Onward is the new movie from the Pixar studio, and some are calling it the male version of Frozen. It sees two elven brothers Ian and Barley go on a quest to see their father for 24 hours. But for those who can’t make it to the cinema, is it available to stream online?
Is Onward available to stream online – and is it legal?
As Onward is only just arriving in cinemas, so it is not available to stream or watch online as it is not being simultaneously released.
Any website claiming to have the film for streaming or download is illegal.
The Digital Economy Act 2017 means people could now face 10-year prison sentences for illegally streaming copyrighted content.
READ MORE: Onward age rating: How old do you have to be to watch Disney Pixar movie Onward?
To be sure you’re not watching copyrighted material, you should go direct to companies such as Netflix or Amazon Prime, according to Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT).
Not only is it illegal to stream films on illegal sites, but it could also be a danger to your computer.
To add further warning, CEO of FACT Kieron Sharp said: “There are now more ways than ever for consumers to watch movies and TV but not going to legitimate sources to watch new movies is not a grey area: it is against the law.
“As well as being illegal, evidence shows that streaming pirated content is incredibly risky and can expose users to malware and inappropriate content.
“Not only does that deny the best viewing experience, it’s just not worth taking the chance.”
Given the film is out in cinemas over the weekend, it is easy for families everywhere to get their fix of the new Pixar movie.
What is the age rating for Onward?
Onward has a certificate of U, meaning universal, so it is suitable for all ages.
According to the British Board for Film Classification (BBFC), a U film “should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over, although it is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child.”
The organisation states U films “should be set within a positive framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror.”
The ratings info for Onward, which helps parents to know what fans might find inappropriate for children, reads: “Onward is an animated fantasy adventure in which two elf brothers attempt to bring magic back to their world from which it has disappeared…
“There are action scenes in which the heroes find themselves in threatening and dangerous situations.
“These include being caught up in a burning building, chased by a pixie biker gang, attempting to cross a wide chasm, dodging booby traps in a cave and battling a dragon creature.
“There is also occasional threat from weapons wielded by unsympathetic characters, such as a bottle and bike chains, but no undue emphasis is placed on them.
“There is very mild bad language such as “screw up”, “screwed up”, “dang it”, “son of a..” and “what the…”..
“The film’s story involves the young heroes coming to terms with the death of their father. The issue of death and bereavement is handled sensitively and in a reassuring manner.”
If any of these things could upset your child, it may be a good idea to see the film beforehand, or be prepared to help them when those moments arrive, or to wait until they are a little older or the film comes out.
Onward is out in cinemas now