Five Billion Years (1981): cast, story & where to watch
1981 · Film · ★ 9
Released in 1981, Five Billion Years is an animation film directed by Joyce Borenstein, running about 7 minutes.
What it’s about. This superbly animated science film traces the evolution of North America from the Earth's geophysical beginnings, through the genesis of the first living organisms, right up to the arrival of humans. Radiant colours and smooth-flowing animation evoke sizzling lava rivers, oceans bursting with life, and freezing ice ages. The film provides an excellent view of the time frame within which these remarkable events took place and highlights the fact that, relatively speaking, we are newcomers to Planet Earth.
How it landed. With an audience score of 9.0/10, Five Billion Years sits among the best-reviewed titles in the catalogue.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Five Billion Years page.
If you liked it. Fans of Five Billion Years tend to enjoy Spirited Away, Your Name., Grave of the Fireflies and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Five Billion Years (1981)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Five Billion Years change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is Five Billion Years worth watching?
- Five Billion Years holds an audience score of 9.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy animation. Most viewers rate it highly.
- When was Five Billion Years released?
- Five Billion Years was released in 1981, with a runtime of about 7 minutes.