Is Big Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Big is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Fantasy movies.
It features a runtime of 104 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Big Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1988, Big emerges as a significant entry in the Fantasy, Drama, Comedy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of When a young boy makes a wish at a carnival machine to be big—he wakes up the following morning to find that it has been granted and his body has grown older overnight. Unlike standard genre fare, Big attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Fantasy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Big features a noteworthy lineup led by Tom Hanks . Supported by the likes of Elizabeth Perkins and Robert Loggia , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Big (1988) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.2/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Big Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Big is a Fantasy, Drama, Comedy film that transports viewers to imaginative worlds filled with magic, wonder, and epic adventures. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. When a young boy makes a wish at a carnival machine to be big—he wakes up the following morning to find that it has been granted and his body has grown older overnight. But he is still the same 13-year-old boy inside. Now he must learn how to cope with the unfamiliar world of grown-ups including getting a job and having his first romantic encounter with a woman. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Thematic Depth
The film operates on multiple levels, using its genre framework to explore deeper themes about human nature, society, and the choices that define us.
What Works & What Doesn't
✅ Strengths
- Solid execution of genre conventions
- Engaging moments that showcase the filmmakers' vision
- Competent performances from the cast
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Some narrative choices that feel predictable
- Occasional pacing lulls in the middle act
Big Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Big resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to fantasy resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the fantasy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Big reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Big?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Fantasy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Big Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $18.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $151.9M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Big Budget
The estimated production budget for Big is $18.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Big
- Tom Hanks – Josh Baskin
- Elizabeth Perkins – Susan
- Robert Loggia – MacMillan
- John Heard – Paul
- Jared Rushton – Billy
Top Highlights
Tom HanksJosh Baskin
Elizabeth PerkinsSusan
Robert LoggiaMacMillan
John HeardPaul
Jared RushtonBilly
David MoscowYoung Josh
Jon LovitzScotty Brennen
Mercedes RuehlMrs. Baskin
Josh ClarkMr. Baskin
Kimberlee M. DavisCynthia Benson
Where to Watch Big Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Google Play MoviesYouTubeParents Guide & Age Rating
Big is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.2/10, and global collection metrics, Big stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1988 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Big movie hit or flop?
Big is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.2/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Fantasy, Drama, Comedy movies.
Is Big worth watching?
Yes, Big is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Fantasy, Drama, Comedy cinema.
Where can I watch Big online?
Big may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How Big Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Big
Love this movie growing up. Everytime I went to a fair I was always hoping to find a machine like this. Still one of my favorite movies of all time.
Oh, if only I was still young enough to wish I was older! That’s the problem facing the young “Josh” (David Moscow) who just wants to get all the school and puberty malarkey over and done with. Well a strange looking slot machine called “Zoltar” offers him a wish in return for his quarter. Of course, he goes home to bed thinking it’s all nonsense, but when he awakens in the morning suffice to say his jeans no longer fit and his mother is mortified that Tom Hanks appears to have moved in! What the young lad didn’t ask for, though, was a grown up mind to go with his new physique, and so finding it safer to quit the family home for a while, he has to try to make a living in the big wide world. Luckily, he gets himself a job - and where better than at a toy company. His thirteen year old self makes him uniquely placed to offer an insight into the testing processes for their new products, and quickly he attracts the attention of it’s boss “MacMillan” (Robert Loggia). He’s impressed by the exuberance and ideas of his new employee, and so big “Josh” soon finds himself in his own apartment with all the mod cons his real self would want. His rise to fame isn’t universally popular, though, with disgruntled executive “Paul” (John Heard) less than impressed, but fellow high-flier “Susan” (Elizabeth Perkins) takes quite a shine to his fresh attitude and to himself. Now, of course, his adult self gets the hots for her too, but emotionally - well, watch this space… Hanks is on great form here as he presents us with the perfect childlike perspective. He’s nervous, anxious, naive, enthusiastic and the immaturity of the young “Josh” with long sleeves, dropped into often risqué scenarios, is often quite a joy to watch. The sparring with Heard also works well, and the romantc elements reminded me of those first crush moments in a toe-curlingly accurate fashion, too. It serves as a great reminder that life is never more for living than when you are young and care-free. The ending is fairly predictable, and I thought just a little sad - but I suppose it had to be!
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
