Is We Bought a Zoo Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, We Bought a Zoo is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 124 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
We Bought a Zoo Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2011, We Bought a Zoo emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Comedy, Family domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Benjamin has lost his wife and, in a bid to start his life over, purchases a large house that has a zoo – welcome news for his daughter, but his son is not happy about it. Unlike standard genre fare, We Bought a Zoo attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and We Bought a Zoo features a noteworthy lineup led by Matt Damon . Supported by the likes of Scarlett Johansson and Thomas Haden Church , 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 We Bought a Zoo (2011) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
We Bought a Zoo Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: We Bought a Zoo is a Drama, Comedy, Family film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Benjamin has lost his wife and, in a bid to start his life over, purchases a large house that has a zoo – welcome news for his daughter, but his son is not happy about it. The zoo is in need of renovation and Benjamin sets about the work with the head keeper and the rest of the staff, but, the zoo soon runs into financial trouble. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- 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 emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's themes.
We Bought a Zoo Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: We Bought a Zoo concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of We Bought a Zoo reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch We Bought a Zoo?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
We Bought a Zoo Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $50.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $120.1M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
We Bought a Zoo Budget
The estimated production budget for We Bought a Zoo is $50.0M. 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.
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of We Bought a Zoo
- Matt Damon – Benjamin Mee
- Scarlett Johansson – Kelly Foster
- Thomas Haden Church – Duncan Mee
- Colin Ford – Dylan Mee
- Maggie Elizabeth Jones – Rosie Mee
Top Highlights
Matt DamonBenjamin Mee
Scarlett JohanssonKelly Foster
Thomas Haden ChurchDuncan Mee
Colin FordDylan Mee
Maggie Elizabeth JonesRosie Mee
Angus MacfadyenPeter MacCready
Elle FanningLily Miska
Patrick FugitRobin Jones
John Michael HigginsWalter Ferris
Carla GalloRhonda Blair
Where to Watch We Bought a Zoo Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
JioHotstar🎟️ Rent on
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Google Play MoviesYouTubeParents Guide & Age Rating
We Bought a Zoo is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.8/10, and global collection metrics, We Bought a Zoo stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2011 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is We Bought a Zoo movie hit or flop?
We Bought a Zoo has received mixed reviews with a 6.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is We Bought a Zoo worth watching?
We Bought a Zoo is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Comedy, Family movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch We Bought a Zoo online?
We Bought a Zoo is currently available for streaming on JioHotstar. You can also check for it on platforms like JioHotstar depending on your region.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked We Bought a Zoo
How We Bought a Zoo Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for We Bought a Zoo
No reviews found for this filter.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
More with Matt Damon
Heath Ledger: A Tribute
2007 Boston Red Sox: The Official World Series Film
The Making of the Last Duel