Big (1988)

Big (1988) is a warm, whimsical comedy-drama with a pinch of fantasy: twelve-year-old Josh Baskin makes a wish at a carnival fortune-telling machine and wakes up the next morning in an adult body while still very much a kid on the inside. Thrust into the grown-up world, Josh — with the help of his best friend — must bluff his way through an office job, first romance, and all the baffling rules of adulthood while secretly searching for a way to undo the wish. Watching Big, you’ll experience a lively mix of broad, laugh-out-loud fish-out-of-water humor and surprisingly tender, emotional moments. The movie balances playful set pieces (including memorable scenes at a toy company and Josh’s awkward attempts at dating) with genuine heart as it explores childhood longing, responsibility, and what “being big” really means. The carnival’s magical premise gives the film a fairy-tale quality, while the day-to-day challenges Josh faces keep it grounded and relatable. Overall, Big is uplifting and family-friendly: expect charm, nostalgia, and a satisfying emotional payoff. It’s a feel-good ride about growing up — and about remembering what to keep from childhood when you do.

Actors: Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins, Robert Loggia

Director: Penny Marshall

Runtime: 104 min

Genres: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy

6.3 /10 73 /100 7.3 /10 7.0 /10