Where the Wild Things Are
Where the Wild Things Are Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Movie Overview: Where the Wild Things Are
| Movie | Where the Wild Things Are |
| Release Year | 2009 |
| Director | Spike Jonze |
| Genre | Fantasy / Drama / Adventure / Family |
| Runtime | 101 minutes (1h 41m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Where the Wild Things Are (2009) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Fantasy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Where the Wild Things Are are led by Max Records . The supporting cast, including Catherine Keener and James Gandolfini , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Where the Wild Things Are stands out as a strong entry in the Fantasy genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Fantasy narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Where the Wild Things Are has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Fantasy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Where the Wild Things Are
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2009, Where the Wild Things Are is a Fantasy, Drama, Adventure, Family film directed by Spike Jonze, written by Dave Eggers. The narrative transports viewers to imaginative worlds filled with magic, wonder, and epic adventures. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Max Records as Max.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Max imagines running away from his mom and sailing to a far-off land where large talking beasts—Ira, Carol, Douglas, the Bull, Judith and Alexander—crown him as their king, play rumpus, build forts and discover secret hideaways. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: Where the Wild Things Are establishes its world and central conflict efficiently, with Spike Jonze introducing Max Records as Max in the opening act, and over its 101-minute runtime, the pacing proves deliberate.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Max Records's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings the narrative threads together, with Max Records's arc reaching resolution. Spike Jonze's handling of the finale provides adequate resolution.
Ending Explained: Where the Wild Things Are
Where the Wild Things Are Ending Explained: Directed by Spike Jonze, Where the Wild Things Are wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core fantasy themes developed throughout the film.
The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Max Records. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the fantasy themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Where the Wild Things Are reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Where the Wild Things Are?
Age Advisory: Rated PG.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Fantasy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Max Records or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: Where the Wild Things Are
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $100.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $100.1M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Where the Wild Things Are Budget
The estimated production budget for Where the Wild Things Are is $100.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Where to Watch Where the Wild Things Are Online?
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Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeWhere the Wild Things Are Parents Guide & Age Rating
2009 AdvisoryWondering about Where the Wild Things Are age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Where the Wild Things Are (2009) is 101 minutes (1h 41m). Directed by Spike Jonze, the film runs for 101 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.5/10, and global performance metrics, Where the Wild Things Are is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2009 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Where the Wild Things Are worth watching?
Where the Wild Things Are is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Fantasy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.5/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Where the Wild Things Are parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Where the Wild Things Are identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Where the Wild Things Are (2009)?
The runtime of Where the Wild Things Are (2009) is 101 minutes (approximately 1h 41m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
