7.4
Where can I stream The Way Way Back legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Way Way Back fingerprint
Big heart, strong craft, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Fast Pace5
- Tension4
- Spectacle3
Heart
Hopeful and wholesome
Much of it is about growing up and family.
- Coming of Age10
- Family Dynamics9
- Hopefulness8
Humor
Some sharp wit and situational comedy
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay7
- Situational Comedy6
- Cringe Humor6
World
Growing up, everyday modern life, and family
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability8
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Direction8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
The Way Way Back is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence1Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
HighHopeful and wholesome
Much of it is about growing up and family.
Emotionally, it's hopeful, wholesome, and cathartic. Much of it is about growing up and family.
All heart traits
- Coming of Age10Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Hopefulness8Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance5Love stories and emotional connections.
- Melancholy5Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
MediumSome sharp wit and situational comedy
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit and situational comedy.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay7Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy6Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor6Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Physical Comedy3Slapstick and visual gags.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
Related traits
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumGrowing up, everyday modern life, and family
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around growing up, everyday modern life, and family. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity2Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and direction
The performances, characters, and direction stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue5Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity4Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
HighFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightParty VibeIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensComfort WatchPure EscapismThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
We've all been there.
Shy 14-year-old Duncan goes on summer vacation with his mother, her overbearing boyfriend, and her boyfriend's daughter. Having a rough time fitting in, Duncan finds an unexpected friend in Owen, manager of the Water Wizz water park.
Summer VacationComing-of-Age DramaFamily DysfunctionFound FamilyHeartwarmingHumorousAuthentic PerformancesSelf-DiscoveryIndependent Film
Actors
Crew
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Way Way Back
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Way Way Back worth watching?
76
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 76/100 (IMDb 7.4, Rotten Tomatoes 83%, and Metacritic 68). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Way Way Back rated?
PG-13Strong languageDrug use
It's rated PG-13 in the United States. Content advisories: strong language and drug use.
How long is The Way Way Back?
1 h 43 min
The Way Way Back runs 1 h 43 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Way Way Back?
Critics76
Audiences79
Yes. Critics average 76 and audiences 79 out of 100, so both groups see The Way Way Back much the same way.
Was The Way Way Back a box office hit?
Budget$5 million
Box office$23 million
Yes, a big one. It cost about $5 million to make and earned $23 million worldwide, 5.0 times its budget.
What language is The Way Way Back in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Way Way Back?
42
+28
+28GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Way Way Back in 42 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Way Way Back use?
Censorship by SpellingVitriolic Best BudsNice GuyFlat CharacterHair of Gold, Heart of GoldJerk with a Heart of JerkThe Cast Show OffPlucky Comic ReliefFriend to All ChildrenHate SinkThe Friend Nobody LikesIn-Series Nicknameand 63 more
TV Tropes lists 75 storytelling tropes for The Way Way Back, including Censorship by Spelling, Vitriolic Best Buds, Nice Guy.