Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Simple
- Violence
- None
- whimsical
- gentle
- comforting
- family movie night
- rainy day
What critics said
Critics broadly appreciated the film's visual craft, gentle performances, and nostalgic charm while finding the adaptation uneven and less satisfying than its source material.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Sophie initially fears the twenty-four-foot BFG but comes to recognize his kindness and relies on him against the other giants.
The BFG's eccentric speech, dream-catching, and fantastical giant society give the adventure its playful identity.
Sophie and the BFG travel to London and seek Queen Elizabeth's help in stopping the hostile giants.
Mark Rylance's motion-capture performance defines the towering BFG through computer-generated imagery and expressive physical acting.
Films like The BFG, and why
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
whimsical children's fantasy, a young protagonist confronting danger with help from an unusual creature, and strong family appeal
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
live-action family adventure blending childlike wonder, imaginative creatures, gentle peril, and a Spielberg-like sense of discovery
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Roald Dahl children's fantasy featuring eccentric adults, exaggerated worlds, comic menace, and a child navigating extraordinary circumstances
Paddington
warm fantasy adventure centered on friendship between a child and a misunderstood giant figure, with visual spectacle and family-oriented humor
Movie Details
- Director
- Steven Spielberg
- Release Date
- 2016-06-01
- Runtime
- 117 min
- Rating
- 6.3 / 10 (3719)
Cast
- Mark Rylance
- Ruby Barnhill
- Rebecca Hall
- Jemaine Clement
- Bill Hader
- Penelope Wilton
- Marilyn Norry
- Chris Shields
- Matt Frewer
- Geoffrey Wade
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 The BFG about?
- A lonely orphan and a gentle giant forge an unlikely alliance to protect children from a band of brutal giants.
- What is The BFG like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The BFG as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as simple.
- Is The BFG violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in The BFG.
- What did critics think of The BFG?
- Critics broadly appreciated the film's visual craft, gentle performances, and nostalgic charm while finding the adaptation uneven and less satisfying than its source material.
- Which films are like The BFG?
- Films with a similar feel include E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Paddington.
- How long is The BFG?
- The BFG runs 117 minutes.
- Where can I watch The BFG?
- In United States, The BFG streams on Disney Plus.
