'One of the most beautiful animated films ever made' now streaming for free - and it's not a Disney movie

Netflix subscribers are in for a visual treat as one of the most acclaimed animated films ever created has just dropped on the platform.

It's not from Disney or Hollywood, but celebrates its 10th anniversary after hailing from Ireland's own Cartoon Saloon. Known for gems like Wolfwalkers and Netflix's My Father's Dragon, the studio now presents us with Song of the Sea for streaming enjoyment.

Song of the Sea is often hailed as one of the most exquisite pieces of animation artistry of the 21st Century, if not of all time.

The film, set against the backdrop of 1980s Ireland, tells the enchanting tale of young Ben and his silent sister Saoirse who he learns is a selkie, a mythical being that transforms from human to seal.

Together with their canine companion, Cu, they embark on an epic journey to save faerie creatures from the wrath of the Celtic goddess Macha and unravel the mystery of their mother's past.

With Song of the Sea now accessible on , its cult following is bound to expand. Among its admirers, Carlos Aguilar of the Toronto Review said: "Watching Song of the Sea it is easy to assert that this is one of the most blissfully beautiful animated films ever made", reports .

He adds, "It is a gem beaming with awe-inspiring, heartwarming magic."

Fans of the film Song of the Sea have been pouring admiration all over the internet, with one Reddit user sharing: "Song of the Sea is delightful. [It's] such a beautifully crafted piece of animation that I initially mistook it for a Studio Ghibli project.

"Every scene is enjoyable to watch, and any given frame could be displayed as its own work of art.

"The story was good, the music was amazing, and the characters were all well rounded. I can't believe it took me this long to watch it."

Meanwhile, on Letterboxd, the film received a glowing five-star review: "Song of the Sea has a fairly simplistic and straightforward story, but some of the most jaw-droppingly gorgeous animation I've ever seen.

"In an age where mainstream animated films are computer animated, it's a nice change of scenery to see something as artistically liberating as this.

"The story and the art style feel like the Irish folk tale that it's supposed to be, and it has a beautiful soundtrack to boot."

Another individual commented on their viewing experience: "My experience watching this is equivalent to waking up from a pleasant dream: I'm in such a blissful state but I'm sad it's over so quickly."

Emotions ran high for another fan who said: "My heart is so full with love after watching this. Everything about this was absolutely beautiful.

"The animation was stunning and the story was so beautifully made. This entire film was hand drawn and that actually blows my mind. This was also nominated for the academy award for best animated feature, rightfully so."

With reviews like these, the question lingers: Will you be giving Song of the Sea a watch this weekend?

Song of the Sea is available to stream on Netflix.