The Big Year
Three determined birders criss-cross North America in a humorous, heartfelt contest that tests whether a record-breaking year is worth the sacrifices it demands.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- gentle
- light-hearted
- warm
- lazy sunday
- family movie night
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film caring and good-natured toward its characters and subject, but too slow and subdued to generate consistently strong comedy.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The central contest is a calendar-year effort to identify the most bird species across North America.
The three competitors criss-cross the continent, including a demanding trip to Alaska, while following migration patterns and rare sightings.
Storms, migration patterns, and rare birds are presented as meaningful rewards alongside the competitive quest.
Kenny's marriage, Stu's business obligations, and Brad's family tensions complicate the pursuit of the title.
Films like The Big Year, and why
Little Miss Sunshine
Shared gentle ensemble comedy, cross-country competition, midlife self-discovery, and affection for eccentric determined characters.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Shared travel-driven comedy, family and relationship pressures, warm character focus, and an uplifting pursuit of personal goals.
Cool Runnings
Shared competition narrative, broad ensemble humor, adult characters chasing unconventional ambitions, and a feel-good tone.
Movie Details
- Director
- David Frankel
- Release Date
- 2011-10-13
- Runtime
- 102 min
- Rating
- 6.0 / 10 (915)
Cast
- Steve Martin
- Jack Black
- Owen Wilson
- Brian Dennehy
- Anjelica Huston
- Rashida Jones
- Rosamund Pike
- Dianne Wiest
- JoBeth Williams
- Anthony Anderson
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 Big Year about?
- Three determined birders criss-cross North America in a humorous, heartfelt contest that tests whether a record-breaking year is worth the sacrifices it demands.
- What is The Big Year like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Big Year as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The Big Year violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in The Big Year.
- What did critics think of The Big Year?
- Critics broadly found the film caring and good-natured toward its characters and subject, but too slow and subdued to generate consistently strong comedy.
- Which films are like The Big Year?
- Films with a similar feel include Little Miss Sunshine, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and Cool Runnings.
- How long is The Big Year?
- The Big Year runs 102 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Big Year?
- In United States, The Big Year streams on Disney Plus.
