7.1
Where can I stream About a Boy legally?
You can watch it free with ads on YouTube Free. You can also 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.
About a Boy fingerprint
Big heart, strong craft.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Fast Pace6
- Tension4
- Spectacle3
Heart
Uplifting and wholesome
Much of it is about growing up and family.
- Hopefulness9
- Coming of Age9
- Family Dynamics9
Humor
Some situational comedy and sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Situational Comedy7
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Cringe Humor5
World
Everyday modern life, growing up, and family
Holds up on a rewatch.
- Rewatchability8
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
Craft
Standout performances and characters
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
About a Boy is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence1Physical conflict and intensity.
Heart
HighUplifting and wholesome
Much of it is about growing up and family.
Emotionally, it's uplifting, wholesome, and romantic. Much of it is about growing up and family.
All heart traits
- Hopefulness9Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age9Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome8Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Romance7Love stories and emotional connections.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Melancholy4Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
MediumSome situational comedy and sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some situational comedy and sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Situational Comedy7Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor5Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody4Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Physical Comedy3Slapstick and visual gags.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
Related traits
- Wholesome8Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Eccentricity6Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, growing up, and family
Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, growing up, and family. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Pop Culture6References and cultural commentary.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological5Inner worlds and mind games.
- Class & Capitalism5Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout performances and characters
The performances and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
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.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightParty VibeIntergenerationalKidsPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure EscapismThought-Provoking
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About
Growing up has nothing to do with age.
Will Freeman is a good-looking, smooth-talking bachelor whose primary goal in life is avoiding any kind of responsibility. But when he invents an imaginary son in order to meet attractive single moms, Will gets a hilarious lesson about life from a bright, but hopelessly geeky 12-year-old named Marcus. Now, as Will struggles to teach Marcus the art of being cool, Marcus teaches Will that you're never too old to grow up.
Heartwarming Comedy-DramaUnlikely FriendshipComing-of-Age StoryEmotional GrowthBritish HumorQuirky CharactersRedemptionContemporary SettingFeel-Good Movie
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about About a Boy
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is About a Boy worth watching?
75
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 75/100 (IMDb 7.1, Rotten Tomatoes 93%, and Metacritic 75). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is About a Boy rated?
PG-13
It's rated PG-13 in the United States.
How long is About a Boy?
1 h 41 min
About a Boy runs 1 h 41 min.
Is About a Boy based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on About a Boy?
Critics84
Audiences66
Not quite. Critics rate About a Boy higher (84) than audiences (66). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was About a Boy a box office hit?
Budget$27 million
Box office$129 million
Yes. It cost about $27 million to make and earned $129 million worldwide, 4.8 times its budget.
What language is About a Boy in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom, United States, France, Germany.
In how many countries can I watch About a Boy?
66
+52
+52GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for About a Boy in 66 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does About a Boy use?
The MatchmakerConcert ClimaxActor AllusionPop-Star ComposerPick Up Babes With BabesExpecting Someone TallerWise Beyond Their YearsDeadpan SnarkerAdaptation ExpansionBrilliant, but LazyAdaptational Alternate EndingComically Missing the Pointand 38 more
TV Tropes lists 50 storytelling tropes for About a Boy, including The Matchmaker, Concert Climax, Actor Allusion.