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Timeline

Big (1988) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
1988 · 104 min
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Directed by
Penny Marshall
Starring
Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins

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.

On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (13)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like Big
  6. 6 Every angle
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13 events in order · contains spoilers

Big Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of Big (1988) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Josh's Humiliation at the Carnival

    Twelve-year-old Josh Baskin stands in line for a carnival ride and catches the attention of a girl from school. However, when he reaches the front of the line, he discovers that he is too short to ride, leading to a moment of deep embarrassment and humiliation in front of his peers.

    Where
    Carnival
  2. The Wish at the Fortune-Telling Machine

    In an attempt to escape his embarrassing moment, Josh makes a wish at a nearby fortune-telling machine, expressing a desire to be 'big.' This impulsive wish marks a pivotal moment in the story, signifying his longing for maturity and independence.

    Where
    Carnival
  3. Transformation into an Adult

    The next morning, Josh wakes up to find that his wish has come true; he is now in the body of a 30-year-old man. This shocking transformation presents a new and daunting reality for Josh, who struggles to come to terms with being unrecognizable to his own mother and the challenges of adult life.

    Where
    Josh's House
  4. Navigating Adult Life

    As Josh adapts to his new identity, he begins to experience life as an adult, facing various challenges that come with responsibility. He grapples with basic tasks such as finding a place to live and figuring out how to navigate the world without the guidance of his parents.

  5. Securing a Job at a Toy Company

    Josh manages to land a job at a toy company, where his understanding of children's preferences shines through. His youthful perspective allows him to impress the higher-ups, demonstrating that he can contribute fresh ideas that appeal to kids and adults alike.

    Where
    Toy Company
  6. Promotion to Executive Position

    Due to his innovative ideas and the charm he brings to the office, Josh quickly climbs the corporate ladder. Soon, he is promoted to an executive position, a role that is both exciting and perplexing for someone who is essentially still a child at heart.

    Where
    Toy Company
  7. Complications of Adult Relationships

    As Josh navigates his new life, he experiences the complexities of adult relationships, particularly with a female executive named Susan. Their blossoming romance is thrilling for him, but he finds himself overwhelmed by the emotional intricacies of adult attraction.

  8. Revealing His Secret

    Confusion mounts when Josh finally decides to reveal his secret to Susan, confessing that he is actually a twelve-year-old boy trapped in an adult's body. Initially skeptical, Susan begins to piece together the truth as she observes his youthful behavior and perspectives.

  9. Encountering the Arcade Machine Again

    In a twist of fate, Josh stumbles upon the very arcade machine that granted him his wish. This moment is pivotal as it triggers a wave of nostalgia and contemplation, leading him to reflect on his longing to return to his childhood.

    Where
    Arcade
  10. Wishing to Reverse the Spell

    In a heartfelt decision, Josh makes the wish to reverse the spell, yearning to return to his mother and reclaim his life as a child. This emotional moment highlights his deep connection with family and the desire to recapture the simplicity of youth.

  11. Return to Childhood

    The film culminates as Josh's wish is granted, allowing him to return to his childhood form. This transformation signifies the film's powerful message about the importance of maintaining one’s youthful spirit even as one navigates adult responsibilities.

    Where
    Josh's House
  12. Bittersweet Farewell

    Upon returning to his original form, Josh shares a bittersweet farewell with Susan, recognizing the fleeting nature of their unique connection. The experience leaves both characters changed, with an appreciation for the importance of imagination and youthful exuberance.

  13. Conclusion and Reflection

    The film concludes with Josh back in his familiar childhood surroundings, embracing the joys of being a kid. Through his journey, the narrative emphasizes the value of laughter, wonder, and the lessons learned from living with a childlike heart, regardless of age.

Last updated: November 03, 2024 at 23:34

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Timeline questions answered

Big Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of Big (1988): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why did Josh wish to be big at the carnival?

Josh wished to be big after being humiliated at the carnival when he was told he was too short to ride the roller coaster. A girl from school was watching him get rejected in front of his peers, which compounded his embarrassment and made him desperately want to be older and taller.

Foreshadowing: The film opens with Josh's childish desire for rides he cannot yet go on, establishing the emotional driver for his wish.

  • josh baskin
  • wish
  • carnival
  • humiliation
  • too short
Q2

How did Josh get hired and promoted at the toy company?

Josh landed a job at the toy company because as a 12-year-old in an adult body, he genuinely understood what children wanted to play with. His fresh, childlike perspective impressed the executives during a meeting about new toy ideas, leading to his rapid promotion to an executive position.

Foreshadowing: His ability to connect with children's interests was demonstrated early on when he played carnival games skillfully as a child.

  • toy company
  • job
  • promotion
  • executive
  • children's toys
Q3

Why did Josh decide to reverse his wish and return to being a child?

Josh chose to reverse the wish because he missed his mother and realized that being an adult meant losing the simplicity and joy of childhood. After experiencing the responsibilities, complications, and emotional challenges of adult life, he understood that growing up too fast wasn't worth sacrificing the genuine happiness of being a kid.

Foreshadowing: Josh's initial wish was born from wanting to escape embarrassment, not from understanding what adulthood truly entails.

  • reverse wish
  • childhood
  • mother
  • growing up
  • maturity
Q4

Did Susan discover that Josh was actually a twelve-year-old?

Yes, Susan eventually learned Josh's secret. When Josh told her he was really a twelve-year-old boy, she was initially skeptical but began to believe him as she observed his childish behavior, innocent perspectives, and genuine lack of experience with adult relationships.

Foreshadowing: Susan noticed his unusual mannerisms and childlike excitement throughout their time together, which made his revelation less shocking.

  • susan
  • secret
  • twelve years old
  • romance
  • discovery
Q5

What happens to Josh at the end of the movie?

At the end, Josh finds the arcade machine again and wishes to reverse the spell. He wakes up back in his twelve-year-old body at home. He shares a bittersweet farewell with Susan, acknowledging their unique connection before returning to his childhood life.

Foreshadowing: The arcade machine reappearance triggers Josh's reflection on what he truly values - his family and youth.

  • ending
  • childhood
  • return
  • arcade machine
  • susan
Q6

How did the fortune-telling machine work in Big?

The fortune-telling machine at the carnival granted Josh's wish literally - he woke up the next morning in a 30-year-old man's body. The machine appeared as a Zoltar fortune teller arcade cabinet, and later in the film, Josh encounters the same machine to reverse his wish.

Foreshadowing: The machine's magical nature is established early as a whimsical, wish-granting device typical of carnivals.

  • fortune teller
  • arcade machine
  • zoltar
  • magic
  • wish
Q7

Why was Josh's relationship with Susan so complicated?

Josh's relationship with Susan was complicated because he had the body of an adult but the emotional experience of a twelve-year-old. He was overwhelmed by adult romantic situations, didn't understand subtle social cues, and felt guilty about his deception. Susan was drawn to his genuine charm but sensed something different about him.

Foreshadowing: Early scenes show Josh's discomfort with adult situations, like being served alcohol or navigating office politics.

  • susan
  • romance
  • relationship
  • adult
  • emotionally immature
Q8

Was Josh happy living as an adult?

Josh experienced moments of happiness as an adult - he enjoyed his job, liked having his own apartment, and cared for Susan. However, he also felt lonely, missed his mother, and struggled with the responsibilities of adulthood. Ultimately, he realized the joy of being a child was something he didn't want to lose.

Foreshadowing: Josh's homesickness becomes more apparent as he faces adult challenges like paying bills and dealing with work stress.

  • happiness
  • adult life
  • lonely
  • mother
  • responsibilities
Q9

What is the main message of Big about growing up?

The film's message is that holding onto childlike wonder, joy, and innocence is valuable even as adults. Josh's journey shows that adulthood comes with real responsibilities and complications, but those who keep their youthful spirit are truly fortunate. The bittersweet ending suggests growing up is inevitable, but you can choose to embrace the best parts of being a child.

Foreshadowing: The title 'Big' represents both physical growth and the metaphorical 'big' responsibility of adulthood.

  • message
  • theme
  • growing up
  • childhood
  • bittersweet
  • mature

Movie threads

More Movies Like Big, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Big tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Whimsical wish-fulfillment movies like Big

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.

  • whimsical
  • charming
  • lighthearted
  • hopeful
  • playful
  • nostalgic
  • Tone: whimsical, bittersweet
  • Pacing: steady, character-focused
Why these movies?

The story pattern: 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.

Why they belong together: 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.

Bittersweet coming-of-age stories similar to Big

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.

  • bittersweet
  • nostalgic
  • charming
  • hopeful
  • poignant
  • reflective
  • Tone: bittersweet, nostalgic
  • Pacing: steady, reflective
Why these movies?

The story pattern: 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.

Why they belong together: 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.

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Every angle

Big (1988) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Big in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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