Plot Explained Spoilers guaranteed!
Plot Explained

Browse by genre

Kubo and the Two Strings (2016) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Kubo and the Two Strings (2016) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2016 · 101 min · English
JustWatch #272 3,791
Directed by
Travis Knight
Starring
Charlize Theron, Matthew McConaughey, Ralph Fiennes, George Takei, Rooney Mara, Brenda Vaccaro
Budget
$60M

A gifted young storyteller named Kubo must face dark forces and confront a painful past when a vengeful spirit from his childhood resurfaces. Accompanied by a mischievous monkey and a determined beetle, he sets out on a perilous journey. His quest involves rescuing his family, discovering the secrets surrounding his father's disappearance, and ultimately embracing his destiny as a skilled warrior. The film combines enchanting animation with a compelling narrative.

On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (5)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like Kubo and the Two Strings
  8. 8 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)

Where can you watch Kubo and the Two Strings? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on HBO Max, Hulu and Peacock Premium: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

Streaming availability powered by JustWatch

5 main characters · contains spoilers

Kubo and the Two Strings Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Kubo and the Two Strings (2016), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Kubo

    played by Art Parkinson

    Kubo is a young boy marked by the loss of his eye and the tragic fate of his family. He is both a caretaker for his mother and a gifted storyteller who uses his shamisen to weave enchanting tales. Kubo exhibits bravery and determination, ultimately embarking on a quest to reclaim his lineage and confront his family legacy.

    • 👦 Child
    • 🎨 Artistic
    • 🛡️ Brave
  • Sariatu

    played by Charlize Theron

    Sariatu, Kubo's mother, is a mystical figure with a powerful connection to magic. Her tragic past and protective nature shape Kubo's understanding of love and loss. Despite her semi-conscious state, Sariatu's sacrifices and guidance profoundly influence Kubo's journey and decisions.

    • 👩‍👦 Mother
    • 🌟 Sacrificial
    • 🙏 Guiding Spirit
  • Beetle

    played by Matthew McConaughey

    Beetle, a comical yet determined character, suffers from amnesia but believes he was a noble warrior. His desire to protect Kubo and his fierce loyalty provide comic relief amidst the film's deep themes. As he joins Kubo's quest, Beetle's character evolves from a cursed creature to a vital ally.

    • 🐞 Loyal
    • 🎭 Comical
    • 🦸‍♂️ Heroic
  • Monkey

    played by Charlize Theron

    Monkey is a fierce protector and a manifestation of Kubo's mother's magic. She is initially wary of Kubo, but her love and guidance help shape his courage. As a formidable warrior, Monkey's character embodies the themes of maternal love and strength.

    • 🐒 Protective
    • 🌌 Mystical
    • ❤️ Maternal
  • Moon King

    played by Ralph Fiennes

    The Moon King serves as both Kubo's grandfather and antagonist. His desire for power and immortality challenges Kubo's quest for identity. The King embodies the complex dynamics of family, love, and the struggle between memory and legacy.

    • 👴 Antagonist
    • 🌑 Dark
    • 🤖 Powerful

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:31

Was this helpful?

Setting

Where and When Does Kubo and the Two Strings Take Place?

The setting of Kubo and the Two Strings (2016): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

Kubo and the Two Strings exist in a fictional, timeless setting that draws on elements of traditional Japanese folklore and mythology. The story unfolds with a blend of ancient samurai traditions and magical realism, contributing to the film's enchanting atmosphere.

Location

village, cave, Long Lake, ancient fortress

The movie takes place in a beautifully rendered fantasy world featuring a vibrant village and a serene cave where Kubo and his mother reside. Long Lake serves as a critical point in Kubo's journey, highlighting the majestic yet perilous nature of his surroundings. The ancient fortress, a testament to Kubo's family's legacy, becomes the final battleground for the climactic encounters.

  • 🏞️ Fantasy
  • ⛰️ Adventure
  • 🌊 Water

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:31

Was this helpful?

3 major themes

Kubo and the Two Strings Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Kubo and the Two Strings (2016) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Family and Legacy

    The film profoundly explores the theme of family and legacy, focusing on Kubo's relationship with his parents and their sacrifices. Kubo's quest reflects a journey of self-discovery and the importance of honoring one's heritage. The recurring presence of spirits symbolizes the enduring ties that bind generations together, signifying love's transcendence beyond death.

  • Courage and Identity

    Courage is a central theme, as Kubo confronts his fears and embraces his identity amidst relentless challenges. His growth from a caretaker to a heroic figure mirrors the classic hero's journey, exemplifying the strength found in love and compassion. Through his battles against the Moon King and the Sisters, Kubo learns that true bravery lies in understanding and accepting oneself.

  • Magic and Storytelling

    The film encapsulates the essence of magic and storytelling, where Kubo's shamisen becomes a conduit for both wonder and connection. The engagement of origami figures illustrates the creative power of stories to bring hope and life. As Kubo narrates his father's tales, he discovers that storytelling holds the potential to shape reality and forge bonds with others.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:31

Was this helpful?

Character & theme questions

Kubo and the Two Strings Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Kubo and the Two Strings (2016): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where does Kubo and the Two Strings take place?

The story unfolds in a fantasy world inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics, featuring a vibrant village where Kubo and his mother live in a serene cave. Key locations include Long Lake, a majestic yet perilous body of water critical to Kubo's journey, and an ancient fortress that serves as the final battleground representing his family's legacy.

  • setting
  • locations
  • village
  • cave
  • long lake
  • fortress
  • japanese fantasy
Q2

What time period is Kubo and the Two Strings set in?

The film exists in a fictional, timeless setting that draws on elements of traditional Japanese folklore and mythology. While no specific era is named, the visual design and cultural references evoke ancient samurai traditions blended with magical realism, creating an enchanting atmosphere that feels both historical and fantastical.

  • time period
  • era
  • japanese folklore
  • samurai
  • timeless
  • mythology
Q3

What are the main themes in Kubo and the Two Strings?

The film explores three core themes: Family and Legacy, focusing on Kubo's relationship with his parents and their sacrifices; Courage and Identity, as Kubo grows from caretaker to heroic figure embracing his true self; and Magic and Storytelling, where Kubo's shamisen and origami creations demonstrate the power of narrative to shape reality and connect people.

  • themes
  • family
  • legacy
  • courage
  • identity
  • magic
  • storytelling
  • origami
Q4

Who is Kubo in the movie?

Kubo is a young boy who serves as both caretaker for his mentally fragile mother and a gifted storyteller. He uses his magical shamisen to weave enchanting tales that bring origami figures to life. Marked by the loss of his eye and his family's tragic fate, Kubo embarks on a quest to reclaim his lineage and confront his family legacy.

  • kubo
  • protagonist
  • storyteller
  • shamisen
  • hero
  • warrior
Q5

Who is Monkey in Kubo and the Two Strings?

Monkey is a fierce protector and manifestation of Kubo mother's magic, voiced by Charlize Theron. Initially wary of Kubo, she becomes his guide and defender throughout his journey. As a formidable warrior, Monkey embodies maternal love and strength, helping shape Kubo's courage while teaching him about his heritage.

  • monkey
  • mother figure
  • protector
  • magic
  • charlize theron
  • warrior
Q6

Who is Beetle in Kubo and the Two Strings?

Beetle is a comical yet determined companion voiced by Matthew McConaughey, who suffers from amnesia but believes himself to be a noble warrior. His fierce loyalty to Kubo and desire to protect him provide comic relief while his character evolves from a cursed creature into a vital ally on the quest.

  • beetle
  • companion
  • warrior
  • amnesia
  • matthew mcconaughey
  • loyal
Q7

Who is the Moon King in Kubo and the Two Strings?

The Moon King serves as both Kubo's grandfather and the film's antagonist, voiced by Ralph Fiennes. Driven by a desire for power and immortality, he challenges Kubo's quest for identity. He represents the complex dynamics of family, love, and the struggle between memory and legacy, ultimately becoming a central figure in Kubo's confrontation with his past.

  • moon king
  • antagonist
  • grandfather
  • villain
  • ralph fiennes
  • immortality
Q8

What does the family and legacy theme mean in Kubo and the Two Strings?

The theme of family and legacy explores Kubo's relationship with his parents and their sacrifices for him. His quest reflects a journey of self-discovery and honoring one's heritage. The recurring presence of spirits symbolizes the enduring ties that bind generations, signifying that love transcends even death.

  • family theme
  • legacy theme
  • parents
  • sacrifice
  • heritage
  • spirits
  • memory
Q9

How does storytelling work in Kubo and the Two Strings?

Storytelling is central to the film's magic system. Kubo's shamisen serves as a conduit for wonder and connection, allowing him to bring origami figures to life through his narratives. His father's tales hold actual power, demonstrating that storytelling can shape reality and forge bonds between people.

  • storytelling
  • shamisen
  • origami
  • magic
  • narrative
  • reality
  • connection
Q10

How does Kubo show courage in the movie?

Kubo demonstrates courage by confronting his fears and embracing his identity despite relentless challenges. His growth from a caretaker for his mother to a heroic figure mirrors the classic hero's journey. Through battles against the Moon King and the Sisters, Kubo learns that true bravery lies in understanding and accepting oneself.

  • courage
  • bravery
  • hero journey
  • identity
  • self acceptance
  • growth
Q11

Who is Sariatu in Kubo and the Two Strings?

Sariatu is Kubo's mother, a mystical figure with powerful magical connections voiced by Charlize Theron. In a semi-conscious state due to past trauma, she nonetheless makes profound sacrifices to guide and protect Kubo. Her tragic past and protective nature shape Kubo's understanding of love, loss, and familial bonds.

  • sariatu
  • mother
  • magic
  • charlize theron
  • sacrifice
  • loss
Q12

What Japanese cultural elements appear in Kubo and the Two Strings?

The film draws heavily on traditional Japanese folklore, mythology, and samurai culture. Visual elements include Japanese architecture, traditional clothing, and Shinto-inspired spirit imagery. The concept of the shimenawa rope and various supernatural beings reflect authentic cultural mythology, while the narrative structure incorporates elements of Japanese storytelling traditions.

  • japanese culture
  • folklore
  • mythology
  • samurai
  • shinto
  • traditions
  • visual design

Movie threads

More Movies Like Kubo and the Two Strings, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Kubo and the Two Strings tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Bittersweet Fantasies of Family and Legacy like Kubo and the Two Strings

Hopeful animated journeys that confront grief and loss with the magic of memory. Explore movies like Kubo and the Two Strings that combine stunning animation with heartfelt stories about family legacy, grief, and the healing power of memory. If you enjoyed its unique blend of magical adventure and emotional depth, this collection features similar films where hopeful journeys lead to bittersweet yet redemptive endings.

  • heartfelt
  • magical
  • melancholic
  • hopeful
  • adventurous
  • dreamlike
  • Tone: hopeful, melancholic
  • Pacing: steady, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories in this thread typically follow a hero on a quest that is both external and deeply internal, often involving a search for identity or answers about their family's past. The journey is punctuated by moments of wonder and peril, but the true conflict revolves around emotional reconciliation, forgiveness, and accepting loss. The climax often resolves not with pure victory, but with a meaningful, bittersweet peace.

Why they belong together: These movies are grouped by their ability to weave serious themes of loss and identity into a fantastical framework. They share a medium emotional weight, a hopeful core tone, and a steady, character-driven pacing. The central experience is one of magical whimsy balanced with emotional sincerity, resulting in a deeply affecting adventure.

Mythic Quests with Found Family like Kubo and the Two Strings

Perilous journeys where unlikely companions help a hero embrace their destiny. Discover movies similar to Kubo and the Two Strings featuring young heroes on epic quests aided by a lovable found family. If you loved its story of Kubo, Monkey, and Beetle facing dark forces together, you'll find other adventures where camaraderie and courage are just as important as the magical destination.

  • adventurous
  • determined
  • heartfelt
  • hopeful
  • perilous
  • epic
  • Tone: hopeful, determined
  • Pacing: steady, adventurous
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern is a classic hero's journey, but the emotional core is the development of the central group dynamic. The hero begins alone or isolated, but through shared trials and dangers, a deep loyalty forms with their companions. This found family provides not just practical help but also the emotional strength needed for the hero to overcome their inner doubts and external enemies.

Why they belong together: These films share a specific narrative structure and emotional dynamic. They feature a moderate complexity adventure plot, a steady pacing that allows for both action and character development, and a central theme of building family outside of bloodlines. The experience is defined by its mix of determined heroism and heartfelt camaraderie.

If you liked this

Movies Like Kubo and the Two Strings

Similar movies to Kubo and the Two Strings: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

Browse all movie summaries

Every angle

Kubo and the Two Strings (2016) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Kubo and the Two Strings in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

Plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Catch up on any movie in minutes, save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private, always.

Learn more about the app