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Cheaper by the Dozen

Cheaper by the Dozen

The more...the scarier!

200398 minPGMidcredits score: 46th percentile of all films
Director
Shawn Levy
Starring
Steve Martin, Bonnie Hunt, Hilary Duff, Tom Welling

The Baker brood moves to Chicago after patriarch Tom gets a job coaching football at Northwestern University, forcing his writer wife, Kate, and the couple's 12 children to make a major adjustment. The transition works well until work demands pull the parents away from home, leaving the kids bored -- and increasingly mischievous.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Cheaper by the Dozen?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Cheaper by the Dozen streaming on Disney+ and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Cheaper by the Dozen?

Cheaper by the Dozen earns 12 badges, led by Guilty pleasure and Word-of-mouth hit.

Show 4 more
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content
  • Cast

Reception

Is Cheaper by the Dozen worth watching?

Cheaper by the Dozen's Midcredits score is the 46th percentile of all films, from 404K ratings across 6 sources. 40% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

46th percentile

Better received than 46% of films

52nd percentile among Comedy44th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)53rd
Approval (how many liked it)38th

62 /100

53rd percentile of all films

60th percentile among Comedy52nd percentile among 2000s

Critics 46 · Audience 63

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.2 — solid but not unanimous.

40% liked it

38th percentile of all films

41st percentile among Comedy35th percentile among 2000s
40% rated it 7–1060% rated it 1–6

Critics 25% · Audience 56%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 2 wins / 7 noms overall

98th percentile

403K ratings across platforms

98th percentile among Comedy96th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 24% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$40M
Opening weekend$28M
Domestic gross$139M
Worldwide gross$191M

Returned 4.8× its budget — 98th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A light, chaotic family comedy driven by slapstick and a large ensemble rather than realistic parenting or plot logic.

Fans praised

  • Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt bring warmth and comic authority
  • Spirited child cast with strong chemistry
  • Genuinely funny slapstick and family-friendly humor

Detractors panned

  • Children are selfish, undisciplined brats with no redeeming arc
  • Script is contrived, with forced tonal shifts between schmaltz and gross-out
  • Teaches that kids get their way by being difficult

What stands out

ActingDivisive62

Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt praised as warm anchors; child cast has energy but some critics call performances bratty or one-note

HumorDivisive55

Many find it genuinely funny slapstick; detractors call it tasteless or unfunny

Pacing50

Bouncy comedy pace but some scenes drag toward serious ending

Dialogue40

Generic lines elevated by Martin and Hunt's delivery; few quotable moments

CharactersDivisive35

Children written as selfish, undisciplined brats with little individual development

Plot and story30

Thin, contrived story where parents give up dreams due to kid rebellion

EndingDivisive30

Parents abandon dreams; feels unsatisfying and unearned

Originality20

Unoriginal remake bearing faint resemblance to source; formulaic family comedy

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 12 points higher than men.

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Under-30s

Under-30s scored it 12 points higher than over-30s.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Critics vs users 3 points apart
  • US vs non-US 5 points apart

Watch experience

What is Cheaper by the Dozen like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something warm that leaves you smiling.

It is gentle and funny and leaves you feeling good. Skip it when you want something with weight.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
JoyfulWarmAbsurd
Heaviest: late
Warm humor
Register
WarmPlayful
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its family chaos straight for laughs but wears its heart on its sleeve.
The rideThe film maintains a light, affectionate tone throughout, with the most emotionally weighty moments reserved for the resolution.
StructureThe film tells the story in a conventional beginning, middle, and end, following the family's move, conflict, and reconciliation.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

The answer rests on this: Feel-goodFun
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you with a warm, satisfied feeling of family unity and amusement.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).RebirthHealing
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% · Healing 5% (this title) · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Healing: Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).

13% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe Baker family's move to Evanston strains their bond, and the story follows their journey back to unity, fitting a family-healing rebirth.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% (this title) · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bondsAmbition · 7% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores the strain and ultimate resilience of a large family when thrown into disarray by a parent's competing ambitions.
StanceThe film celebrates the chaos and strength of family, ultimately affirming that family bonds are worth the trouble.

The world

ContemporarySuburbanDomesticInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernPopRockSupportive music · hybrid · Christophe Beck
SettingA large family home in a small American town, plus a local high school football field.
MusicThe score uses warm orchestral cues and upbeat pop/rock songs to reinforce the humorous and heartwarming tone.

Content guide

Is Cheaper by the Dozen okay for kids?

PG

Cheaper by the Dozen is rated PG: “Rated PG for language and some thematic elements” (MPAA). As of September 28, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (24/100), sexual content at mild (20/100), language at minimal (5/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (21/100) and frightening material at mild (16/100). Overall it is heavier than 7% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 20 other countries
  • UKPG
  • CanadaPG
  • AustraliaG
  • Germany0
  • FranceU
  • Ireland12
  • JapanPG12
  • South KoreaALL
  • BrazilL
  • AustriaAA
  • BGB
  • CzechiaU
  • GreecePG
  • Hungary12
  • NetherlandsAL
  • Poland12
  • PortugalPG
  • RO12
  • SpainAPTA
  • SwedenBtl
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 2% of all filmsHeavier than 7% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 24%
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 45%
Profanity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 7%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 38%
Frightening / Intense
Mild
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 13%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is violence, heavier than 24% of PG-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Cheaper by the Dozen have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Cheaper by the Dozen?

Cast

3 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen; 1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Steve Martin
as Tom Baker
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Bonnie Hunt
as Kate Baker
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Hilary Duff
as Lorraine Baker
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Tom Welling
as Charlie Baker
Piper Perabo
as Nora Baker
newcomer then · star now
Kevin G. Schmidt
as Henry Baker
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Alyson Stoner
as Sarah Baker
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Jacob Smith
as Jake Baker
Liliana Mumy
as Jessica Baker
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Morgan York
as Kim Baker
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Cheaper by the Dozen?

Movies like Cheaper by the Dozen include Cheaper by the Dozen 2 (2005), Cheaper by the Dozen (2022) and Big Fat Liar (2002). Of the 12 closest matches, most are films set in the suburbs, and most are films that feel joyful.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

Ernestine Gilbreth Carey wrote 3 of these 12. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Cheaper by the Dozen?

7.8K other films share the rarest tag below, follows: parent. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.