Pixar’s Elio took audiences to a new galaxy earlier this year with its charming blend of humor, emotion, and extraterrestrial misadventure. As Pixar continues to explore bold, original storytelling, Elio carved out its own idenтιтy with this coming-of-age tale. Now, audiences who missed the film in theaters — or simply want to revisit it — can do so from home very soon.
Disney has officially announced that Elio will premiere on Disney+ on September 17. The animated adventure follows Elio Solís (Yonas Kibreab), a misunderstood, imaginative boy who accidentally becomes Earth’s ambᴀssador to an intergalactic organization called the Communiverse. Mistaken for humanity’s leader, Elio must navigate a series of unexpected cosmic challenges and ultimately learn what it means to belong.
Elio is the latest in Pixar’s ongoing legacy of heartfelt, high-concept animated storytelling, but unfortunately underperformed at the box office, grossing just $154 million on a $150-200 million budget. That being said, Elio scored positive reviews, with an 83% Tomatometer and 90% Popcornmeter. The film is now being positioned as a must-watch for families on streaming.
What The Disney+ Streaming Release Means For Elio
Elio‘s move to Disney+ continues a trend of shortened theatrical-to-streaming windows for animated films, following a model previously seen with Elemental and Turning Red, which found extended life and larger audiences on streaming. For families, this means broader accessibility and replay value, while for Disney, it reinforces the role of Disney+ as the home base for all things Pixar.
Thematically, Elio aligns with Pixar’s recent push toward introspective narratives. Much like Inside Out or Luca, the film balances its fantasy and sci-fi elements with deeply emotional, character-driven storytelling. Considering Elio‘s underperformance at the box office, yet rave reviews, its arrival on streaming will likely prompt a new wave of appreciation and attention for the film.
Our Take On Elio’s Disney+ Debut
Elio might not have made the same cultural splash as earlier Pixar projects, but its heart and originality really do shine. The film’s unique premise, with a lonely kid being mistaken for Earth’s leader, feels like a throwback to the classic Pixar weirdness. Elio‘s ultimately emotional undercurrent makes the 2025 animated feature more than just another alien adventure.
Considering how audiences have been begging for more original content, it’s strange that Elio was underseen. However, this is likely due to Pixar’s inconsistent marketing. That being said, with a September release date, Elio‘s debut on Disney+ is perfectly timed for fall family viewing, and it’s likely to find new fans among those who prefer the comfort of home.
