Pencils vs. Pixels

Play trailer

1:51

Pencils vs. Pixels

2023

1h 12m

Documentary

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

100%

Tomatometer

7 Reviews

94%

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Pencils vs. Pixels is a celebration of the unique magic of 2D hand-drawn animation and an exploration of how the Disney Renaissance of the late 1980s and early 1990s led to an animation boom that was quickly upended by the computer animation revolution that followed. Narrated by Ming-Na Wen, PENCILS VS PIXELS features many of the legendary artists who brought these now-classic films to life as they guide us through the last few decades of animation and into the future that's yet to come.

Watch on Fandango

Stream Now

Richard Whittaker

Austin Chronicle

Jul 13, 2023

3.5/5

Provides an incredible viewpoint from the artist's side of the wonder of American animation and its rich legacy.

Go to Full Review

Sabrina McFarland

Common Sense Media

Nov 14, 2023

4/5

The personal anecdotes shared in Pencils Vs Pixels may inspire the launch of future careers in the art form.

Go to Full Review

Tessa Smith

Mama's Geeky

Oct 9, 2023

A love letter to animation, this documentary tells the journey from 2D animation to 3D animation, while keeping the hope alive that 2D will return to the forefront once again. It is sure to never completely favor one style over the other.

Go to Full Review

Tania Lamb

Lola Lambchops

Oct 2, 2023

Pencils vs. Pixels is a celebration of animation. It's pure magic - whether by pencil or computer - and keeps the dreams alive for this next generation of animators.

Go to Full Review

Norman Gidney

HorrorBuzz

Aug 20, 2023

Essential viewing for any fan of animation. I would even say that film buffs would do well to take this one in.

Go to Full Review

Josiah Teal

Film Threat

Aug 2, 2023

8.5/10

At the narrative’s core sits a sense of wonder synonymous with animation.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Juho K

@Leffanurkka.fi Mar 11, 2026

Pencils vs Pixels is a heartfelt tribute to the magic of hand-drawn 2D animation and the artists who brought so many classics to life. The documentary also explores the brutal industry shift that followed Pixar’s Toy Story in 1995, when computer animation quickly pushed traditional techniques aside. Hearing veteran animators describe how fast the change happened is both fascinating and heartbreaking. Thankfully, the film also reminds us that the legacy of 2D animation still inspires artists today.

See more

Kyle M

@RT77296778 Feb 21, 2026

Basic coverage that remains fascinating with clarifying insights akin to the profession’s knacks for expressive details flourishes this documentary’s love letter/portrait to the now unpredictable medium that mostly compiles knowledgeably cherished animation. (A-)

See more

A J

@RT24986821 Nov 16, 2023

I got to watch this at Lightbox 2023 and I thought it was fantastic! We got to learn about generations of animators and the story of animation as a whole. So enjoyable and very well put together.

See more

Nisha S

@RT90806291 Nov 11, 2023

I was lucky enough to see this live at the Canadian premiere in Vancouver with Tom himself! Seriously such a moving film that will inspire all artists, as well as nostalgic fans of Tom's work. A must see film, it will inspire you to keep hope and remember that magic feeling of watching traditional animated films from our childhood. Bravo!

See more

Adolfo Y

@RT41276055 Nov 10, 2023

a good documentary about the evolution of animation and drawings!

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Bay Dariz

Director

Phil Earnest

Director

Ming-Na Wen

Narrator

Pete Docter

Self

Leonard Maltin

Self

John Musker

Self

So Unreal

90%

%

So Unreal

Watchlist

Attack of the Doc!

83%

98%

Attack of the Doc!

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Attack of the Doc!

Last Things

100%

%

Last Things

Watchlist

Fantastic Machine

65%

%

Fantastic Machine

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Pencils vs. Pixels: Trailer 1

1:51

Now Playing

View more videos

View more photos

Synopsis

Pencils vs. Pixels is a celebration of the unique magic of 2D hand-drawn animation and an exploration of how the Disney Renaissance of the late 1980s and early 1990s led to an animation boom that was quickly upended by the computer animation revolution that followed. Narrated by Ming-Na Wen, PENCILS VS PIXELS features many of the legendary artists who brought these now-classic films to life as they guide us through the last few decades of animation and into the future that's yet to come.

Director: Bay Dariz, Phil Earnest
Producer: Tom Bancroft, Bay Dariz
Screenwriter: Bay Dariz
Distributor: Strike Back Studios
Production Co: Hideout Pictures, Minutehand Pictures
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 7, 2023
Runtime: 1h 12m

Join The Newsletter

Join The Newsletter

Cookie Settings