Fans of John Lennon, Yoko Ono, and timeless messages of peace are in for a treat this holiday season. Sean Ono Lennon’s critically acclaimed animated short War Is Over!—co-created with veteran Pixar filmmaker Dave Mullins—will be made available to stream for the first time on December 1, exclusively via the Official John Lennon YouTube channel. The digital release coincides with a fundraising campaign for the global children’s charity, Warchild, making it both a celebration of art and a call to action.
The film, titled WAR IS OVER! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko, earned the prestigious Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 2024. Directed by Mullins and co-written with Lennon, the heartfelt story revolves around a carrier pigeon navigating a battlefield to deliver messages between two soldiers engaged in a symbolic game of chess. The narrative, steeped in themes of empathy and hope, reflects the enduring sentiment of John and Yoko’s iconic phrase: “War is over if you want it.”
Produced by Brad Booker (Iron Giant, The Book of Life, Rumble) and executive produced by Sean Ono Lennon and Yoko Ono Lennon, the project boasts a score by Thomas Newman, a 15-time Oscar nominee known for his emotionally resonant compositions. Mullins himself brings an impressive résumé from Pixar titles such as Up, Soul, Incredibles 2, and Cars 2.
To coincide with the online debut, December’s festivities also include the release of rare and collectible vinyl editions. Among these is a 7” evergreen pressing replicating the original 1971 Happy Xmas (War Is Over) / Listen, The Snow Is Falling single by John Lennon, Yoko Ono, and the Plastic Ono Band with the Harlem Community Choir. These tracks have been newly mixed by Paul Hicks and Sam Gannon, produced by Sean Ono Lennon, and will also be available digitally.
Collectors will additionally find a 12” limited edition zoetrope vinyl designed by Drew Tetz featuring visuals from War Is Over! alongside Thomas Newman’s soundtrack. This special release merges the artistry of animation and music into a tangible keepsake.
For younger audiences, the short has been transformed into a beautifully illustrated picture book by character designer Max Narciso, now available through Viking Children’s Books, part of Penguin Young Readers.
With its YouTube premiere, charity partnership, exclusive music releases, and literary adaptation, War Is Over! promises to be one of this year’s standout cultural events—one that blends creativity, nostalgia, and a powerful message of peace.
