Hilda is a quiet triumph of animation, and it earns its 10 out of 10. The Netflix series follows a blue-haired girl who leaves her enchanted forest home to live in the walled city of Trolberg, where she makes friends, finds adventure and meets magical creatures. It is a show about curiosity, kindness and the simple act of paying attention to the world around you.
Trailer, via Netflix Family.
The Girl and Her Home
Hilda is fearless and free-spirited, voiced by Bella Ramsey, who brings warmth and wonder to the role. She grows up in a small cabin on the edge of the woods, living with her mother Johanna and her deerfox Twig. When a giant destroys their home, they move to Trolberg, a bustling city that feels both strange and welcoming.
The City of Trolberg
Trolberg is a walled Nordic city filled with magic and mystery. It is a place where ordinary citizens share streets with trolls, gnomes and other strange beings, and Hilda treats them all with equal interest. The animation, produced by Silvergate Media and animated by Mercury Filmworks, is delicate and expressive, capturing the textures of wood, stone and fabric with care.
The Friends Around Her
Hilda’s companions round out her world. Alfur, voiced by Rasmus Hardiker, is an elf who joins her on her travels. Frida and David, voiced by Ameerah Falzon-Ojo and Oliver Nelson, are her best friends, grounding her adventures in everyday play. Daisy Haggard voices Mum, Johanna, and together the family forms the heart of the show.
Adventures With Monsters
The show is built on Hilda’s encounters with dangerous monsters, which she consistently befriends rather than fears. These meetings teach her lessons about courage, trust and the value of seeing things from another’s perspective. Each episode is a small story, self-contained yet part of a larger arc.
The Voice Cast
The voice acting is uniformly excellent. Ramsey carries the emotional weight of the protagonist, while the supporting cast gives each minor character a distinct presence. The chemistry between Hilda and her friends is genuine, and the show never talks down to its audience.
Critical Reception
Hilda received critical acclaim throughout its run. It won several Annie Awards, including “Best Children’s Series” for each year it was eligible, and Emmy Awards for “Outstanding Main Title Sequence,” “Outstanding Children’s TV Series” and “Outstanding Editing in a Daytime Program,” tying the latter award with Animaniacs.
A Running Order
| Season | Episodes | Premiere |
|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 10 | September 21, 2018 |
| Season 2 | 12 | December 14, 2020 |
| Season 3 | 12 | December 7, 2023 |
The film Hilda and the Mountain King, set between the second and third seasons, premiered on Netflix on December 30, 2021.
What Works
What makes Hilda work is its restraint. It trusts children to follow a slow, observant pace, letting moments breathe without rushing to a climax. The show respects its characters and its setting, and that respect shows in every frame.
The Verdict
Hilda is a masterclass in gentle storytelling. It is a show about a girl who sees magic in the mundane, and it asks viewers to do the same. The animation is lovely, the cast is strong, and the writing never loses its sense of wonder. This is a perfect show for anyone who believes in the power of imagination.
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