Kraken (2026)

Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken (2023) flips ocean mythology on its head. The film follows shy 16‑year‑old Ruby (voiced by Lana Condor) who discovers she belongs to a royal lineage of sea krakens tasked with guarding the oceans, positioning her as the next Warrior Queen of the Seven Seas. Beyond the high‑seas adventure, the movie doubles as a classic coming‑of‑age story. Ruby wrestles with typical teenage anxieties—awkwardness, social pressure, and fitting in at high school—while her rival Chelsea (Annie Murphy) reimagines the mermaid as the true antagonist, turning the usual “mermaids are sweet” trope upside down. DreamWorks’ animation shines with a vivid, visceral palette and distinctive character designs that give the under‑sea world its own identity. A star‑studded voice cast—including Toni Collette, Coleman Domingo, and Jane Fonda—adds extra charm, helping the film rise above its modest box‑office performance. Even as a box‑office flop, Ruby Gillman’s blend of mythic heroism and relatable teen drama makes it a hidden gem worth a second look, proving that krakens can be noble protectors and that under‑sea stories still have fresh depths to explore.