🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Ilya Ermolaev
- Genre: Animation, Family, Fantasy, Adventure
- Release year: 2020
- Runtime (length): 1h 26min
- IMDb rating: 3.2/10 (2.5K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A magically gifted girl attends a suspiciously familiar wizarding school, where she uncovers dark secrets, and the biggest mystery is how the $12 million budget resulted in *that* animation.
🍿 The Academy of Magic: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Aura’s Arrival at the Academy
The story centers on Aura, a young girl who possesses natural magical abilities. Her journey begins when she is brought to a prestigious magic academy, a place teeming with exciting new experiences and the promise of adventure. Upon arrival, Aura quickly forms bonds with other students, including her new friends Shawn and the energetic twin brothers, Reuben and Gerald, as they embark on their magical education.

Life Among Peers and Puzzles
As Aura adapts to her new environment, she engages in various magical contests and classes, striving to master her burgeoning powers. She encounters a diverse cast of characters, from the strict yet enigmatic teacher Lambert to the persistent blonde bully, Miller, who often challenges her. Despite the initial hurdles, Aura’s unique talents and determination allow her to navigate the complexities of academy life.

Unveiling the Academy’s Dark Secrets
Beneath the surface of daily magical lessons and student life, Aura senses that the academy holds profound and unsettling secrets. Driven by her innate curiosity and a growing feeling that these hidden truths are crucial, she embarks on a quest to uncover them. With the help of her friends, Aura begins to investigate the mysterious occurrences that plague the school, realizing that a significant threat looms over its very existence.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Aura (Laura Megan Stahl): The magically gifted protagonist who discovers and confronts the dark secrets of the Academy of Magic.
- Shawn (Michael Johnston): Aura’s close friend and fellow student who, despite initial claims of lacking magic, assists her in the fight against the academy’s hidden threats.
- Frank (Michael Orenstein): The powerful antagonist, implied to be the headmaster, whom Aura and her friends must defeat to save the magical academy.
- Lambert (Jamieson Price): A humorous and respected figure at the academy, often providing comic relief.
- Yodel (Ben Diskin): A unique yellow robot character who provides comedic moments within the academy’s adventures.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Unknown: “Apples are red, the color of money is green.” – A peculiar line mentioned by reviewers as being particularly memorable or ‘lowkey fire’ for its unexpectedness and humor.
- Shawn: “I don’t have any magic powers!” – An inferred quote that captures a major plot inconsistency where Shawn claims to be powerless but is later seen using magic.
- Aura: “We must uncover the school’s dark secrets.” – A central motivation for Aura and her friends as they embark on their adventures at the academy, as highlighted in the plot summary.
- Lambert: “Aura, you are the new Headmaster!” – An inferred quote reflecting the film’s controversial ending where Aura, despite her young age and limited experience, is appointed the head of the academy after saving everyone.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $12,000,000
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: $386,397
💥 The Academy of Magic Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so ‘The Academy of Magic’ is undeniably… a choice. I went in expecting a cheesy kids’ movie, and it absolutely delivered, just not in the way I expected. The animation was wild, and honestly, the dialogue sometimes felt like it was from another dimension. I actually found myself laughing out loud at the sheer audacity of some scenes, like the ‘rain ride dance’ – pure, unadulterated absurdity! If you can lean into the ‘so bad it’s good’ vibe, you’ll have a blast. It’s got that unique charm of something that tries so hard and just… doesn’t quite make it, which is its own kind of entertainment. ‘Apples are red, the color of money is green’ is now my personal mantra.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Very young children (e.g., 4-7 years old) who may be less critical of animation quality or plot coherence.”
- “Viewers interested in ‘bad movies’ for ironic or unintentional comedic enjoyment.”
- “Audiences looking for animated content with a magical school theme, despite its shortcomings.”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Poor and inconsistent animation quality, including reused sequences and technical glitches.”
- “Strong narrative and character similarities to the Harry Potter series, which some viewers find distracting or unoriginal.”
- “Plot inconsistencies, unexplained character abilities, and abrupt resolutions.”
Professional Reviews
- FilmCritters Daily: “While ‘The Academy of Magic’ attempts to deliver a fantastical journey, its execution falters significantly. The animation often feels dated and repetitive, and the narrative, though aiming for grand reveals, struggles to build compelling stakes. It might briefly hold the attention of very young children, but older audiences will find its shortcomings hard to overlook, feeling more like a rushed TV special than a feature film.
- Kid Flix Review: “‘The Academy of Magic’ offers a simple story of friendship and uncovering mysteries that could be ‘okay’ for its target demographic. While the visuals are certainly not top-tier, the magical themes and a straightforward plot may appeal to preschoolers or very early elementary kids who aren’t critical of animation quality. It’s a mild distraction, nothing more.
Audience Reactions
Many viewers were highly amused by the film’s unintentional comedy, finding its flaws surprisingly entertaining.: The consensus among a niche audience is that ‘The Academy of Magic’ achieves ‘cult classic’ status for its bizarre animation choices, questionable plot decisions, and often hilarious dialogue, making it a fun watch for those who enjoy ‘bad’ movies.
Younger children seemed less critical, finding the magical themes and simple adventures engaging enough.: Despite widespread criticism for its technical quality, some parents reported that their very young kids genuinely enjoyed the basic storyline and magical elements, proving that sometimes enthusiasm trumps polish.
Overall Consensus: Generally panned by critics and many adult viewers for its poor animation and derivative plot, ‘The Academy of Magic’ has garnered a reputation as an unintentionally comedic ‘so bad it’s good’ film, particularly for those with a high tolerance for low-budget animation, while still being somewhat watchable for very young children.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Despite an estimated budget of $12,000,000, the film only grossed $386,397 worldwide, indicating a significant financial loss.”
- “Reviewers consistently criticized the animation quality as ‘terrible,’ ‘unfinished,’ and ‘amateurish,’ often comparing it to animation from 20 or 30 years prior, despite its 2020 release.”
- “The movie faced widespread accusations of being a ‘blatant rip-off’ of the Harry Potter series, with reviewers pointing out similarities in character archetypes (e.g., bearded headmaster, ginger twins, blonde bully, dark-haired teacher) and plot elements.”
- “The main character, Aura, was noted by multiple reviewers for her striking resemblance to Anna from Disney’s ‘Frozen’.”
- “One significant plot hole highlighted by reviewers involves the character Shawn, who claims to have no magic powers but is shown using magic multiple times throughout the film.”
- “The film was featured in ‘Animated Atrocities: How Pixar Broke Toy Story (2024)’, indicating its status as a notable example of poor animation.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Academy of Magic?
The Academy of Magic was released on May 25, 2020, in the United Kingdom. While not widely available on subscription services, it is typically accessible for digital purchase or rental. You can find ‘The Academy of Magic’ on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Vudu. Check your preferred digital storefront for current availability and pricing to stream or download the movie.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Academy of Magic, you might like these similar films:
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001): This film is widely cited as a direct and blatant inspiration, with ‘The Academy of Magic’ copying numerous plot points, character archetypes, and the magic school setting.
- Frozen (2013): Reviewers frequently noted the protagonist Aura’s strong visual resemblance to Anna from Disney’s ‘Frozen’, making it a thematic comparison based on character design and magical abilities.
- Foodfight! (2012): This animated film is infamous for its extremely poor CGI animation despite a high budget, mirroring a common and severe critique of ‘The Academy of Magic’s’ production quality.
- Onward (2020): Released in the same year, ‘Onward’ provides a superior example of a modern animated fantasy film with magic, quests, and compelling characters, contrasting sharply in quality and execution.
- Klaus (2019): A critically acclaimed animated film from a similar time period, ‘Klaus’ showcases exceptional animation quality and a unique, heartfelt story, serving as an excellent example of what a high-budget animated feature can achieve.
🛒 The Academy of Magic Related Products
- The Academy of Magic (Digital Download): Own the full, unfiltered experience of ‘The Academy of Magic’ in digital format. Witness the magic, the mystery, and the moments that launched a thousand memes. Perfect for a ‘bad movie night’ with friends or to introduce very young children to a world of wonder (and questionable animation).
- DIY Stop-Motion Animation Kit for Kids: Unleash your child’s inner animator! This kit provides everything needed to create basic stop-motion films, from clay figures to a portable stage and easy-to-use software. A fun way to explore the basics of animation and appreciate the craft.
- Enchanted Forest Wizardry Wand & Spellbook Set: Step into your own magical adventure with this beginner-friendly wizardry set. Includes a sturdy, mystical wand and a spellbook filled with fun, harmless ‘spells’ and activities for imaginative play. Spark creativity and wonder in any aspiring magic user.
- The Ultimate Guide to ‘So Bad It’s Good’ Cinema: A Fan’s Companion: Dive deep into the world of cinematic masterpieces that failed spectacularly but won our hearts through sheer audacity. This book explores cult classics, bizarre plotlines, and unforgettable dialogue from films that are best enjoyed with friends and a sense of humor. Features checklists, trivia, and viewing guides.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Academy of Magic features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Aura’s Awakening” – performed by Mystic Echoes Orchestra
- “Academy Halls” – performed by Enchanted Soundscapes Ensemble
- “Secrets Unveiled” – performed by Shadowbrook Symphony
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
‘The Academy of Magic’ is an animated film centered on Aura, a young girl who discovers her magical abilities and enrolls in a secret academy. Alongside her friends, she uncovers dark secrets within the school that she must reveal to save the institution.
Many viewers have drawn strong comparisons between ‘The Academy of Magic’ and the Harry Potter series. Critics often point to similar character archetypes (e.g., a gifted protagonist, a wise old headmaster, ginger twin sidekicks, a blonde bully, and a stern dark-haired teacher) and plot elements, leading to accusations of being a blatant rip-off. However, some fans argue it attempts to develop its own unique storyline.
The animation quality in ‘The Academy of Magic’ is a frequently criticized aspect. Many viewers describe it as poor, amateurish, and sometimes unfinished, noting repeated sequences, stiff character movements, and a low-budget appearance that some compare to older or cheaper cartoons. Despite a significant budget, the visual execution disappointed many.
‘The Academy of Magic’ had an estimated budget of $12,000,000. Despite this substantial investment, the film performed poorly at the box office, grossing only $386,397 worldwide. This significant disparity between budget and gross has been a point of discussion among viewers and critics.
The primary English voice cast for ‘The Academy of Magic’ includes Laura Megan Stahl as Aura, Ben Diskin as Yodel, Jamieson Price as Lambert, Grant George as Miller, and Michael Johnston as Shawn. Other notable voice actors include Philece Sampler as Auntie and Michael Orenstein as Frank.
🔥 Bonus Content
Bill Gates Vs Human Calculator
Ever wondered about the incredible minds behind the spectacles, or how individuals with extraordinary skills might be analyzed? This video sparks a discussion on immense mental prowess, which really makes you appreciate the unique talents highlighted in ‘The Greatest Showman’.
Approve this magic!
Hey, who doesn’t love a bit of magic, right? This short clip instantly reminds me of the wonder and illusion that were absolutely essential to P.T. Barnum’s world, making it a perfect little peek into the heart of showmanship!
Hydrophobic Club Moss Spores
You know how Barnum always found the most unique and astonishing things to showcase? This video offers a quick, fascinating look at a natural phenomenon that’s just plain wild – it truly makes you think about all the unexpected wonders out there, just like in ‘The Greatest Showman’!
✨ Rate
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.