🎞 MTDbBest ofBy yearBy genreBy runtimeBrowse (app)

MTDb › Best of › 2009 › Where the Wild Things Are

Where the Wild Things Are poster

Where the Wild Things Are (2009)

“There's one in all of us.”

6.5/10 · 2,070 votes 1h 41m pg FantasyAdventureDramaFamily

#133 of 242 films from 2009 #644 of 1079 in fantasy

Directed by Spike Jonze · Written by Spike Jonze, Dave Eggers

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

Max imagines running away from his mom and sailing to a far-off land where large talking beasts—Ira, Carol, Douglas, the Bull, Judith and Alexander—crown him as their king, play rumpus, build forts and discover secret hideaways.

Cast

Max Recordsas Max
Catherine Keeneras Mom
James Gandolfinias Carol (voice)
Lauren Ambroseas KW (voice)
Catherine O'Haraas Judith (voice)
Forest Whitakeras Ira (voice)
Chris Cooperas Douglas (voice)
Paul Danoas Alexander (voice)
Spike Jonzeas Bob (voice) / Terry (voice)
Pepita Emmerichsas Claire
Mark Ruffaloas The Boyfriend
Max Pfeiferas Claire's Friend
Madeleine Greavesas Claire's Friend
Joshua Jayas Claire's Friend

Facts

Release dateOctober 16, 2009
Runtime101 min (1h 41m) — about the same as the 2009 average of 105 min
GenresFantasy, Adventure, Drama, Family
LanguageEN
Budget$100,000,000
Box office$100,140,916 (1.0× budget)
IMDbtt0386117

More from Spike Jonze

HerHer2013 · ★ 7.8 · 2h 6m Being John MalkovichBeing John Malkovich1999 · ★ 7.4 · 1h 53m Adaptation.Adaptation.2002 · ★ 7.3 · 1h 55m

If you liked Where the Wild Things Are

Same genre, released within a few years, sorted by TMDB rating.

The Boy and the BeastThe Boy and the Beast2015 · ★ 7.9 · 1h 59m A Dog's PurposeA Dog's Purpose2017 · ★ 7.6 · 1h 40m Stand by Me DoraemonStand by Me Doraemon2014 · ★ 7.4 · 1h 34m A Monster CallsA Monster Calls2016 · ★ 7.3 · 1h 48m Wizards of Waverly Place: The MovieWizards of Waverly Place: The Movie2009 · ★ 7.3 · 1h 34m Children Who Chase Lost VoicesChildren Who Chase Lost Voices2011 · ★ 7.2 · 1h 56m The Cat ReturnsThe Cat Returns2002 · ★ 7.1 · 1h 15m The Jungle BookThe Jungle Book2016 · ★ 6.9 · 1h 46m

Questions

How long is Where the Wild Things Are?
Where the Wild Things Are runs 101 minutes (1h 41m).
Is Where the Wild Things Are worth watching?
TMDB users give it 6.5/10 across 2,070 votes, which places it #133 of 242 films released in 2009 in this index (top 45%) and #644 among 1079 fantasy titles.
Who directed Where the Wild Things Are?
Where the Wild Things Are was directed by Spike Jonze. Other well-rated titles by the same director: Her (2013), Being John Malkovich (1999), Adaptation. (2002).
Who stars in Where the Wild Things Are?
Max Records as Max; Catherine Keener as Mom; James Gandolfini as Carol (voice); Lauren Ambrose as KW (voice); Catherine O'Hara as Judith (voice); Forest Whitaker as Ira (voice).
What is Where the Wild Things Are rated?
It carries a pg certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for Where the Wild Things Are?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/12642.

Browse

Best of 2009Best fantasyFantasy of the 2000sBest adventureAdventure of the 2000sBest dramaDrama of the 2000sBest familyFamily of the 2000sAll lists
MTDb·Best films by year, genre and runtime·A century in numbers·Browse and watch trailers

Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.