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Big

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2:22

Big

PG

Released Jun 3, 1988

1h 44m

Kids & Family

Comedy

Fantasy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

98%

Tomatometer

81 Reviews

82%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

At a carnival, young Josh Baskin wishes he was big, only to wake up the next morning and discover his wish came true. But the more Josh experiences life as an adult, the more he longs for the simple joys of childhood.

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Critics Consensus

Refreshingly sweet and undeniably funny, Big is a showcase for Tom Hanks, who dives into his role and infuses it with charm and surprising poignancy.

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Duane Byrge

The Hollywood Reporter

Director Penny Marshall doesn't hammer any themes or satire into the film; she, quite shrewdly, keeps Big likeably small. The comedy is natural and unforced, in no small part because of Hanks' wonderfully slapstick performance.

Dec 26, 2018

Full Review

Kathleen Carroll

New York Daily News

The film succeeds largely because of the splendid performance of Tom Hanks -- who is irresistibly funny as "big" Josh.

Rated: 3.5/4

Jul 28, 2015

Full Review

Victoria Mather

Daily Telegraph (UK)

Tom Hanks is marvellously child-like as Josh, all restless energy, innocence and real pleasure in the liberation that being grown-up allows him.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 25, 2014

Full Review

Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

Fresh-faced Hanks was a rising comic star at the time and he is absolutely winning as the 13-year-old in the body of an adult, delivering the body language and the excitable, innocent energy of a kid in every scene ...

Sep 14, 2024

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Zita Short

InSession Film

Big is warm-hearted and sweet without ever losing its edge and it engages adult viewers on an intellectual level in a way that few family films do.

Feb 1, 2023

Full Review

Tim Brayton

Alternate Ending

It remains one of the most technically thoughtful and precisely-controlled performances of [Tom Hanks's] entire career.

Rated: 3.5/5

Sep 22, 2022

Full Review

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Jace E

Unique, fun and charming, there is a lot to love about Big. The story of a teenage boy wishing to be older feels like a trope that has been explored many times, but this was the original. The reason that this film works falls solely on Tom Hanks' brilliant performance. He is able to embody childhood innocence and wonder, while also trying to figure out the adult world. Simiarly, seeing Josh's impact on Susan's world view is beautiful to watch (even though the love scene feels a bit icky). Best Character: Josh Best Quote: "Three dimes, a hundred dollar bill and 87 ones" - Josh Best Scene: The iconic piano scene

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/21/25

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Yavanplayz ,

Such a great movie, a shame they didn’t make a sequel

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/27/25

Full Review

Anonymous D

Not only does this movie not hold up (long, boring, not very funny), but Tom Hanks acts like he's drunk, not 13. Also why isn't anyone talking about the fact that this is about a woman who falls in love with and has sex with a 13 year old?? lol... if the genders were switched, people would be up in arms.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

04/25/25

Full Review

Ryland C

A good film with excellent premise that almost teared me up.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/06/25

Full Review

Hermilo H

The movie was amazing down to every detail. It showed Josh as a kid, and at one point he turned into an adult with responsibilities. The only thing I didn't like was that once he had a great job and wonderful girlfriend he gave all up to turn back into a kid.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

03/05/25

Full Review

Brittney C

I'd never seen this movie until today. Featuring a young Tom Hanks, this movie was made 3 years before I was born. Still enjoyable 37 years later!! (Movie was released in 1988). We're in the beginning of 2025. It's definitely something I'd share with my daughter. Family friendly fun and cute!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/19/25

Full Review

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Penny Marshall

Director

Tom Hanks

Josh

Elizabeth Perkins

Susan

Robert Loggia

MacMillan

John Heard

Paul

Jared Rushton

Billy

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Big: Trailer 1

2:22

Big: 30th Anniversary (1988): Presented by TCM Fathom Events Trailer

0:30

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Synopsis

At a carnival, young Josh Baskin wishes he was big, only to wake up the next morning and discover his wish came true. But the more Josh experiences life as an adult, the more he longs for the simple joys of childhood.

Director: Penny Marshall
Producer: James L. Brooks, Robert Greenhut
Screenwriter: Gary Ross, Anne Spielberg
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: 20th Century Fox, Gracie Films
Rating: PG
Genre: Kids & Family, Comedy, Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 3, 1988, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 2, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $113.5M
Runtime: 1h 44m
Sound Mix: Surround

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