Is Valiant Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Valiant is likely a skip if you enjoy Family movies.
It features a runtime of 76 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Valiant Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2005, Valiant emerges as a significant entry in the Family, Animation, Adventure, Comedy, War domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Set in 1944, Valiant is a woodland pigeon who wants to become a great hero someday. Unlike standard genre fare, Valiant attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Family is often anchored by its ensemble, and Valiant features a noteworthy lineup led by Ewan McGregor . Supported by the likes of Ricky Gervais and Tim Curry , 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 Valiant (2005) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Valiant Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Valiant is a Family, Animation, Adventure, Comedy, War film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Set in 1944, Valiant is a woodland pigeon who wants to become a great hero someday. When he hears they are hiring recruits for the Royal Homing Pigeon Service, he immediately sets out for London. On the way, he meets a smelly but friendly pigeon named Bugsy, who joins him, mainly to get away from clients he cheated in a game of find-the pebble, and helps him sign up for the war. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Valiant Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Valiant attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to family 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 family themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Valiant reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Valiant Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Valiant uses real-world events as narrative inspiration. As a family, animation, adventure, comedy, war film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: Valiant adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Valiant?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Family films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Valiant Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $35.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $61.7M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Valiant Budget
The estimated production budget for Valiant is $35.0M. 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 Valiant
- Ewan McGregor – Valiant (voice)
- Ricky Gervais – Bugsy (voice)
- Tim Curry – Von Talon (voice)
- Jim Broadbent – Sergeant (voice)
- Hugh Laurie – Gutsy (voice)
Top Highlights
Ewan McGregorValiant (voice)
Ricky GervaisBugsy (voice)
Tim CurryVon Talon (voice)
Jim BroadbentSergeant (voice)
Hugh LaurieGutsy (voice)
John CleeseMercury (voice)
John HurtFelix (voice)
Pip TorrensLofty (voice)
Rik MayallCufflingk (voice)
Olivia WilliamsVictoria (voice)
Where to Watch Valiant Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Disney Plus🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Valiant is rated G. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.6/10, and global collection metrics, Valiant stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2005 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Valiant movie hit or flop?
Valiant has received mixed reviews with a 5.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Valiant worth watching?
Valiant is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Family, Animation, Adventure movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Valiant online?
Valiant is currently available for streaming on Disney Plus. You can also check for it on platforms like Disney Plus depending on your region.
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How Valiant Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Valiant
Rewatched this as part of my Disney marathon, controversially I guess as is it really a Disney film? I'm gonna count it. 'Valiant' is a little hit-and-miss, however I think it just about makes for good viewing. The animation is, honestly, kinda crappy, though there are moments where it does look more than decent. The plot is mostly predictable but I do actually quite like it, as it tells a story about war pigeons from WWII. It is amusing for the majority, even if the characters are strangely overtly horny too much. The strongest part of this film is easily the cast, who are very good. Ricky Gervais (Bugsy) is the best voice on show, he is the ideal actor to play that role. There are many other familiar voices: Ewan McGregor (Valiant), John Cleese (Mercury), Jim Broadbent (Monty), Hugh Laurie (Gutsy) and Tim Curry (Von Talon); as well as one or two others. McGregor is largely positive, even if he does get a tad too sappy in parts. I can see why this splits opinion, I truly can. However, it entertained me just enough and it isn't one I mind rewatching to be frank.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
