Julie and the Phantoms is a Netflix original that takes a familiar premise and makes it feel new again. It follows Julie, a high school student who can’t sing, who finds herself able to see ghosts after a near-death experience. Those ghosts happen to be three rock stars who died decades ago, and they want her to help them complete a final album. The result is a show that blends supernatural romance with musical ambition, and it mostly lands.
The series premiered in 2020 as a 13-episode first season, and it has since spawned a second season and a feature film. It was created by Jorge R. Gutierrez, best known for The Book of Life, and it carries some of the same visual flair and emotional weight. The show is aimed at teenagers, but its themes of identity, grief, and creative legacy are broad enough to appeal to adults too.
Trailer, via Netflix.
Julie’s Journey
Julie starts as a girl who is afraid of her own voice. She hides behind her guitar playing, but she cannot sing in front of others. That changes when she meets the Phantoms: Red, Blue, and Silver, a trio of rock stars who died in a car crash. They appear to her in ghost form, and they need her help to finish the album they were working on when they died.
The setup is simple, but the execution is careful. Julie’s inability to sing is not just a plot device; it is a character flaw that she has to confront. Her journey from reluctant participant to confident performer is the emotional core of the show. Along the way, she learns that the music she loves is not just entertainment—it is a connection to something larger than herself.
The show also explores Julie’s relationships with her family and friends. Her mother is overprotective, her father is distant, and her best friend, Valentina, is the only person who truly understands her. These dynamics add depth to Julie’s world beyond the ghostly trio, making her growth feel grounded in real stakes.
The Phantoms Themselves
Red, Blue, and Silver each bring their own personalities to the show. Red is the leader, charismatic and confident. Blue is the quiet one, a guitarist who carries a lot of unresolved pain. Silver is the jokester, always trying to lighten the mood. Together, they form a band whose chemistry feels genuine.
Their interactions with Julie drive much of the comedy and drama. The Phantoms are not just spectral sidekicks; they are flawed individuals with their own histories and regrets. Their desire to finish their album is tied to their need to resolve unfinished business, and Julie becomes the key to unlocking that closure.
The show also touches on the nature of their existence. As ghosts, they are trapped in a loop, unable to move forward until they complete their goal. This adds a layer of urgency to their quest, and it raises questions about what happens to us after we die.
Music as the Medium
The show’s approach to music is its strongest asset. Julie and the Phantoms is not just a show about ghosts; it is a show about making music. The songs are original, catchy, and emotionally resonant. They range from upbeat pop tracks to slower, more reflective ballads, and they are performed with real energy.
The show does not treat music as a prop. It is woven into the narrative, and the characters use it to express themselves. Julie’s performances are often the highlight of an episode, and they are staged with a sense of theatricality that elevates the material.
The soundtrack features a mix of original songs and covers. The covers include classic rock tracks that the Phantoms loved in life, and hearing Julie perform them gives the show a nostalgic edge. The originals are written specifically for the show, and they capture the tone of each character.
| Element | Strength | Weakness |
|---|---|---|
| Music | Original, catchy, emotional | Some covers feel like filler |
| Characterization | Deep, nuanced, relatable | Secondary characters are thin |
| Animation | Stylish, dynamic, colorful | Some episodes drag |
| Storytelling | Engaging, emotional, layered | Plot holes in later seasons |
Animation and Style
The show’s animation is vibrant and energetic. It draws on a mix of styles, from cartoonish to more realistic, and it shifts depending on the scene. The ghostly Phantoms are rendered with a stylized glow, while the human world is rendered in warmer tones. The contrast between the two is visually striking.
The show also uses color to convey emotion. Bright colors signal joy and confidence, while darker tones suggest sadness and conflict. This visual language helps the show communicate its tone without relying on dialogue.
The animation is not just decorative. It serves the storytelling by allowing the show to jump between different worlds seamlessly. The ghosts can interact with Julie in ways that would be impossible in live-action, and the show uses this freedom to explore the supernatural elements of its premise.
What Works
The show succeeds because it commits fully to its premise. It does not apologize for being about ghosts and music; it embraces both with enthusiasm. The result is a show that feels fresh and alive, even within a crowded genre.
The pacing is generally brisk. Most episodes are self-contained, with a clear arc that resolves by the end. This makes the show easy to watch in short sessions, which is ideal for streaming audiences. The show also knows when to slow down, letting emotional moments breathe without overstaying their welcome.
The show also handles its supernatural elements with care. The rules of the ghost world are established early and consistently followed. The Phantoms can interact with Julie, but they cannot physically affect the living world. This consistency gives the show a sense of coherence that some shows in the genre lack.
What Doesn’t Work
Not everything in Julie and the Phantoms is perfect. Some secondary characters are underdeveloped, especially in the later seasons. The show’s supporting cast is large, and not all of them get the same attention as Julie and the Phantoms. This can make some storylines feel rushed or incomplete.
There are also occasional plot holes. The show jumps ahead in time occasionally, and some story threads are dropped without resolution. This can be frustrating for viewers who want a tightly constructed narrative.
The show’s humor is uneven. Some jokes land perfectly, while others feel forced or juvenile. The show leans heavily on slapstick and pop culture references, which can alienate viewers who prefer subtler comedy.
A Solid Debut
Julie and the Phantoms is a strong debut for a Netflix original. It has a clear vision, a compelling central character, and a soundtrack that holds up. Its weaknesses are real, but they do not undermine the overall package.
The show is worth watching for anyone who enjoys coming-of-age stories, supernatural dramas, or music-centric narratives. It is a show that rewards attention, and it leaves viewers wanting more.
The show’s legacy is secure. It has spawned a feature film and a second season, which suggests that audiences continue to connect with its message. That message—that our passions define us, even after we are gone—is a powerful one, and it is delivered with style and heart.
Julie and the Phantoms is a show that understands what it wants to be. It is a musical, a drama, and a supernatural tale, all rolled into one. It is not perfect, but it is consistently engaging.
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