A Simple Wish

Year: 1997

Runtime: 86 mins

Language: English

Director: Michael Ritchie

AdventureFantasyComedyFamily

Murray, a male fairy godmother, is tasked with granting 8‑year‑old Anabel’s simple wish—that her cab‑driver dad Oliver lands the lead in a Broadway musical. His magic wand is broken, and the fairy convention he relies on is under siege by the wicked witches Claudia and Boots, forcing Murray to scramble for a solution as chaos unfolds.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen A Simple Wish yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – A Simple Wish (1997)

Explore the full timeline and setting of A Simple Wish (1997). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:52

Main Characters – A Simple Wish (1997)

Meet the key characters of A Simple Wish (1997), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:52

Major Themes – A Simple Wish (1997)

Explore the central themes of A Simple Wish (1997), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:52

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Chaotic family fantasy adventures like A Simple Wish

Magical misadventures create happy chaos for families racing against time.If you enjoyed the magical mishaps and family-centered adventure of A Simple Wish, you'll love these movies. This list features films with whimsical worlds, bumbling magical helpers, and a fast-paced, lighthearted tone where the ultimate goal is a happy ending for the family.

whimsicalchaoticmagicallightheartedfantasticalplayfulheartwarmingcomical

Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically feature an ordinary family whose life is disrupted by the sudden introduction of magic, often in the form of an inept magical being. A central wish or desire sets off a chain reaction of comedic errors, forcing the characters into a chaotic, time-sensitive mission to restore order and achieve their dream.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped together because they share a core combination of family-friendly fantasy, a fast and frantic pace driven by magical mistakes, and a tone that is more comical and whimsical than threatening. The emotional journey is upbeat, focusing on teamwork and believing in oneself.

Movies about whimsical wish-granting mishaps like A Simple Wish

Where every magical wish comes with a side of hilarious, unintended consequences.Looking for more movies like A Simple Wish where magic backfires in the funniest ways? These films capture the same vibe of well-meaning wishes leading to comical chaos. Expect lighthearted fantasies with magical mix-ups, a fast pace, and a focus on fixing magical errors before it's too late.

whimsicalcomicalmagicalplayfulfantasticalchaoticlightheartedescalating

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern revolves around a central wish that is granted imperfectly. The plot is driven by the protagonist's attempts to manage or reverse the escalating, humorous consequences of this wish. The conflict often involves a magical antagonist or a strict deadline, adding a layer of lighthearted urgency to the comedy of errors.

Why These Movies?

Movies fit this thread due to their shared focus on the comic potential of magic gone awry. They prioritize whimsy over genuine peril and feature a specific plot structure where a simple desire triggers a complex series of events that must be untangled for a satisfying conclusion.

Unlock the Full Story of A Simple Wish

Don't stop at just watching — explore A Simple Wish in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what A Simple Wish is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

A Simple Wish Summary

Read a complete plot summary of A Simple Wish, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

A Simple Wish Timeline

Track the full timeline of A Simple Wish with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

A Simple Wish Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of A Simple Wish that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

More About A Simple Wish

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about A Simple Wish: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

Similar Movies to A Simple Wish

Discover movies like A Simple Wish that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.