In Waves: An Animated Love Story Coming to Netflix December 11 - Netflix Tudum

  • First Look

    Wade into the Animated Adaptation In Waves

    Based on the graphic novel of the same name, the film features the voices of Will Sharpe and Stephanie Hsu.

    By Jenny Changnon
    June 24, 2026

Get ready to be swept away by In Waves. The animated film, adapted from AJ Dungo’s beloved autobiographical graphic memoir of the same name, is coming to Netflix this fall.

In filmmaker Phuong Mai Nguyen’s feature debut, shy teenager and amateur skateboarder AJ meets Kristen, an avid surfer, at a high school dance, and he’s immediately enamored with her. Against the backdrop of sunny, vibrant Los Angeles and in the throes of first love, Kristen introduces AJ to the joys and culture of surfing, despite AJ’s initial fear of all things water. As their relationship deepens, Kristen faces a sudden illness that threatens the life they’re building together.

IN WAVES - Cr: Courtesy of Netflix © Silex Films - France 3 Cinéma - Gao Shan Pictures - Charades productions - Panique! - 2026
IN WAVES - Cr: Courtesy of Netflix © Silex Films - France 3 Cinéma - Gao Shan Pictures - Charades productions - Panique! - 2026

Featuring the voices of Actor Award winner and Emmy Award nominee Will Sharpe (The White Lotus, Too Muchas AJ and Academy Award and Tony Award nominee Stephanie Hsu (Everything Everywhere All at Once, The Wild Robot) as Kristen, In Waves follows the couple’s love story as they take on every adversity that comes their way, powered by their passion for the ocean, for their community, and for each other. 

IN WAVES - Cr: Courtesy of Netflix © Silex Films - France 3 Cinéma - Gao Shan Pictures - Charades productions - Panique! - 2026
IN WAVES - Cr: Courtesy of Netflix © Silex Films - France 3 Cinéma - Gao Shan Pictures - Charades productions - Panique! - 2026

The film, which made its debut as the opening selection of the 2026 Cannes Critics' Week, rides onto Netflix on Dec. 11.  

Related Tags
  • Animation
  • Based on a Book
  • First Look
  • Article

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