Is Where the Wild Things Are Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Where the Wild Things Are is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Fantasy movies.
It features a runtime of 101 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Where the Wild Things Are Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2009, Where the Wild Things Are emerges as a significant entry in the Fantasy, Drama, Adventure, Family domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Max imagines running away from his mom and sailing to a far-off land where large talking beasts—Ira, Carol, Douglas, the Bull, Judith and Alexander—crown him as their king, play rumpus, build forts and discover secret hideaways. Unlike standard genre fare, Where the Wild Things Are attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Fantasy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Where the Wild Things Are features a noteworthy lineup led by Max Records . Supported by the likes of Catherine Keener and James Gandolfini , 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 Where the Wild Things Are (2009) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.5/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Where the Wild Things Are Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Where the Wild Things Are is a Fantasy, Drama, Adventure, Family 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. Max imagines running away from his mom and sailing to a far-off land where large talking beasts—Ira, Carol, Douglas, the Bull, Judith and Alexander—crown him as their king, play rumpus, build forts and discover secret hideaways. 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.
Where the Wild Things Are Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Where the Wild Things Are concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents 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 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 fantasy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Where the Wild Things Are reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Where the Wild Things Are?
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
Where the Wild Things Are Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $100.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $100.1M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Where the Wild Things Are Budget
The estimated production budget for Where the Wild Things Are is $100.0M. 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 Where the Wild Things Are
- Max Records – Max
- Catherine Keener – Mom
- James Gandolfini – Carol (voice)
- Lauren Ambrose – KW (voice)
- Catherine O'Hara – Judith (voice)
Top Highlights
Max RecordsMax
Catherine KeenerMom
James GandolfiniCarol (voice)
Lauren AmbroseKW (voice)
Catherine O'HaraJudith (voice)
Forest WhitakerIra (voice)
Chris CooperDouglas (voice)
Paul DanoAlexander (voice)
Spike JonzeBob (voice) / Terry (voice)
Pepita EmmerichsClaire
Where to Watch Where the Wild Things Are Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeParents Guide & Age Rating
Where the Wild Things Are is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.5/10, and global collection metrics, Where the Wild Things Are stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2009 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Where the Wild Things Are movie hit or flop?
Where the Wild Things Are has received mixed reviews with a 6.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Where the Wild Things Are worth watching?
Where the Wild Things Are is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Fantasy, Drama, Adventure movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Where the Wild Things Are online?
Where the Wild Things Are 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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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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