Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron

A proud Kiger mustang lives free on the open plains until his world is upended by capture. He resists efforts to break his spirit, repeatedly escaping and returning to the wide country he knows. Along the way he forms a quiet bond with a Lakota rider who shows him kindness, and he experiences both cruelty and care from different humans. The film follows his repeated attempts to reunite with his herd and keep his freedom intact, focusing on moments of defiance, trust, and survival without revealing how things end.

Released by DreamWorks in 2002, the film was directed by Kelly Asbury and Lorna Cook, based on an original story by John Fusco and Michael Lucker, with a score by Hans Zimmer.

It earned a solid box office return for DreamWorks, performing respectably worldwide and later finding a wider audience through home video and merchandising aimed at families.

The movie became notable for its mostly nonverbal lead, voiced in narration by Matt Damon, and for blending hand-drawn animation with computer-assisted effects. Its soundtrack, mixing Zimmer's instrumental work with songs by Bryan Adams, remained memorable, and the property later inspired a children’s television series and continued presence in family media.

Critics generally praised the animation quality and the evocative music, while some reviewers said the story followed familiar beats. The film focuses on freedom versus control, respect for nature and different cultures, and loyalty between unlikely companions, presenting those themes in a way that resonated with both children and older viewers.