Missed It in Theaters? Pixar’s Elio Lands on Disney+ Sept. 17 — Stream the Emotional Space Adventure

Elio, Pixar’s latest original feature, will stream exclusively on Disney Plus starting September 17. The film first played in theaters in June and follows an 11-year-old boy who is mistaken for Earth’s leader and taken to a colorful alien realm called the Communiverse.
- Release: Disney Plus exclusive from Sept. 17.
- Plot in brief: An orphaned boy named Elio is carried to the Communiverse and must navigate alien politics while learning to let people in.
- Box office: Opened in June with a $21 million U.S. weekend and recorded the weakest performance for a Pixar film ever, according to the BBC.
When to watch
Elio arrives on Disney Plus on Sept. 17, and it will be available only on that platform. This means you can stream it at home without any theater ticket — convenient for families and viewers who missed its theatrical run.
What the film is
Elio centers on an 11-year-old orphan living with his aunt who wants an alien encounter. Instead, he is mistakenly identified as Earth’s ambassador and taken to the Communiverse, where he meets many different alien species.
Visually, the film leans on bright, imaginative animation. Narratively, it explores themes of belonging and opening up to others while balancing jokes and action sequences with a more emotional core.
Creative team
The movie lists Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, and Adrian Molina among its directors. Pixar promoted it as an original story rather than a sequel or franchise entry.
Box office and context
In its U.S. opening weekend the film earned $21 million. Furthermore, that figure marked what the BBC described as the weakest performance for a Pixar film ever.
Why streaming matters
After a modest theatrical run, streaming gives Elio another route to find viewers. Many families prefer watching new releases at home, so Disney Plus could broaden its audience over time.
Additionally, streaming often lets films gain traction through word of mouth and repeat viewings, which could help Elio reach people who missed it in theaters.
Bottom line
Elio is now scheduled for Disney Plus on Sept. 17. If you like imaginative animation with an emotional center, you’ll be able to judge it from your couch when it hits the service.