The Academy of Magic (2020)

The Academy of Magic has that comforting, storybook sparkle: a bright, colorful fantasy world where spells fly, friendships matter, and a young heroine’s curiosity becomes her greatest power. It’s the kind of family animation that keeps the vibe light and adventurous—think magical pranks, cartoonish scuffles, and a steady current of wonder—while letting a shadowier mystery quietly gather around the edges of the academy. Aura and her friends make a warm, likable trio, and the film’s heart is firmly planted in kindness, loyalty, and the choice to do the right thing even when it’s hard. If you’re looking for a gentle, kid-friendly magical adventure rather than a deep, edgy fantasy epic, this one is an easy pick for a cozy movie night.

The Academy of Magic is clearly aiming for a kid-friendly, Harry Potter-lite adventure with a plucky heroine, colorful spells, and a “the school is hiding something” mystery to keep things moving. The problem is it often feels like a thin, familiar mash-up: the story beats are predictable, the world-building is pretty surface-level, and the animation and pacing can come off as more Saturday-morning than cinematic. If you’re expecting sharp writing, real emotional weight, or genuinely surprising twists, this will likely test your patience. That said, younger viewers who just want bright magic antics, mild peril, and simple good-vs-evil stakes may find it perfectly watchable.