Ray Gunn (2026)
Film · Animation, Science Fiction, Crime, Mystery
One to seeif you crave a visually spectacular blend of hardboiled detective tropes and imaginative golden-age sci-fi.
A dazzling, retro-futuristic animated noir that feels both nostalgic and visually inventive. It is a fast-paced and rich mystery that showcases world-building at its most polished, making it a top-tier choice for fans of high-craft animation.
What it is about
In Metropia, a gigantic city in an alternate future as seen from 1939, private eye Raymond Gunn is drawn into a case involving aliens, murder and a multimedia star named Venus Nova.
Trailer
What Ray Gunn is like, and who it is for
What it is like to watch
Expect a slick, high-velocity journey through a meticulously detailed cityscape. The tone leans into the smoky atmosphere of 1940s noir but is propelled by the kinetic energy characteristic of Brad Bird’s direction. It is likely to feel dense and fast-paced, balancing the grit of a classic murder mystery with the wide-eyed wonder found in 'world of tomorrow' aesthetics. The animation should feel expansive, honouring the epic mood promised by its retro-futuristic setting.
Who it is for, and who should skip it
This is for those who appreciate high-concept world-building and the specific charm of 'Raygun Gothic' science fiction. Fans of voice-driven character studies will enjoy the gravelly, expressive vocal cast. Skip it if you are looking for a gentle, lighthearted family film; the crime noir focus suggests a more mature, cynical edge than standard animation. One caveat is that the dense, alternate-history lore may feel slightly overwhelming for those who prefer minimalist or straightforward storytelling.
The right evening for it
It suits a Friday night when you want to be fully immersed in a different reality. This is a 'lean-in' film that rewards close attention to its visual flair and complex detective plot.
Written by our AI from the facts on this page. It has opinions; it has not watched it.
How Ray Gunn leaves you
One line on the mood it ends on, with no plot. Some people count that as a spoiler, so it stays hidden until you ask.
Expect to come away feeling dazzled by the craftsmanship, lingering on the bittersweet contrast between a gleaming imagined future and the gritty crimes hidden within its shadows.
Stills
Images from TMDB.
If you like this, try
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004)
the same retro-futuristic 1930s aesthetic and dieselpunk atmosphere
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)
the blend of noir sensibilities with stylised animation and Art Deco design
The Big Sleep (1946)
the quintessential hardboiled detective mystery and fast-paced dialogue
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Ray Gunn soundtrack
Music by Michael Giacchino
Questions people ask
- When does Ray Gunn come out?
- Ray Gunn opens in cinemas on 3 December 2026 in Australia, and 4 December 2026 in the US and the UK.
- Is Ray Gunn an epic film?
- Yes. On Watchlist Boosted it is tagged Epic. A dazzling, retro-futuristic animated noir that feels both nostalgic and visually inventive. It is a fast-paced and rich mystery that showcases world-building at its most polished, making it a top-tier choice for fans of high-craft animation.
- How long is Ray Gunn?
- Ray Gunn runs 119 min.
- Where can I watch Ray Gunn in Canada?
- Not yet. In Canada it is due on streaming services on 18 December 2026.
- Who composed the music for Ray Gunn?
- The music for Ray Gunn is by Michael Giacchino.
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