IMDb 6.7 1981 HD

Grendel Grendel Grendel

Grendel Grendel Grendel

1981
Animation Fantasy
88 min TV-G Australia
3.9 / 10
6.7 IMDB

This is an animated story covering the ancient legend of Beowulf, as narrated by Grendel himself, the "monster" in the legend. Aimed more at adults than children, this…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Alexander Stitt
Starring
Peter Ustinov / Keith Michell / Arthur Dignam / Ed Rosser / Alison Bird / Bobby Bright / Ric Stone / Ernie Bourne

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

thought-provoking unique complex ambitious character-driven philosophical unconventional adult niche retrospective intriguing

Reviews

I
Isabelle Moreau
May 23, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

An ambitious animated project, 'Grendel Grendel Grendel' dares to reimagine the Beowulf legend through the eyes of its most famous monster. This narrative choice, borrowed from John Gardner's novel, provides a fascinating, if sometimes bleak, outlook. The adult-oriented…

S
Samuel Croft
May 23, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

This 1981 animated gem is a revelation for anyone seeking a fresh perspective on ancient myths. 'Grendel Grendel Grendel' is far from a children's cartoon; it's a sophisticated exploration of perspective, narrated with captivating nuance by Peter Ustinov…

G
Genevieve Dubois
May 23, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

An intriguing, albeit sometimes ponderous, animated retelling of Beowulf. 'Grendel Grendel Grendel' pivots on the audacious decision to let the antagonist narrate his own saga. This conceit, derived from John Gardner's work, yields moments of genuine insight into…

M
Marcus Thorne
May 23, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

'Grendel Grendel Grendel' is a bold and intellectually stimulating animated feature. By placing Grendel at the heart of the narrative, director Unknown crafts a compelling deconstruction of the classic epic. The film's adult-oriented themes and its reliance on…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 23, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

This animated interpretation of the Beowulf legend is a curious beast. Narrated by Grendel himself, it bravely attempts to subvert expectations, offering a more introspective and sympathetic portrayal of the 'monster'. While the artistic ambition is commendable, the…

FAQs

Absolutely. This animated version of the Beowulf legend fundamentally alters the traditional narrative by centering it on Grendel's perspective. Instead of being a mere antagonist, Grendel becomes the narrator, offering his own interpretation of events and his grievances. This inversion, inspired by John Gardner's novel, provides fascinating insights into the 'monster's' character and motivations, prompting viewers to reconsider the established heroic archetypes and the nature of conflict itself.