Watch: 4 Charming Short Films Inspired by 'Kubo and the Two Strings'

"You could taste the energy of a group thrilled to be together, on an island that doesn’t exist anywhere else." By now you should've already seen Laika's Kubo and the Two Strings, as the film has been playing in theaters for a few weeks and we've been singing its praises ever since. In honor of the release, Universal partnered with a filmmaker network called "The Smalls" and brought a group of animators to their studio in Portland, Oregon. After visiting and getting a look at their process, these four filmmakers put together their own short films inspired by Kubo and the Two Strings and they're wonderful (hosted by Little White Lies). Beyond just being impressive creations of their own, it's exciting to see how one of the year's best movies is inspiring people in different ways. This movie is seriously stellar and this should be yet another push to go see it if you haven't already (or to go see it again, because why not!). Check out the shorts embedded below.

Here's the Kubo and the Two Strings-inspired short film made by "tea&cheese":

Here's the Kubo and the Two Strings-inspired short film made by Jakub Gryglicki:

Here's the Kubo and the Two Strings-inspired short film made by Elliot Deshusses:

Here's the Kubo and the Two Strings-inspired short film made by Adrienne Dowling:

Thanks again to Little White Lies for helping host these animated short films - visit for more info + quotes.

In the epic fantasy, scruffy, kindhearted Kubo ekes out a humble living while devotedly caring for his mother in their sleepy shoreside village. It is a quiet existence – until a spirit from the past catches up with him to enforce an age-old vendetta. Suddenly on the run from gods and monsters, Kubo's chance for survival rests on finding the magical suit of armor once worn by his fallen father, the greatest samurai the world has ever known. Summoning courage, Kubo embarks on a thrilling odyssey as he faces his family’s history, navigates the elements, and bravely fights for the earth and the stars. Kubo and the Two Strings is directed by animation producer Travis Knight, who produced ParaNorman and The Boxtrolls for Laika previously, now making his feature directing debut. The screenplay was written by Marc Haimes and Chris Butler. Focus Features released Kubo and the Two Strings in theaters on August 19th, 2016 this summer.

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