Is Laika Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Laika is likely a skip if you enjoy Animation movies.
It features a runtime of 87 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Laika Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2017, Laika emerges as a significant entry in the Animation, Comedy, Science Fiction domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Life is not easy for Laika, a dog on the outskirts of a big Russian city. Unlike standard genre fare, Laika attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Animation is often anchored by its ensemble, and Laika features a noteworthy lineup led by Helena Dvořáková . Supported by the likes of Karel Zima and Petr Čtvrtníček , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Laika (2017) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Laika Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Laika is a Animation, Comedy, Science Fiction film that combines stunning visual artistry with storytelling that appeals to all ages. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Laika Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Laika attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to animation resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the animation themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Laika reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Laika?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Animation films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Laika Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $2.7M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Laika Budget
The estimated production budget for Laika is $2.7M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Laika
- Helena Dvořáková – Laika (voice)
- Karel Zima – Yuri Leftkin (voice)
- Petr Čtvrtníček – Queerneck (voice)
- Jan Vondráček – Ham / Cow (voice)
- Miroslav Táborský – Neil Knockout (voice)
Top Highlights
Helena DvořákováLaika (voice)
Karel ZimaYuri Leftkin (voice)
Petr ČtvrtníčekQueerneck (voice)
Jan VondráčekHam / Cow (voice)
Miroslav TáborskýNeil Knockout (voice)
Robert NebřenskýProfessor Vorolev / Pig (voice)
Jan BudařAssistant Tossoff (voice)
Martin MatejkaYounger Knacker / Professor Tossoff (voice)
Vladimír MertaOlder Knacker (voice)
Where to Watch Laika Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVParents Guide & Age Rating
Laika has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.4/10, and global collection metrics, Laika stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2017 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Laika movie hit or flop?
Laika has received mixed reviews with a 5.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Laika worth watching?
Laika is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Animation, Comedy, Science Fiction movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Laika online?
Laika may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How Laika Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Laika
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
