The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
Kernel Score: 80% · 8,112 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
Released: 2013-12-18
Runtime: 114 minutes
Is The Secret Life of Walter Mitty worth watching?
Worth watching. A gentle adventure comedy about a shy man who finally leaves his daydreams to chase a missing photograph around the world. Ben Stiller's sincere film looks wonderful, though the story is predictable.
Watch it if you
- want a feel-good film about taking a chance
- like travel scenery and big visuals
- enjoy gentle, sincere comedies
Skip it if you
- want sharp jokes
- dislike predictable, inspirational stories
Best for: Date night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A timid magazine photo manager who lives life vicariously through daydreams embarks on a true-life adventure when a negative goes missing.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that this PG comedy-drama follows a daydreaming man on a life-changing adventure, with mild peril and light themes of self-discovery.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
If you liked The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Big Fish (2003) — 87%: A son's story told through tall tales and fantasy.
- The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019) — 82%: Warm road-trip adventure about friendship.
- Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016) — 86%: Funny, warm adventure through the wild.
- The Bucket List (2007) — 80%: Two men decide to live fully before it's too late.
- The Gold Rush (1925) — 90%: Charlie Chaplin's classic adventure comedy.
Director
Cast
- Ben Stiller as Walter Mitty
- Kristen Wiig as Cheryl Melhoff
- Sean Penn as Sean O'Connell
- Shirley MacLaine as Edna Mitty
- Adam Scott as Ted Hendricks
- Kathryn Hahn as Odessa Mitty
- Patton Oswalt as Todd Maher
- Adrian Martinez as Hernando
- Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Helicopter Pilot
- Gunnar Helgason as Hotel Keeper
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty FAQ
Is The Secret Life of Walter Mitty worth watching?
Worth watching. A gentle adventure comedy about a shy man who finally leaves his daydreams to chase a missing photograph around the world. Ben Stiller's sincere film looks wonderful, though the story is predictable.
Where can I watch The Secret Life of Walter Mitty?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Secret Life of Walter Mitty OK for kids?
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that this PG comedy-drama follows a daydreaming man on a life-changing adventure, with mild peril and light themes of self-discovery.
What movies are like The Secret Life of Walter Mitty?
If you liked The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, try Big Fish, The Peanut Butter Falcon, Hunt for the Wilderpeople and The Bucket List.