Where the Wild Things Are.

Name: Where the Wild Things Are
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Family, Fantasy
Released: 2009-10-16
Duration: 101 min
Cast: Catherine Keener, Max Records, Mark Ruffalo, James Gandolfini, Lauren Ambrose

Big feelings need a very big island.

After a fight at home, Max sails into a world of enormous creatures who appoint him their king. His promises to make everyone happy become harder to keep as their arguments mirror his own emotions.

73%Tomatometer267 critics · Rotten Tomatoes

Checked Oct 19, 2026. About these scores

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Why it’s a little special

Spike Jonze turns a short picture book into a tactile, melancholy exploration of anger, loneliness and belonging.

BEFORE YOU PRESS PLAY

Know the story.
Know your little people.

Parental guidance suggested

US film rating

Intense creature behavior, threats, destruction and frightening chases. Emotional conflict is central; the mood is often darker than the picture book suggests.

Our notes are a starting point, not an age recommendation. G and PG films can still include intense moments. You know your family best.

BEHIND THE SCENES

The little details.

Directed by: Spike Jonze
Starring: Catherine Keener, Max Records, Mark Ruffalo, James Gandolfini, Lauren Ambrose, Chris Cooper, Catherine O'Hara, Forest Whitaker, Paul Dano, Spike Jonze
Written by: Spike Jonze, Dave Eggers
Produced by: Tom Hanks, Maurice Sendak, Gary Goetzman, John B. Carls, Vincent Landay, Jon Jashni, Thomas Tull, Bruce Berman, Catherine Keener, Scott Mednick
Release date: October 16, 2009
Runtime: 101 minutes
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Family, Fantasy
Studio: Warner Bros.
Language: English

LIGHTS DOWN. SNACKS READY.

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United States · Checked Oct 19, 2026 via JustWatch. Availability and plans can change. Channels may require an extra subscription; ad-supported plans may have restrictions.