Big

A whimsical journey of a boy who becomes an adult overnight, discovering the complexities of growing up.

Critics broadly praised the film as an imaginative, warm, naturally funny fantasy elevated by Tom Hanks’s guileless comic performance and Penny Marshall’s restrained direction.

• Josh retains his thirteen-year-old personality while navigating employment, romance, and adult independence as a physically grown man.
• Josh discovers work, romance, money, and urban freedom while approaching adulthood with a child’s directness and wonder.
• The Zoltar machine grants Josh’s wish and functions as the concrete mechanism behind his body transformation.
• The toy company, pinball machine, carnival, and childlike play allow Josh to express himself more naturally than adult conventions do.

• Freaky Fridayshares body-swap fantasy, fish-out-of-water comedy, and warm coming-of-age themes
• The Princess Brideshares childlike wonder, adult-world wish fulfillment, and uplifting family comedy
• 13 Going on 30shares magical transformation, romantic comedy, and the tension between youthful innocence and adult expectations
• Elfshares workplace comedy, whimsical fantasy, and an emotionally sincere return to childhood values

Director

Penny Marshall

Release Date

1988-06-03

Runtime

104 min

Rating

7.2 / 10 (4235)

What is Big about?

A lonely teenager’s carnival wish places him in an adult body, turning New York work and romance into a playful test of what growing up should mean.

What is Big like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Big as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is Big violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Big.

What did critics think of Big?

Critics broadly praised the film as an imaginative, warm, naturally funny fantasy elevated by Tom Hanks’s guileless comic performance and Penny Marshall’s restrained direction.

Which films are like Big?

Films with a similar feel include Freaky Friday, The Princess Bride, 13 Going on 30, and Elf.

How long is Big?

Big runs 104 minutes.

Where can I watch Big?

In United States, Big streams on Apple TV, Disney Plus, Apple TV Amazon Channel, Wonder Project Amazon Channel.