Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Simple
- Violence
- None
- witty
- breezy
- chaotic
- family movie night
- lazy weekend
What critics said
Critics generally found the film a pleasant, accessible family comedy elevated by its cast and social awkwardness, though its over-the-top situations and uneven jokes limited its impact.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Alexander wishes that his family will experience a bad day, after which each member encounters escalating personal and practical disasters.
Alexander feels dismissed because his family believes he is exaggerating his bad luck while everyone else seems to enjoy consistently good days.
A broken car, a sick child, a failed driving test, a job crisis, and a crying toddler disrupt the Cooper family's birthday plans and obligations.
Alexander faces online humiliation and party disappointment while his siblings navigate a driver's test, prom expectations, and a stage performance.
Films like Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, and why
Cheaper by the Dozen
Shares a family-centered comedy structure, escalating everyday mishaps, and warm themes of reconciliation.
The Yours, Mine and Ours
Shares child-friendly humor, chaotic household dynamics, and an affectionate focus on family bonds.
Bedtime Stories
Shares a wish-driven premise, comedic bad luck, and an uplifting lesson about appreciating family.
Movie Details
- Director
- Miguel Arteta
- Release Date
- 2014-10-08
- Runtime
- 81 min
- Rating
- 6.2 / 10 (1453)
Cast
- Ed Oxenbould
- Steve Carell
- Jennifer Garner
- Dylan Minnette
- Kerris Dorsey
- Elise Vargas
- Zoey Vargas
- Sidney Fullmer
- Bella Thorne
- Megan Mullally
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Disney Plus
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day about?
- A frustrated boy's birthday wish unleashes a day of comic calamities that finally forces his seemingly lucky family to understand his perspective.
- What is Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day as brisk, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as simple.
- Is Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.
- What did critics think of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day?
- Critics generally found the film a pleasant, accessible family comedy elevated by its cast and social awkwardness, though its over-the-top situations and uneven jokes limited its impact.
- Which films are like Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day?
- Films with a similar feel include Cheaper by the Dozen, The Yours, Mine and Ours, and Bedtime Stories.
- How long is Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day?
- Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day runs 81 minutes.
- Where can I watch Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day?
- In United States, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day streams on Disney Plus.
