Ferdinand

Ferdinand is a gentle bull who'd rather breathe easy under a cork tree and enjoy the scent of wildflowers than run, butt heads, or chase glory. As he grows into a big imposing body, his easygoing nature stays intact. One day, a team arrives to pick the strongest bull for the famous bullfights in Madrid, and Ferdinand is mistakenly labeled as the one. Accustomed to peaceful pasture life, he is whisked away into a world that prizes aggression and spectacle. Faced with pressure to compete, he remains true to himself, forming unlikely friendships with a cast of quirky animals who help him navigate the clash between tradition and his own nature. The film follows his adventures with humor and heart.

Directed by Carlos Saldanha and released in 2017, Ferdinand adapts Munro Leaf and Robert Lawson's 1936 children's book. The film comes from Blue Sky Studios and brings the quiet bull's world to life as a bright family friendly adventure today.

Ferdinand grossed roughly 295 million dollars worldwide on an 111 million dollar budget, marking solid performance for a family friendly animated feature from Blue Sky Studios. The film performed well and supported the studio during a period of transition overall.

Ferdinand sits among a growing trend of animal led family films that lean into empathy and non violence. Its cheerful visuals and steady humor created memorable moments for kids and parents alike, reinforcing the idea that choosing peace can still lead to adventure and friendship for many generations to come.

Critical reception leaned positive for its warmth and craft, with praise often aimed at the animation quality and strong voice cast led by John Cena. The film explores themes of individuality, courage, and the value of peaceful resolve in the face of coercion and the power of choosing kindness together.