The endurance of hope: bringing John & Yoko's WAR IS OVER! to the world on YouTube
Dec 01, 2025 [[read-time]] minute read
We believe in the power of music and art to inspire, connect, and change the world. It’s why we work every day to ensure that the works of history's greatest artists are not just preserved, but made accessible to new generations across the globe. Today, I am proud to share an announcement that embodies this mission: The Academy Award-winning animated short film, WAR IS OVER! inspired by the Music of John & Yoko and written by Sean Ono Lennon and Dave Mullins, is officially available to watch on YouTube, starting right now.
The Enduring Power of a Simple Message
This powerful film, which won last year's Oscar for Best Animated Short Film, is a beautiful, moving, and ultimately hopeful extension of the message at the heart of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s timeless classic, “Happy Xmas (War Is Over).”
For decades, that song has transcended genre and generation, serving as a simple, yet profound, declaration. It’s not just a track; it's an ethos. It’s the conviction that peace is possible if we collectively choose it. John Lennon’s legacy is built on this radical optimism—the belief that imagination and unity can overcome division and conflict. That historical reverence is palpable in every frame of the short film.
Ensuring a Vital Message Reaches Every Screen
Until this very moment, the short film’s power was only experienced in theaters.
But a message this crucial belongs to everyone, which is why bringing WAR IS OVER! to YouTube felt so critical. Ensuring that ahead of this year's holiday season, the film’s powerful message of peace and hope is accessible to people around the world.
“Being able to share this film freely with a global audience for the first time feels very meaningful to me,” said Sean Ono Lennon. “My parents always believed that art, even in its simplest form, could help change the world and move us toward love and compassion. The message of peace at the heart of this film feels more vital than ever. I’m very grateful to YouTube for partnering with us to make the film accessible to everyone. It feels especially fitting to release it now, as the holidays begin, as ‘Happy Xmas (War Is Over)’ has always been a reminder of hope and humanity at this time of year. Making WAR IS OVER! available to all truly honors that ethos: our shared belief in John & Yoko's timeless anthem, "War is over if you want it!”
This premiere also serves as a moment for collective action, with the ability to make donations to the War Child charity throughout the holiday season via the donate button on the YouTube channel watchpage. War Child works on the front lines to deliver lifesaving support—from safe spaces to psychological care—to children whose lives are being torn apart by conflict around the world.
We invite everyone to watch this moving film today. Let it serve as a fresh reminder of the hope and peace that John Lennon inspired through his music.
Watch WAR IS OVER! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko now available on YouTube.