This animated feature, inspired by a beloved children's book, begins its story in Spain, where it unfolds at the Casa Del Toro, a bull-training ranch. Here, three young calves eagerly anticipate which older bull will be chosen to face a matador. Among them is the gentle Ferdinand, voiced by Colin H. Murphy, who tends to a delicate rose he has planted in the pasture. He endures mockery from his peers, particularly from Valiente (voiced by Jack Gore), alongside his companions Guapo (portrayed by Jet Jurgensmeyer) and Bones (voiced by Nile Diaz).
Observing the formidable older bulls, including their fathers, the calves witness a fight for supremacy. Ultimately, Ferdinand's father, voiced by Jeremy Sisto, is selected, bidding farewell to Ferdinand, while Valiente's own father coldly dismisses him. In a fit of jealousy, Valiente crushes Ferdinand's cherished flower.
Soon after, Ferdinand sees the dreaded truck that took his father return without him. Grief-stricken, he escapes the ranch and wanders off, eventually being discovered by a kind florist named Juan (voiced by Juanes) and his mischievous dog Paco (voiced by Jerrod Carmichael). They take Ferdinand to Juan's daughter, Nina (voiced by Lily Day), who instantly bonds with him over their shared love for flowers. As Ferdinand grows under Nina's care, now voiced by John Cena, he becomes a massive yet gentle bull, while Paco reluctantly accepts him as a brother.
As the annual flower festival approaches, Juan and Nina prepare to attend, but Ferdinand's size prevents him from joining. Ignoring this, Ferdinand sneaks into the festival, causing panic among the townsfolk when he inadvertently stings himself and cries out in terror. This leads to him being captured and returned to Casa Del Toro, where he meets the ramshackle bull Lupe (voiced by Kate McKinnon). She introduces him to the now-adult bulls he grew up with, including Valiente, who is still a bully. Ferdinand also encounters new friends, such as three quirky hedgehogs—Una (voiced by Gina Rodriguez), Dos (voiced by Daveed Diggs), and Cuatro (voiced by Gabriel Iglesias), as well as snooty German horses who belittle the bulls.
The plot thickens when the ranch hosts the arrogant bullfighter El Primero (voiced by Miguel Ángel Silvestre), who is there to choose the fiercest bull for his final showdown. Ferdinand, however, refuses to engage in the fight despite the pressure from Valiente, who asserts that the bulls who don't fight are destined for the slaughterhouse.
As Ferdinand finds himself in an unexpected position of leadership, he helps the other bulls uncover their strength and potential. Through a series of events including a care-free dance-off with his friends, Ferdinand earns their respect. However, Valiente is relentlessly antagonistic, and during a confrontation, Ferdinand inadvertently breaks Valiente's horn.
Impressed with Ferdinand's resilience, El Primero selects him for combat. Yet, Ferdinand yearns to return to the safety of Nina and enlists Lupe's help to escape, understanding the grim fate that awaits bulls at the ranch. With their newfound camaraderie, they aim to rescue Guapo and Valiente from slaughter.
In a daring escapade, the animals seize the rancher's truck and dash into town. They encounter the relentless ranch hands, forcing their way towards freedom in an electrifying chase that leads to a train yard. Tragically, Ferdinand is captured, and news spirals across Spain about his fate.
The showdown arrives, and as Ferdinand confronts El Primero, the stakes escalate. Fueled by survival instincts, Ferdinand pushes back against the matador, leading to an emotional moment where he turns away from violence at the sight of a flower, reminiscent of his cherished time with Nina. The audience, stirred by Ferdinand's spirit, implores El Primero to spare the bull's life. Just as Nina and Juan arrive, El Primero capitulates, leaving with his pride intact while Ferdinand embraces Nina.
Ultimately, Ferdinand and his companions are returned to the safety of the farm where love and friendship flourish. Together, they relish the peace of their flower-filled pasture, embracing the serenity that comes with a setting sun.
