Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- whimsical
- warm
- witty
- family movie night
- holiday viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly found it to be a charming, imaginative family film that refreshes a classic creature tale with sly humor, emotional heart, and inventive special effects.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Angus MacMorrow protects the egg and develops a strong relationship with the Water Horse as it grows.
The Loch Ness monster tradition is integrated into a recognizable Scottish setting during world war ii.
Angus’s curiosity becomes sustained responsibility as he tries to care for and understand the magical creature.
The Water Horse is brought to life through inventive special effects praised by critics as a major strength.
Films like The Water Horse, and why
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Shares a heartfelt child-and-magical-creature friendship, family adventure tone, inventive effects, and themes of wonder and courage.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Combines a young protagonist, a hidden fantastical creature, gentle humor, emotional family drama, and an uplifting coming-of-age arc.
Pete's Dragon
Features a child protecting an extraordinary creature within a warm, accessible fantasy adventure centered on friendship and compassion.
The Black Stallion
Shares a family-friendly period setting, a child’s bond with an unusual animal, and a balance of adventure, sentiment, and visual spectacle.
Movie Details
- Director
- Jay Russell
- Release Date
- 2007-12-25
- Runtime
- 112 min
- Rating
- 6.5 / 10 (1180)
Cast
- Alex Etel
- Emily Watson
- Ben Chaplin
- David Morrissey
- Priyanka Xi
- Craig Hall
- Brian Cox
- Erroll Shand
- Joel Tobeck
- Bruce Allpress
Where to watch in United States
- 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 Water Horse about?
- A curious Scottish boy’s discovery of a magical lake creature becomes an affectionate wartime adventure about loyalty, wonder, and growing up.
- What is The Water Horse like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Water Horse as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The Water Horse violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in The Water Horse as mild.
- What did critics think of The Water Horse?
- Critics broadly found it to be a charming, imaginative family film that refreshes a classic creature tale with sly humor, emotional heart, and inventive special effects.
- Which films are like The Water Horse?
- Films with a similar feel include E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Pete's Dragon, and The Black Stallion.
- How long is The Water Horse?
- The Water Horse runs 112 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Water Horse?
- In United States, The Water Horse is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
