Free to Be... a Family (1988) movie backdrop
Free to Be... a Family (1988) movie poster
198860 minComedy, Documentary, TV Movie

Free to Be... a Family

Free to Be... a Family Movie Hit or Flop?

HIT

Verdict:Free to Be... a Family is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 9.3/10, it has delivered a compelling experience for fans of the Comedy, Documentary, TV Movie genre.

Is Free to Be... a Family Worth Watching?

Answer: Yes, Free to Be... a Family is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.

It features a runtime of 60 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences. Bottom Line: Highly recommended!

9.33 votes
60Minutes
1988Release Year
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Free to Be... a Family Review

Last updated: January 10, 2026

🎬 The Premise

Released in 1988, Free to Be... a Family enters the Comedy genre with a narrative focused on Seminal TV special about two groups of children, one in New York City and the other in Moscow, who befriend each other over a satellite connection and find common ground. Under the direction of Gary Halvorson, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.

🎭 Cast & Performance

The film is anchored by performances from Jon Bon Jovi, Mel Brooks, Kevin Clash. The chemistry between the leads drives the emotional core of the movie, making the stakes feel genuine.

🎥 Technical Aspects & Direction

From a technical standpoint, Free to Be... a Family offers a visually stunning presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.

📺 Where to Watch

As of January 2026, Free to Be... a Family is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.

📝 Final Thoughts

With an audience rating of 9.3/10, the reception has been acclaimed. For fans of Comedy, Documentary, TV Movie, it serves as a worthy addition to the watchlist.

Cast of Free to Be... a Family

  • Jon Bon Jovi – Self - Host
  • Mel Brooks – Self
  • Kevin Clash – Elmo / Unemployed Bear (voice)
  • Phil Donahue – Self
  • Whoopi Goldberg – Self

Top Highlights

Jon Bon Jovi
Jon Bon JoviSelf - Host
Mel Brooks
Mel BrooksSelf
Kevin Clash
Kevin ClashElmo / Unemployed Bear (voice)
Phil Donahue
Phil DonahueSelf
Whoopi Goldberg
Whoopi GoldbergSelf
Jim Henson
Jim HensonKermit the Frog (voice)
Penn Jillette
Penn JilletteSelf
Frank Oz
Frank OzMiss Piggy (voice)
Gilda Radner
Gilda RadnerSelf
Carly Simon
Carly SimonSelf

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 9.3/10, and global collection metrics, Free to Be... a Family stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1988 cinematic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Free to Be... a Family movie hit or flop?

Free to Be... a Family is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 9.3/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Comedy, Documentary, TV Movie movies.

Is Free to Be... a Family worth watching?

Yes, Free to Be... a Family is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Comedy, Documentary, TV Movie cinema.

What genre is Free to Be... a Family?

Free to Be... a Family is a Comedy, Documentary, TV Movie movie that Seminal TV special about two groups of children, one in New York City and the other in Moscow, who befriend each other over a satellite connection and...

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 9.3
Free to Be... a Family
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/free-to-be-a-family-923261" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 9.3</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Free to Be... a Family</div></div></a>

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