Year: 1988
Runtime: 104 min
Director: Penny Marshall
A teenager's wish to be older comes true when he mysteriously transforms into an adult. Suddenly faced with the challenges of adulthood, he must learn to cope with the unexpected responsibilities and navigate a world that's become surprisingly complicated. He grapples with the consequences of his wish and the difficulties of growing up too fast, all while trying to find his place.
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Read the complete plot breakdown of Big (1988), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Twelve-year-old Josh Baskin stands in line for a carnival ride when he catches the attention of a girl from school who starts chatting with him. However, when he reaches the front, he finds out he’s too short to ride, leading to a moment of deep humiliation. In a bid to escape his embarrassment, he makes a wish at a nearby fortune-telling machine, longing to be “big.”
To his shock, when Josh wakes up the next morning, he discovers that his wish has come true. Now in the body of an adult, he finds himself unrecognizable to his own mother and must navigate life independently. As he grapples with his new reality, he secures a job at a toy company, where his understanding of children’s preferences impresses the higher-ups, eventually landing him an executive position.
Despite his youthful spirit and charm, Josh experiences the complexities of adult relationships, particularly when he attracts the attention of a female executive at his firm. Their romantic connection is both thrilling and overwhelming for him, leading to moments of confusion. When he finally reveals his secret to her, she is initially skeptical but starts to piece together the truth as she observes his unique behavior.
Eventually, Josh encounters the arcade machine that transformed his wish into reality. In a heartfelt moment, he wishes to reverse the spell, allowing him to return to his mother after weeks of separation. The film beautifully encapsulates the bittersweet essence of maintaining youthful exuberance into adulthood, conveying its message through an unconventional yet insightful narrative. It emphasizes that an adult who retains the spirit of a child is someone to be envied.
Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 23:34
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.
Fantastical stories where a simple wish turns life upside down in surprisingly complex ways.If you enjoyed the charming, magical premise of Big, you'll love these movies where a simple wish leads to big life lessons. Discover similar stories that blend fantasy, comedy, and heartfelt drama to explore the joys and challenges of seeing the world from a new, unexpected point of view.
These narratives typically begin with a character making a seemingly simple wish or being granted a magical transformation. This event propels them into a new reality where they must navigate unfamiliar challenges, often leading to personal growth and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world. The journey is marked by a mix of humorous mishaps and poignant realizations, culminating in a resolution that values the lessons learned.
They are grouped together because they share a core structure of magical intervention leading to personal growth, all wrapped in a whimsical, lighthearted tone. The pacing is steady, focusing on character adaptation, and the emotional weight remains manageable despite touching on meaningful themes.
Stories about the poignant, often confusing, transition from childhood wonder to adult understanding.Fans of Big who appreciated its heartfelt exploration of childhood's end will find more to love here. These movies share a nostalgic, bittersweet tone as they follow characters navigating the complex transition into adulthood, blending light humor with poignant emotional moments.
The narrative follows a protagonist, often a child or teenager, who is thrust into situations that force them to confront the complexities of the adult world prematurely. The central conflict revolves around reconciling their innate innocence with the new responsibilities and realities they face. The journey is emotionally resonant but not overwhelmingly heavy, leading to an ending that acknowledges what was lost while embracing what was gained.
These films are connected by their central theme of navigating the threshold between youth and adulthood. They share a specific emotional mix: a nostalgic, charming atmosphere paired with a bittersweet undercurrent, a steady pacing that allows for reflection, and a conclusion that feels earned and thoughtful.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Big 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 Big is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Big with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Big. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Big 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.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Big: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like Big 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.
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