'The most beautiful animated film ever made' is now available to stream for free on Netflix - and it's not a Disney movie

Netflix users are in for a treat as one of the most revered animated films of recent times joins the platform's vast collection at no additional cost to subscribers.

This isn't one of Disney's illustrious titles, rather it's a gem from a decade ago, originating from Ireland, not the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

Cartoon Saloon, an under-the-radar animation studio responsible for fan-favourite titles like Wolfwalkers and Netflix's own My Father's Dragon, produced the film.

Their charming second feature, Song of the Sea, is now up for grabs on Netflix and is an absolute must-watch for subscribers.

Praised as one of the most visually stunning animations produced in the 21st Century, and potentially all time, the film has received acclaim far and wide, reports the Express.

The plot unfurls in 1980s Ireland, capturing the enchanting journey of 10-year-old Ben (voiced by David Rawle) who learns that his silent sister Saoirse is a mystical selkie, capable of transforming from human to seal.

Together with their Old English Sheepdog Cu, they embark on an extraordinary quest to rescue the faerie folk from the Celtic goddess Macha and unearth secrets around their mother's demise.

Now readily accessible on Netflix, Song of the Sea is poised to capture even more hearts, with its dedicated following only expected to expand enthusiasts of the film were quick to voice their admiration.

Toronto Review's Carlos Aguilar shared his praise stating: "Watching Song of the Sea it is easy to assert that this is one of the most blissfully beautiful animated films ever made.

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

One avid viewer on Reddit shared their thoughts: "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."

Over on the movie enthusiast site Letterboxd, one user bestowed a five-star rating, commenting: "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."

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Another movie-goer expressed: "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."

"My heart is so full with love after watching this," declared another passionate fan. "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."

So, will Song of the Sea be your pick for weekend viewing?

Song of the Sea is available to stream on Netflix.