While audiences eagerly await John Cena's upcoming animated project 'Coyote vs. Acme' in 2026, another of his family-friendly voice roles is making a surprising comeback. 'Ferdinand,' the 2017 animated fantasy film featuring Cena in the lead role, has quietly charged back into the streaming spotlight, securing a place among HBO Max's most-watched movies this April.
A Bullish Return to Popularity
Nearly nine years after its initial theatrical release, 'Ferdinand' has found new life with streaming audiences. The film, which follows the gentle bull Ferdinand as he escapes a Spanish training camp and forms an unlikely animal alliance, currently ranks in the top ten movies on HBO Max in the United States. This resurgence proves that quality family entertainment often finds its audience, even years later.
John Cena delivers one of his most praised voice performances as the title character, moving beyond his typical persona to bring genuine warmth to the gentle giant. He's joined by an impressive voice cast including Kate McKinnon, Bobby Cannavale, former NFL star Peyton Manning, and 'Doctor Who' favorite David Tennant. The film serves as a colorful adaptation of the beloved 1936 children's book 'The Story of Ferdinand.'
Critical and Commercial Success Revisited
When 'Ferdinand' debuted in December 2017, it earned positive reviews from critics who praised its timeless themes and Cena's engaging performance. The film holds a solid 70% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with the critical consensus highlighting its family-friendly appeal. Beyond critical reception, 'Ferdinand' was a genuine box office success, grossing $307 million worldwide against a $111 million budget.
The movie's current streaming success mirrors other surprising revivals of forgotten gems. Much like Michael Bay's '6 Underground' finding new life on Netflix or Rebecca Ferguson's sci-fi horror 'Life' getting a Tubi revival, 'Ferdinand' demonstrates how streaming platforms can reintroduce quality content to new generations of viewers.
Why Now? The Streaming Algorithm Effect
The timing of 'Ferdinand's' resurgence is particularly interesting given Cena's continued prominence in entertainment. With anticipation building for his delayed 'Coyote vs. Acme' film (now scheduled for August 2026 after acquisition by Ketchup Entertainment), streaming algorithms may be surfacing his earlier work to interested audiences. This creates a perfect storm for rediscovery.
For families seeking quality fantasy entertainment, 'Ferdinand' offers a charming alternative to more intense options. If you're looking for more underrated fantasy viewing after enjoying this bull's tale, consider exploring 'Warrior Nun,' Netflix's canceled fantasy gem that became an epic binge, or dive into our ranking of the greatest sci-fi fantasy hybrid films ever made.
The film's message of non-violence and staying true to oneself continues to resonate, making it a perfect choice for family movie nights. Its availability on a major streaming platform like HBO Max ensures that this once-forgotten hit can reach the wide audience it deserves.
'Ferdinand' is currently streaming on HBO Max, proving that even animated films from nearly a decade ago can find their moment in the sun when given the right platform and timing.
