Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- tender
- sincere
- thoughtful
- family movie night
- quiet weekend viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film a generally favorable, enjoyable family drama distinguished by its engaging premise and sympathetic performances.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Fred's powerful intellect is repeatedly contrasted with his emotional development and need to remain a child.
Dede works to secure opportunities for Fred while resisting people who might exploit his intelligence.
Fred's abilities draw attention from specialists and educators whose ambitions conflict with Dede's priorities.
The film centers domestic interactions among Dede, Fred, and the adults shaping his education.
Films like Little Man Tate, and why
Gifted
emotionally warm family drama about a gifted child navigating adult expectations and parental protection
Searching for Bobby Fischer
family-centered drama examining exceptional intelligence, childhood pressure, and the meaning of belonging
The Wonder Boys
tender coming-of-age drama about a child whose unusual abilities complicate family and social relationships
Movie Details
- Director
- Jodie Foster
- Release Date
- 1991-09-06
- Runtime
- 99 min
- Rating
- 6.6 / 10 (361)
Cast
- Jodie Foster
- Dianne Wiest
- Adam Hann-Byrd
- Harry Connick Jr.
- David Hyde Pierce
- Debi Mazar
- P.J. Ochlan
- Michael Shulman
- Celia Weston
- George Plimpton
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads
- Rent
- Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Little Man Tate about?
- A fiercely protective mother fights to let her young mathematical prodigy grow up as a child rather than become someone else's achievement.
- What is Little Man Tate like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Little Man Tate as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Little Man Tate violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Little Man Tate.
- What did critics think of Little Man Tate?
- Critics broadly found the film a generally favorable, enjoyable family drama distinguished by its engaging premise and sympathetic performances.
- Which films are like Little Man Tate?
- Films with a similar feel include Gifted, Searching for Bobby Fischer, and The Wonder Boys.
- How long is Little Man Tate?
- Little Man Tate runs 99 minutes.
- Where can I watch Little Man Tate?
- In United States, Little Man Tate streams on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads.
