Netflix has acquired the licensing rights to Garuda: Dare to Dream, known in Indonesia as Garuda di Dadaku, a family-friendly animated film that has garnered awards on the festival circuit this year. The film will arrive on Netflix on October 15, 2026, in most major regions, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
According to the official Netflix synopsis, the story follows a magical bird that seeks the next soccer star in Indonesia, but must train a boy whose skills are far below his dreams as they pursue victory in a tournament together.
What is Garuda: Dare to Dream about?
The film centers on Putra, a 13-year-old boy with asthma who dreams of playing for the Indonesian national team. After being mocked during tryouts for the Sanca Perkasa Soccer School, he is visited by Gaga, a radiant Garuda spirit, who gives him a mystical jersey capable of unlocking new levels of speed, power, and technique.
Keanu Azka provides the voice for Putra, while Kristo Immanuel brings Gaga to life. The rest of the voice cast includes Quinn Salman, Bimasena, Ibnu Jamil, Revalina S. Temat, Zee JKT48, Sal Priadi, Ringgo Agus Rahman, and Oki Rengga.
A reinterpretation of an Indonesian hit
Although it may be unknown to much of the Netflix audience outside of Indonesia, Garuda di Dadaku is a very well-known name in the Asian country. The original live-action film was released in 2009 and was so successful that it spawned a sequel in 2011. This animated version maintains the soccer theme but introduces a new protagonist and adds a layer of fantasy to the plot.
Directed by Ronny Gani, an animator who has worked on Marvel productions and is a former LucasFilm/ILM employee, and produced by Shanty Harmayn, the film is the first animated production from BASE Entertainment, made in collaboration with KAWI Animation. The project was in development for more than three years and involved the participation of about 550 animators from 17 studios spread across Indonesia. The studio has also noted that no artificial intelligence was used in any of the film's visual elements.
The film premiered in Indonesian theaters on June 11, 2026, coinciding with school holidays and the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A notable festival run
Garuda: Dare to Dream has had a solid run on the international festival circuit. The film competed for the Golden Goblet Award in the Animation category at the 2026 Shanghai International Film Festival, and later won the Gryphon Award for Best Film in the Elements +6 competition at the 56th edition of the Giffoni Film Festival in Italy, one of the most important festivals dedicated to children and youth audiences. At Giffoni, it also won the special LETE award.
Netflix has been expanding its catalog of animated films from different parts of the world for some time, and with soccer fever still present after the World Cup, this addition is presented as an attractive option for families during the mid-term holidays in October.
It is not the first time that Netflix has turned to Indonesian animation. Last December, the platform added the film Panji Tengkorak to its catalog.
Frequently asked questions about Garuda: Dare to Dream on Netflix
When does Garuda: Dare to Dream premiere on Netflix?
The film arrives on Netflix on October 15, 2026, in most major regions, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
What is Garuda: Dare to Dream about?
It tells the story of Putra, a 13-year-old boy with asthma who dreams of playing for the Indonesian national soccer team, and Gaga, a Garuda spirit who trains him with the help of a magic jersey as they compete to win a tournament.
Who are the main voice cast members?
Keanu Azka voices Putra and Kristo Immanuel plays Gaga. Quinn Salman, Bimasena, Ibnu Jamil, Revalina S. Temat, Zee JKT48, Sal Priadi, Ringgo Agus Rahman, and Oki Rengga also participate.
Is Garuda: Dare to Dream based on another film?
Yes, it is an animated reinterpretation of Garuda di Dadaku, an Indonesian live-action film released in 2009 that had a sequel in 2011. The animated version retains the soccer theme but incorporates a new protagonist and fantastic elements.
What awards has Garuda: Dare to Dream won?
The film competed for the Golden Goblet Award at the 2026 Shanghai International Film Festival and won the Gryphon Award for Best Film, as well as the special LETE award, at the Giffoni Film Festival in Italy.
