Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
Kernel Score: 78% · 15,956 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy
Released: 2005-07-13
Runtime: 115 minutes
Is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A bright, odd and often funny take on the Roald Dahl story, with Johnny Depp playing the candy maker as a strange loner. The production design is lavish, but the tone can feel off-putting.
Watch it if you
- like Tim Burton's weird, colourful style
- enjoy the book's dark kids' humour
- want a family movie with eye-catching sets
Skip it if you
- prefer the warmer 1971 film
- find Depp's character creepy
Best for: Family movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
- Stream: HBO Max, Cinemax Apple TV channel
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A young boy wins a tour through the most magnificent chocolate factory in the world, led by the world's most unusual candy maker.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory parents' guide: ages 6+
Parents need to know that Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a PG family fantasy about a boy who wins a tour of an eccentric candy maker's factory.
- Products & purchases: Strong — Heavily centers on candy, chocolate, and a golden ticket contest, likely to spark strong product/brand interest in kids.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
If you liked Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) — 86%: The original, warmer version of the same story
- Wonka (2023) — 79%: Prequel with a gentler, musical take on Wonka
- Edward Scissorhands (1990) — 86%: Burton's best mix of oddness and heart
- Big Fish (2003) — 87%: Another Burton fantasy with big imagination and feeling
- Corpse Bride (2005) — 86%: Burton's macabre but sweet stop-motion fantasy
- The Princess Bride (1987) — 85%: Playful fantasy adventure with plenty of humour
Director
Cast
- Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka
- Freddie Highmore as Charlie Bucket
- David Kelly as Grandpa Joe
- Helena Bonham Carter as Mrs. Bucket
- Noah Taylor as Mr. Bucket
- Missi Pyle as Mrs. Beauregarde
- James Fox as Mr. Salt
- Deep Roy as Oompa Loompa
- Christopher Lee as Dr. Wonka
- Adam Godley as Mr. Teavee
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory FAQ
Is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A bright, odd and often funny take on the Roald Dahl story, with Johnny Depp playing the candy maker as a strange loner. The production design is lavish, but the tone can feel off-putting.
Where can I watch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?
In the US you can stream Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on HBO Max and Cinemax Apple TV channel and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory OK for kids?
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 6+. Parents need to know that Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a PG family fantasy about a boy who wins a tour of an eccentric candy maker's factory.
What movies are like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?
If you liked Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, try Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Wonka, Edward Scissorhands and Big Fish.