazaki is the genius behind Studio Ghibli, the creator of masterpieces like Spirited Away and My Neighbour Totoro. To be mentioned in the same breath is a massive compliment, suggesting the film has both stunning visuals and a deep, surreal soul. It's this unique blend that makes Little Amélie such a special animated film.

The awards shelf is getting pretty full

It's one thing for a film to be loved, but it’s another for it to be officially recognised by the biggest names in the movie world. Little Amélie has been collecting awards and nominations left, right, and centre, over 45 of them so far. It’s received a nomination for Best Animated Feature at the 98th Academy Awards in 2026 and nominations at the BAFTA Awards for Best Animated Film and Best Children's & Family Film. It was even in the running for a Golden Globe in 2025.

From its premiere at TIFF 2025 (the Toronto International Film Festival), it's been a critical darling. Here’s just a snapshot of the recognition it has earned so far:

• Nominee - 98th Academy Awards 2026 - Best Animated Film

• Nominee - British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) - Best Animated Film & Best Children's & Family Film

• Nominee - Golden Globe Awards 2025 - Best Motion Picture - Animated

• Nominee - European Film Awards, Berlin 2025 - European Film Award & European Animated Feature Film

• Winner - Best Animation, Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards

• Winner - Audience Award, Annecy Animation Festival 2025

• Winner - Audience Award for Best European Film, San Sebastián International Film Festival 2025

• Winner - Grand Jury Prize, Animation Is Film

• Winner - Best Feature Film, Manchester Animation Festival

What the critics are saying

The awards are impressive, but the words from critics really paint a picture of what to expect. This isn’t just a well-made film; it’s one that connects with people on a deeply personal and emotional level. The Wrap celebrated the movie by saying it ‘Marks the arrival of truly talented filmmakers’, which is high praise for the directors Mäilys Vallade and Liane-Cho Han.

Here’s a taste of the incredible things people have been saying about this must-see animated film:

'Exquisite and moving… an unforgettable moviegoing experience.' - TIFF 2025

‘It’s hard not to be charmed by its warm existentialism (in a children’s film, no less) and its belief that the greatest wisdoms can be found in the way a child sees and learns.’ - New York Times: Critics Pick

‘Terrence Malick meets Hiyao Miyazaki for tykes, combining playful subjectivity with surreal flights of fancy… but simple enough for any kid to follow.’ - The Hollywood Reporter

'Similar emotional wavelength as recent genre classics like Boyhood or Lady Bird but [also] belongs to a different universe altogether' - IndieWire

‘A timeless and essential tale’ - Next Best Picture

‘Brims with feeling for every precious moment’ - Wall Street Journal

‘One of the year’s best animated films’ - Collider