Stitch Head, starring Asa Butterfield, Alison Steadman, and Rob Brydon, is a Frankenstein-esque romp set to debut in UK cinemas this weekend.
Classic horror tropes are spun on their head in this charming, hilarious animated feature from Gringo Films.
Film News Blitz’s RC Stacey takes a bite out of the family-friendly fare.
What is ‘Stitch Head’ about?
Based on the graphic novels by writer Guy Bass and illustrator P. Williamson, the internationally adored Stitch Head lands in UK cinemas ahead of February 2026 half-term.
The animated horror/comedy for kids tells the story of ‘Stitch Head’, and a loveable gang of monsters who break free from a mad scientist and get caught up in a flailing freak show.
Gringo Films’ Steve Hudson and Sonja Ewers were listening to the audiobook version of the story on a long car journey before being compelled to option the property for film.
As quoted by The Hollywood Reporter, “The great thing about Guy’s book is that, with so many kids’ books, you have to spend so much time explaining the rules of the world — why the adventurers have to find the key to the thing to unlock the magic, whatever.
“But you say ‘mad scientist in a castle,’ and everyone knows immediately what you’re talking about.”
When is ‘Stitch Head’ in cinemas?
After a standout world premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June 2025, Stitch Head secured extensive global distribution via GFM Animation.
Following this was a successful North American launch by Briarcliff Entertainment on 29 October 2025 (in which the film successfully broke into the top 10 releases across the Halloween weekend).
The film continues its worldwide rollout with Kazoo Films scheduled to bring the feature to UK audiences on 13 February 2026.
Produced by Gringo Films with €30 million in support and financing from Aniventure, the Steve Hudson-directed Stitch Head animated feature was a global production effort including animation houses Fabrique d’Images, Lava Labs, and Pixomondo.
The original publishing property from Bass and Little Tiger Publishing blended horror, comedy, and self-awareness to wonderful effect, and these beloved stories have seamlessly transitioned to the big screen.
What are you watching this February half-term?
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