Families who missed the little blue characters on the big screen now have a chance to join their adventure from the couch. The animated film Smurfs, featuring Rihanna as the voice of Smurfette, arrives on Paramount+ tomorrow, September 16, 2025, in the U.S. and Canada. This musical story follows the Smurfs as they leave their village to rescue Papa Smurf from villains Gargamel and Razamel. With a mix of songs, laughs, and simple lessons on teamwork, the movie fits right into family nights. It comes just two months after its theater run started on July 18, 2025, and follows its digital rental launch on August 12, 2025. Viewers can expect the full story plus bonus features like behind-the-scenes looks at the animation.
The Smurfs’ Long Journey
The Smurfs first showed up in a Belgian comic strip by artist Peyo in 1958. These tiny blue figures, all about three apples tall, lived in mushroom houses and spent days gathering sarsaparilla leaves while dodging the grumpy wizard Gargamel. By the 1980s, they starred in a popular TV cartoon that ran for nine seasons, teaching kids about sharing and bravery through songs like “La La La Lee.” That show reached over 80 countries and sold millions in toys, making the Smurfs a household name.
Hollywood took notice in the 2000s. Sony Pictures brought them to life with a live-action and CGI mix in 2011’s The Smurfs, where Neil Patrick Harris played a dad pulled into their world. It earned $563 million worldwide on a $135 million budget, proving families still loved the idea. A sequel, The Smurfs 2 in 2013, added more stars like Katy Perry but made less at the box office. In 2017, Sony tried a full animated take with Smurfs: The Lost Village, voiced by Demi Lovato as Smurfette. It did okay with $197 million but felt like a one-off.
Paramount stepped in with a fresh deal in 2022. They partnered with Peyo’s company to make several animated films, starting with this musical version. Writers Pam Brady and director Chris Miller, known for Puss in Boots, aimed to blend old charm with new tunes. Production wrapped in 2024 after delays from script tweaks and voice recordings. The result? A 90-minute tale that keeps the village fun but adds real-world trips for bigger stakes.
Star Power Behind the Blue Voices
Rihanna brings her hit-making skills to Smurfette, the only girl in the village who questions her role among the boys. As a producer too, she helped shape songs like upbeat tracks on friendship that play during chases. Rihanna said in a press note,
“Smurfette is all about finding your place, and that’s something I connect with from my own path.”
John Goodman voices Papa Smurf, the wise leader with a red hat who guides the group like a grandpa at a picnic. His deep tone adds warmth to lines about sticking together. James Corden handles No Name Smurf, a clumsy guy who trips into trouble but saves the day with quick thinking. Fans know him from late-night hosting, but here he nails the goofy energy.
The cast packs more names. Nick Offerman as Ken, a human ally; Natasha Lyonne as Mama Poot, a sassy new mom figure; Octavia Spencer as Asmodius, a quirky sidekick; and Kurt Russell as Ron, another real-world helper. Sandra Oh, Hannah Waddingham, Nick Kroll, Jimmy Kimmel, and Amy Sedaris fill out the voices, bringing laughs to smaller roles. JP Karliak reprises Gargamel from the TV show, making the bad guy hiss with extra meanness. Daniel Levy voices Joel, a tech-savvy friend who helps bridge the Smurf and human worlds.
Recording sessions mixed fun and focus. Stars like Corden and Lyonne shared stories of ad-libbing jokes during takes, while Rihanna worked closely with composers to fit her style into kid-friendly pop. The team used motion capture for natural moves, so the Smurfs’ walks and dances feel lively. One session highlight? Goodman improvising a dad joke that made everyone crack up, which stayed in the final cut.
Plot and storyline
The plot kicks off in Smurf Village, where life hums along with daily chores and feasts. Trouble hits when Gargamel and Razamel snatch Papa Smurf to steal his magic. Smurfette rallies Hefty Smurf (voiced by Alex Winter), Vanity Smurf (Maya Erskine), and others for a portal jump to New York City. There, they dodge taxis, hide in parks, and team up with lost humans to track the wizards.
Songs drive the action. One number has the Smurfs blending into a street parade, using hats and props to stay unseen. Another slows for a heartfelt talk between Smurfette and a new friend about feeling different. The score by Henry Jackman mixes orchestral swells with pop beats, drawing from the old cartoon theme but adding fresh layers. The soundtrack dropped on June 13, 2025, with extras from artists like Tyla and Shenseea.
Visuals pop with bright colors and detailed sets. The village glows under giant mushrooms, while city scenes show rainy alleys and busy subways. Animators at Cinesite spent months on fur textures for the white hats and smooth blue skin. One challenge? Making 100+ Smurfs move without clashing. They solved it with crowd tech, like in big battle games. A short SpongeBob SquarePants clip, “Order Up,” played before theater showings, tying into Paramount’s kid lineup.
How It Did in Theaters and Early Views
Smurfs opened in Brussels on June 28, 2025, with a red carpet full of blue outfits. U.S. theaters followed on July 18, pulling in $11 million that weekend against films like I Know What You Did Last Summer. By September 9, 2025, it hit $31.1 million in North America and $86.3 million overseas, totaling $117.4 million. On a $58 million budget, it covered costs but fell short of the $150 million needed for full profit after marketing.
Critics gave mixed takes. It scored 21% on Rotten Tomatoes from pros, who called it “generic” and “tired” at times, echoing gripes about past Smurfs films. Audience scores landed at 64% on the Popcornmeter, with parents noting kids laughed at slapstick bits like No Name‘s falls. One review from KRIV-TV’s Dave Morales praised it as “the funniest family movie this year” for its quick pace.
Box office numbers beat the 2011 film’s $142 million but trailed Lost Village‘s $197 million. International markets like Europe and Asia boosted totals, where nostalgia runs deep. Theaters in Belgium sold out premiere nights, with fans dressing as characters. Digital sales kicked off strong on August 12, topping charts on Apple TV+ and Prime Video. Bonus content there includes a gag reel of voice flubs and animators’ tests.
Bringing the Village to Your Screen
Starting September 16, Paramount+ subscribers get the movie in HD, with options for ad-supported at $7.99 a month or ad-free at $12.99. New users can try a seven-day free trial. In Canada, it drops the same day; other countries follow soon. The platform already has the 2011 and 2013 live-action films, so binges make sense. Pair it with shows like SpongeBob or Paw Patrol for all-ages marathons.
Physical copies hit shelves on October 28, 2025, in Blu-ray and DVD, with 4K Ultra HD pre-orders live now. Extras include deleted scenes, like an extended chase with more Smurfs, and art galleries of village designs. Soundtrack streams on Spotify and Apple Music, with over 5 million plays since launch.
For tech setups, stream on smart TVs, Roku, or phones. Families report it runs smooth on tablets for bedtime views. One parent shared on social media how their 4-year-old replayed the rescue song three times in a row. With school back, this timing fits weekend wind-downs or rainy afternoons.
Also Read: Everything You Need to Know About Watching the New Smurfs 2025 Movie
