Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Simple
- Violence
- Mild
- irreverent
- whimsical
- breezy
- lazy sunday
- nostalgic comedy night
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film's energetic cult-comedy premise undermined by tasteless, lame, and offensive jokes.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Jimmy's lack of an immune system and his portable bubble suit drive the film's heightened jokes and situations.
Jimmy moves from lifelong bedroom confinement into an unpredictable outside world while pursuing Chloe.
Jimmy travels to Niagara Falls to stop Chloe's impending marriage and win her affection.
Jimmy encounters colorful figures including Slim and Dr. Phreak during his journey.
Films like Bubble Boy, and why
Pee-wee's Big Adventure
shared absurdist road comedy, romantic pursuit, and eccentric supporting characters
Napoleon Dynamite
shared offbeat coming-of-age journey, heightened comedy, and outsider protagonist
The Adventures of Baron Munchausen
shared surreal teen romance, eccentric humor, and fantastical suburban adventure
Road Trip
shared romantic road-trip premise, broad comic tone, and determined young protagonist
Movie Details
- Director
- Blair Hayes
- Release Date
- 2001-08-24
- Runtime
- 84 min
- Rating
- 5.8 / 10 (653)
Cast
- Jake Gyllenhaal
- Swoosie Kurtz
- Marley Shelton
- Danny Trejo
- John Carroll Lynch
- Verne Troyer
- Dave Sheridan
- Brian George
- Patrick Cranshaw
- Stephen Spinella
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 Bubble Boy about?
- A sheltered young man in a portable plastic bubble crosses a bizarre landscape to reach the girl he loves before her wedding.
- What is Bubble Boy like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Bubble Boy as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as simple.
- Is Bubble Boy violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Bubble Boy as mild.
- What did critics think of Bubble Boy?
- Critics broadly found the film's energetic cult-comedy premise undermined by tasteless, lame, and offensive jokes.
- Which films are like Bubble Boy?
- Films with a similar feel include Pee-wee's Big Adventure, Napoleon Dynamite, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, and Road Trip.
- How long is Bubble Boy?
- Bubble Boy runs 84 minutes.
- Where can I watch Bubble Boy?
- In United States, Bubble Boy is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
