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Trailer

We Bought a Zoo

2011Movie2 h 4 minPG

ComedyDrama
64
DecentGoodWatch score
IMDb7.0Letterboxd3.3/5Metacritic586.8Rotten Tomatoes64%71%

A heartwarming, uplifting drama movie about family and everyday modern life.

Good for date night · family movie night · friends night

Skip it if you want dark or edgy material

Where to watch

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Not for scares, brutality or big ideas.

Movies with

Story

A true zoo story.

Benjamin has lost his wife and, in a bid to start his life over, purchases a large house that has a zoo – welcome news for his daughter, but his son is not happy about it. The zoo is in need of renovation and Benjamin sets about the work with the head keeper and the rest of the staff, but, the zoo soon runs into financial trouble.

Feels like

  • Heartwarming Drama
  • Grief and Healing
  • Family Reconciliation
  • Rural Charm
  • Emotional Catharsis
  • Feel-Good Cinema
  • Strong Ensemble Cast
  • Restorative Narrative

Cast

24 of 32

Crew

Directed by
Cameron Crowe
Written by
Cameron Crowe, Aline Brosh McKenna, Benjamin Mee
Produced by
Cameron Crowe, Julie Yorn, Rick Yorn
Music by
Jon Thor Birgisson

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

November 26, 2011 · 2 h 4 min · PG

Released
November 26, 2011
Runtime
2 h 4 min
Age rating
PG
Genres
Drama, Comedy, Family
Original language
English
Made in
United States
Budget
$50 million
Box office
$120 million
Available in
89 countries
Keywords
based on true story

Tropes

Animal Reaction Shot, Calling the Old Man Out, Continuity Snarl +9

  • Animal Reaction Shot
  • Calling the Old Man Out
  • Continuity Snarl
  • Cultural Translation
  • Escaped Animal Rampage
  • Event Title
  • Hilarity in Zoos
  • The Inspector Is Coming
  • Mighty Roar
  • Missing Mom
  • Meaningful Echo
  • Tiny Guy, Huge Girl

12 of 18 tropes. From TV Tropes.

Q&A

5 questions, like "Where can I stream We Bought a Zoo?"

Questions about We Bought a Zoo

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream We Bought a Zoo?

Disney+HBO Max

In the United States, We Bought a Zoo streams on Disney+ and HBO Max. You can rent or buy it from Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It also streams in 69 other countries.

Is We Bought a Zoo worth watching?

64
DecentGoodWatch score

Opinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 64 (IMDb 7, Letterboxd 3.3 out of 5, Rotten Tomatoes 64%, and Metacritic 58).

Is We Bought a Zoo okay for kids?

PG

Yes: it's rated PG in the United States, and the viewing guide lists it for kids.

Will We Bought a Zoo make me laugh?

A touch

Not much for a comedy: the title analysis gives its humor 1 of 4.

Will I feel good after watching We Bought a Zoo?

BleakHopeful

Yes, it's an uplifting movie: the title analysis rates it 9 of 10 for hopefulness and 9 for wholesome.