Big Fish (2003)
Kernel Score: 87% · 7,653 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Drama
Released: 2003-12-10
Runtime: 125 minutes
Is Big Fish worth watching?
Must-watch. A warm and imaginative film about a father who tells tall tales and the son who wants the truth. It's sentimental in the best way, and Tim Burton keeps it visually vivid.
Watch it if you
- like fantasy with emotion
- enjoy stories about fathers and sons
- want a mix of whimsy and tears
Skip it if you
- dislike sentimental endings
- want realism
Best for: Emotional family night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Big Fish
- Free with ads: YouTube Free, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Throughout his life Edward Bloom has always been a man of big appetites, enormous passions and tall tales. In his later years, he remains a huge mystery to his son, William. Now, to get to know the real man, Will begins piecing together a true picture of his father from flashbacks of his amazing adventures.
Big Fish parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Big Fish is a PG-13 fantasy drama with tall tales, illness, and a father-son relationship at its heart.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Big Fish
If you liked Big Fish, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Edward Scissorhands (1990) — 86%: Burton's gentle, odd fairy tale.
- The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) — 80%: A dreamer's fantasy that changes his life.
- A Monster Calls (2016) — 82%: A fantasy that faces grief honestly.
- Corpse Bride (2005) — 86%: Burton's darker, whimsical animation.
- The Wizard of Oz (1939) — 87%: A classic fantasy adventure with heart.
- Wolfwalkers (2020) — 90%: A folklore adventure with beautiful art.
Director
Cast
- Ewan McGregor as Ed Bloom (young)
- Albert Finney as Ed Bloom (senior)
- Billy Crudup as Will Bloom
- Jessica Lange as Sandra Bloom (senior)
- Helena Bonham Carter as Jenny (young & senior) / The Witch
- Alison Lohman as Sandra Bloom (young)
- Robert Guillaume as Dr. Bennett (senior)
- Marion Cotillard as Josephine
- Matthew McGrory as Karl the Giant
- David Denman as Don Price (age 18-22)
Big Fish FAQ
Is Big Fish worth watching?
Must-watch. A warm and imaginative film about a father who tells tall tales and the son who wants the truth. It's sentimental in the best way, and Tim Burton keeps it visually vivid.
Where can I watch Big Fish?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on YouTube Free and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Big Fish OK for kids?
Big Fish is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Big Fish is a PG-13 fantasy drama with tall tales, illness, and a father-son relationship at its heart.
What movies are like Big Fish?
If you liked Big Fish, try Edward Scissorhands, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, A Monster Calls and Corpse Bride.