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 13, 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.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Aurel Klimt, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Animation elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
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. However, the sheer charisma of Helena Dvořáková, Karel Zima, Petr Čtvrtníček manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2017 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Animation, Comedy, Science Fiction space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Laika is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Laika follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 87 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Laika resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Animation landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 5.4/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Laika is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. Life is not easy for Laika, a dog on the outskirts of a big Russian city. She is caught and forcibly retrained to become a pioneer in astronautics. Soon after her lift-off into space, a number of animals follow that are hurriedly launched from Houston and Baikonur. The animals travel astray, but finally manage, with the help of a black hole, to colonize a faraway planet. After a short period of harmonious, undisturbed co-existence with indigenous life forms, however, first human cosmonaut run ashore on their planet, and their harmonious life, indeed their very survival, are suddenly in jeopardy.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Laika (2017) is overwhelmingly divisive. With an audience rating of 5.4/10 and strong performance metrics in the Animation, Comedy, Science Fiction categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Helena Dvořáková, Karel Zima, Petr Čtvrtníček or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Laika is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2017. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
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.
Where to Watch Laika Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
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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.
Explore More Verdicts
Synopsis
Life is not easy for Laika, a dog on the outskirts of a big Russian city. She is caught and forcibly retrained to become a pioneer in astronautics. Soon after her lift-off into space, a number of animals follow that are hurriedly launched from Houston and Baikonur. The animals travel astray, but finally manage, with the help of a black hole, to colonize a faraway planet. After a short period of harmonious, undisturbed co-existence with indigenous life forms, however, first human cosmonaut run ashore on their planet, and their harmonious life, indeed their very survival, are suddenly in jeopardy.