The Walk

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The Walk

PG

2015

2h 4m

Biography

Drama

Adventure

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

83%

Tomatometer

277 Reviews

77%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

As a boy, Philippe Petit dreams of performing daring feats for dazzled crowds. As an adult (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), his life's ambition comes true when he becomes a high-wire artist who stares death in the face with every step. Under the guidance of mentor Papa Rudy, the French daredevil devises a plan to walk on a tightrope attached to the north and south towers of the World Trade Center. With help from his team and against all odds, Petit attempts the seemingly impossible stunt on Aug. 7, 1974.

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Critics Consensus

The Walk attempts a tricky balancing act between thrilling visuals and fact-based drama -- and like its wire-walking protagonist, pulls it off with impressive élan.

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J. Hoberman

The New York Review of Books

The stunt is worth the wait. In a sense it's something we've been waiting for since September 12, 2001.

Mar 28, 2017

Full Review

Max Weiss

Baltimore Magazine

Just the mechanics of getting to the roof are fun -- filled with surprise allies and strokes of luck and last minute escapes.

Rated: 3/4

Jun 12, 2016

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Jason Bailey

Flavorwire

It's applause-worthy work, and a killer climax. But a killer climax does not a motion picture make.

May 3, 2016

Full Review

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...a far-from-streamlined drama that’s elevated by its performances and smattering of engrossing sequences...

Rated: 3/4

Oct 5, 2024

Full Review

Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

Zemeckis is in his element here and the film starts to pick up energy, and as the outcome is no doubt--it's history, after all--Zemeckis eases us from the thrill of the caper mechanics into something more spiritual

Aug 19, 2023

Full Review

Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

Through all of the character history and careful planning the narrative sometimes sputters in its attempt to maintain a crisp pacing. But once it comes time for the big act, “The Walk” is every bit as high-tension and breathtaking as you would expect.

Rated: 3/5

Aug 21, 2022

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Stephen C

Based on a true story in 02 hours, 03 minutes, and 13 seconds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated PG for Language, Brief Drug References, Thematic Elements, Perilous Situations, Smoking and Some Nudity!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $10,100,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/23/25

Full Review

Alexander S

The Walk is a captivating and endearing film that recounts Philippe Petit's incredible feat of walking on a high-wire between the Twin Towers, told with Robert Zemeckis' unique and compelling narrative style, complete with stunning visuals and humor that almost feels like a sparkle of fantasy. Grading: B+

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/20/25

Full Review

thiago s

Filme mais ou menos, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são mais ou menos, a história é fraca, o elenco é fraco, e ninguém ajuda a melhorar o filme, os personagens são fracos, e o filme deveria ter cenas bem melhores e relevantes, para fazer o filme ser bom

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

09/02/25

Full Review

Peter F

30 minutes in I am absolutely loving this movie, JGL's infectious enthusiasm, paired with an Ocean's Eleven feel to it. Some of the comments complaining about lack of plot make no sense. They must be referring to almost every other movie which involves tedious backstories, contrived interpersonal drama, etc. etc. This movie has a tight and focused plot which is always better imo.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/01/25

Full Review

Dave C

I'd deliberately not watched this, thinking 'how good can a movie about a wire-walker be?'. So glad I took the plunge! It is a little hammy with the narration, but it quickly shows itself to be filled with soul and passion, which elevate the story as much as the aerial work does. As it unfolded, I found myself getting behind the main character, wanting to know more of his story, and really feeling what drove him to do what he did. Tense, at times stressful, and engaging, it's a great docudrama

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/26/25

Full Review

Faiz D

The Walk is nothing short of a breathtaking tale. JGL is utterly remarkable.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/13/25

Full Review

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Robert Zemeckis

Director

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Philippe Petit

Ben Kingsley

Papa Rudy

Charlotte Le Bon

Annie

James Badge Dale

Jean-Pierre

Clément Sibony

Jean-Louis

The Walk: Movie Clip - Sending the Cable

1:14

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The Walk: Trailer 2

4:42

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Synopsis

As a boy, Philippe Petit dreams of performing daring feats for dazzled crowds. As an adult (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), his life's ambition comes true when he becomes a high-wire artist who stares death in the face with every step. Under the guidance of mentor Papa Rudy, the French daredevil devises a plan to walk on a tightrope attached to the north and south towers of the World Trade Center. With help from his team and against all odds, Petit attempts the seemingly impossible stunt on Aug. 7, 1974.

Director: Robert Zemeckis
Producer: Steve Starkey, Robert Zemeckis, Jack Rapke
Screenwriter: Robert Zemeckis, Christopher Browne
Distributor: Sony Pictures Entertainment
Production Co: ImageMovers
Rating: PG (Language|Brief Drug References|Thematic Elements|Perilous Situations|Smoking|Some Nudity)
Genre: Biography, Drama, Adventure
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 9, 2015, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 10, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $10.1M
Runtime: 2h 4m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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