Who Are You, Charlie Brown? (2021)

Who Are You, Charlie Brown? is that rare documentary that feels like a warm conversation with an old friend—one that reminds you why Peanuts still speaks so clearly across generations. Guided by Lupita Nyong’o’s soothing narration, it blends crisp historical insight with lovingly crafted new animation, so the experience feels alive rather than museum-like. Hearing artists and fans reflect on what Schulz’s gentle honesty meant to them gives the film a quietly moving, deeply human pulse, like a comfort watch that also leaves you thinking. If you’re looking for a hard-edged exposé, this is more of a beautiful tribute, but if you’ve ever smiled at Charlie Brown’s persistence—or needed it—you’ll likely be charmed and uplifted.

Who Are You, Charlie Brown? wants to be a warm, accessible tribute to Peanuts and Charles M. Schulz, mixing celebrity testimonials with a fresh animated mini-story to keep things breezy. The problem is it can feel more like a polished brand celebration than a probing documentary, with surface-level insights and some notable omissions that may leave longtime fans sensing an agenda or a carefully managed narrative. If you’re hoping for a deeply personal, warts-and-all look at Schulz—his beliefs, contradictions, and creative struggles—this may come off as corporate and a bit uncomfortable. Still, the narration is smooth, the animation is charming, and for casual viewers or families looking for a light Peanuts primer, it does the job.