Big Eyes (2014)
Kernel Score: 79% · 3,588 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Drama
Released: 2014-12-24
Runtime: 106 minutes
Is Big Eyes worth watching?
Worth watching. The true story of Margaret Keane, whose husband took credit for her paintings. Amy Adams is excellent and the story is interesting, though it is lighter and tidier than the real events deserve.
Watch it if you
- like true stories about overlooked artists
- enjoy Amy Adams
- want an easy, well-acted biopic
Skip it if you
- want Tim Burton's usual weirdness
- prefer deeper, darker biographical drama
Best for: Quiet night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Big Eyes
- Stream: Philo, Starz
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, The Roku Channel, Fandango at Home, YouTube Free
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
In the late 1950s and early '60s, artist Walter Keane achieves unbelievable fame and success with portraits of saucer-eyed waifs. However, no one realizes that his wife, Margaret, is the real painter behind the brush. Although Margaret is horrified to learn that Walter is passing off her work as his own, she is too meek to protest too loudly. It isn't until the Keanes' marriage comes to an end and a lawsuit follows that the truth finally comes to light.
Big Eyes parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Big Eyes is a PG-13 true-story drama about an artist whose husband fraudulently claims credit for her paintings.
- Violence & scariness: A little — Includes emotional abuse and controlling behavior within the marriage rather than physical violence.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Big Eyes
If you liked Big Eyes, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Ed Wood (1994) — 86%: Burton's warmer biopic about a misunderstood creator.
- Catch Me If You Can (2002) — 93%: Biographical story about charming deception.
- North Country (2005) — 81%: Real-life woman standing up against a powerful man.
- Woman in Gold (2015) — 82%: True story about art and justice.
- At Eternity's Gate (2018) — 79%: Artist biopic with an emotional lead.
- Big Fish (2003) — 87%: Burton's sweetest, most human film.
Director
Cast
- Amy Adams as Margaret Keane
- Christoph Waltz as Walter Keane
- Danny Huston as Dick Nolan
- Jon Polito as Enrico Banducci
- Krysten Ritter as Dee-Ann
- Jason Schwartzman as Ruben
- Terence Stamp as John Canaday
- Madeleine Arthur as Older Jane
- Delaney Raye as Young Jane
- James Saito as Judge
Big Eyes FAQ
Is Big Eyes worth watching?
Worth watching. The true story of Margaret Keane, whose husband took credit for her paintings. Amy Adams is excellent and the story is interesting, though it is lighter and tidier than the real events deserve.
Where can I watch Big Eyes?
In the US you can stream Big Eyes on Philo and Starz, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla, The Roku Channel, Fandango at Home and YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Big Eyes OK for kids?
Big Eyes is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Big Eyes is a PG-13 true-story drama about an artist whose husband fraudulently claims credit for her paintings.
What movies are like Big Eyes?
If you liked Big Eyes, try Ed Wood, Catch Me If You Can, North Country and Woman in Gold.