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 Much) as 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

Shop In Waves

Go to Netflix Shop

First Look

  • In Sacrifice, Anya Taylor-Joy Wants to Throw Chris Evans into a Volcano
    The mythical dark comedy from Romain Gavras will stream in October.
  • An early look at the wartime epic from the director of Friday Night Lights.
  • Eddie and Susie are taking their criminal enterprise to Italy in September.
  • In the final chapter,  Emily treads new — and familiar — ground.
  • The Pogues are out for blood in this thrilling sneak peek. 
  • The new sci-fi thriller is now streaming.
  • Kit Connor and Taika Waititi are headed for a candy-coated showdown.
  • Watch the exclusive clip of two legends and one heartfelt moment.

Animation

  • Wonka’s The Golden Ticket, A Different World, and UNABOMBER make strong debuts.
  • The anime movie follows Tanjiro and the Demon Slayer Corp into Muzan’s lair.
  • Plus LEGO ONE PIECE, The Arena, The Widower: 'Til Death Do Us Part, and more.
  • Stream Dawson’s Creek, Nurse Jackie, The Hunger Games films, and more before the month ends.
  • Jojo Fridays are back as Gyro and Johnny face down the “Devil’s Palm.”
  • From returning fan-favorite series to fresh games in Netflix Playground.
  • Is it for your pet, your kid … or for you? The answer may surprise us all.

Latest News

  • 23 Dating Shows to Get You Pumped About Love and Relationships
    A man in swim trunks opens champagne while three women in bikinis celebrate on the deck of a luxury yacht, under a partly cloudy sky, with drinks and snacks nearby, dock and water visible in the background.

Popular Now

  • From exes and BFFs to parents and alums, here’s how everyone connects on campus.
  • Ella Beatty leads the latest installment of the Ryan Murphy anthology series.