An Underrated 2010s Animated Masterpiece Just Started Streaming for Free

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The 2010s were a fantastic time for animated movies. Disney experienced a revival with hits like Frozen and Moana, while Pixar consistently delivered excellent films such as Inside Out and Coco. Other popular titles like Rango and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse also contributed to a decade of strong animation. However, some great films didn’t get the attention they deserved. Now, thanks to Tubi, fans can revisit one of these hidden gems, which became available on the streaming service in February.

Rio is a fun, animated musical comedy from 2011 directed by Carlos Saldanha. It follows Blu, a macaw from Minnesota who can’t fly, as he travels to Rio de Janeiro to meet Jewel, the last female of his kind, and hopefully start a family. Their plans are disrupted when they’re kidnapped, forcing them to work together to escape. Featuring the voices of Anne Hathaway and Jesse Eisenberg, along with Jemaine Clement, Leslie Mann, George Lopez, and Jamie Foxx, the film earned $484 million despite costing only $90 million to make. It began streaming on Tubi on February 1st.

Rio Is a High-Energy Adventure Perfect for the Entire Family

Though it might not be as famous as animated hits like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Moana, or Frozen, Rio is a fantastic choice for a family movie night. This lively film is sure to get everyone – both kids and adults – up and dancing to its upbeat, samba-inspired soundtrack, which includes the Oscar-nominated song “Real in Rio.” The animation is visually stunning – some of the best from that time – and the movie feels like a vibrant, musical journey through Rio de Janeiro. From the lush jungles to the beaches and the exciting Carnival parade, the film beautifully captures the city’s energy with its rich colors and detailed scenes.

Beyond its beautiful animation and music, Rio is simply a fantastic movie. While the story is fairly traditional, it’s a lively blend of comedy, adventure, and romance that appeals to both children and adults. Its messages about friendship, bravery, and independence are especially good for younger audiences, and the movie boasts a talented voice cast delivering memorable performances that will entertain grown-ups too. Rio deserves more praise – it’s a hidden treasure from the early 2010s animation scene. Critics and audiences agree it’s a solid film, with a 72% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and a 71% audience score.

Other Family-Friendly Movies Now on Tubi

I’m so glad I discovered Tubi for family movie nights! It’s amazing how many free movies they have, and February brought a ton of great additions. My kids and I were thrilled to see titles like The Angry Birds Movie 2, Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who!, both Open Season movies, and Secondhand Lions added to their selection. But the best part? They also brought back the original Spy Kids trilogy – we loved those back in the 2000s, and it’s so fun to watch them again!

What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-18 19:16