Overview
A young boy discovers the power of magic and friendship as he transforms into a superhero.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- witty
- irreverent
- joyful
- family movie night
- superhero marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film an entertaining, humorous, and heartfelt superhero origin with an appealing central performance.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Billy Batson becomes the adult superhero Shazam while retaining his adolescent personality, making transformation central to the story's structure and humor.
Billy's foster siblings and his developing bond with Freddy become essential to his understanding of responsibility and magical power.
Billy and Freddy gleefully test superhuman strength, electricity, flight, and other abilities before Billy fully accepts heroic responsibility.
Billy's connection to his foster family is opposed to Dr. Sivana's isolated pursuit of the wizard's power and the Seven Deadly Sins.
Films like Shazam!, and why
Spider-Man: Homecoming
Shared superhero origin story, playful humor, family-centered emotional stakes, and accessible action fantasy.
Ant-Man
Shared coming-of-age superhero comedy, youthful protagonist, secret identity, and bright comic-book energy.
Thor: Ragnarok
Shared irreverent superhero tone, magical powers, ensemble dynamics, and balance of comedy with heartfelt themes.
Big
Shared childlike wish fulfillment, family bonds, fantasy adventure, and comedic transformation premise.
Movie Details
- Director
- David F. Sandberg
- Release Date
- 2019-03-29
- Runtime
- 132 min
- Rating
- 7.0 / 10 (10471)
Cast
- Zachary Levi
- Mark Strong
- Asher Angel
- Jack Dylan Grazer
- Adam Brody
- Djimon Hounsou
- Faithe Herman
- Meagan Good
- Grace Caroline Currey
- Michelle Borth
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- HBO Max Amazon Channel, Cinemax Amazon Channel, TNT, TBS, tru TV, HBO Max, Cinemax Apple TV channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Plex
- 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 Shazam! about?
- An abandoned boy receives magical adult superpowers and discovers that becoming a hero depends as much on family as strength.
- What is Shazam! like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Shazam! as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Shazam! violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Shazam! as moderate.
- What did critics think of Shazam!?
- Critics broadly found the film an entertaining, humorous, and heartfelt superhero origin with an appealing central performance.
- Which films are like Shazam!?
- Films with a similar feel include Spider-Man: Homecoming, Ant-Man, Thor: Ragnarok, and Big.
- How long is Shazam!?
- Shazam! runs 132 minutes.
- Where can I watch Shazam!?
- In United States, Shazam! streams on HBO Max Amazon Channel, Cinemax Amazon Channel, TNT, TBS, tru TV, HBO Max, Cinemax Apple TV channel.
