Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Big

film

Big

1988

When a young boy makes a wish at a carnival machine to be big, he wakes up the following morning to find that it has been granted and his body has grown older overnight, but he is still the same 13-year-old boy inside. Now he must learn how to cope with the unfamiliar world of grown-ups, including getting a job and having his first romantic encounter with a woman.

Ages 10+Source checked

Why this age? Generally mild PG fantasy comedy, but adult romance involving a physically adult body and a child’s mind, separation from family, and emotional themes may need parent discussion. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age10+

Strongest cautions

  • Products & advertising3/5
  • Romance3/5
  • Alcohol or drugs2/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity5/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising3/5
Why this rating?

The toy industry, toy stores, product development, marketing, and real retail settings are prominent plot elements.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Contains occasional mild profanity and mild insults.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

An adult-looking Josh develops a sustained romantic relationship with Susan, including attraction, intimacy, and an emotional goodbye.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

A young boy being separated from his home and having to live as an adult creates brief, mild tension.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Includes implied romantic intimacy and suggestive situations, though it remains relatively tame for the era.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Characters are shown drinking alcohol in social settings.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Includes brief, non-serious conflict and verbal aggression between characters.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist faces the challenges of navigating an adult world with bravery and honesty.

Creativity & curiosity5/5
Why this rating?

Imagination and playful problem-solving drive the premise, Josh’s toy ideas, the piano sequence, and his success at the toy company.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Displays a diverse urban New York work environment typical of the era.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Offers insight into business environments and creative problem-solving.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Billy helps Josh, MacMillan supports his creativity, and the story ultimately values friendship, family, empathy, and a compassionate farewell.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

It emphasizes valuing childhood, honesty, friendship, family, responsibility, and recognizing that adult status is not simply freedom.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist demonstrates integrity, creativity, and kindness despite his unusual predicament.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. Did products, possessions, or buying things matter to the story? What message did that send?
  3. Which choice in Big would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Big, and what caused that change?
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