Forget everything you know about animation. In Waves is a raw, autobiographical gut-punch arriving on Netflix in 2026.

Based on AJ Dungo’s graphic novel, this film trades fairy tales for the harsh reality of love, grief, and cancer. While the character animation occasionally glitches, the poetic surfing metaphors and stunning watercolor backgrounds make this an essential, tear-jerking watch for mature audiences.

Based on AJ Dungo’s graphic novel, this film trades fairy tales for the harsh reality of love, grief, and cancer. While the character animation occasionally glitches, the poetic surfing metaphors and stunning watercolor backgrounds make this an essential, tear-jerking watch for mature audiences.