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The Spiderwick Chronicles

The Spiderwick Chronicles

Their world is closer than you think.

200896 minPGMidcredits score: 68th percentile of all films
Director
Mark Waters
Starring
Freddie Highmore, Sarah Bolger, David Strathairn, Mary-Louise Parker

Upon moving into the run-down Spiderwick Estate with their mother, twin brothers Jared and Simon Grace, along with their sister Mallory, find themselves pulled into an alternate world full of faeries and other creatures.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Spiderwick Chronicles?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Spiderwick Chronicles streaming on Paramount+, Peacock and Pluto TV (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Spiderwick Chronicles?

The Spiderwick Chronicles earns 3 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Award Winner.

  • Reception
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is The Spiderwick Chronicles worth watching?

The Spiderwick Chronicles' Midcredits score is the 68th percentile of all films, from 297K ratings across 6 sources. 57% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

68th percentile

Better received than 68% of films

81st percentile among Action66th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)72nd
Approval (how many liked it)62nd

68 /100

72nd percentile of all films

85th percentile among Action71st percentile among 2000s

Critics 62 · Audience 68

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.7 — solid but not unanimous.

57% liked it

62nd percentile of all films

74th percentile among Action59th percentile among 2000s
57% rated it 7–1043% rated it 1–6

Critics 81% · Audience 63%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 2 wins / 8 noms overall

98th percentile

297K ratings across platforms

95th percentile among Action96th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 13% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$90M
Opening weekend$19M
Domestic gross$71M
Worldwide gross$164M

Returned 1.8× its budget — 89th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is a fast, effects-driven fantasy adventure aimed at children, with a visibly compressed adaptation of five books.

Fans praised

  • Immediate, brisk pacing that holds attention
  • Freddie Highmore's dual-role performance distinguishing the twins
  • Visually impressive creature effects and CGI

Detractors panned

  • Shrill, repetitive family arguments exhaust the viewer
  • Blatantly derivative of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings
  • Jared's reckless decisions undermine logic and stakes

What stands out

Effects and spectacleDivisive70

Impressive goblin, griffin and transformation CGI

ActingDivisive65

Highmore capably differentiates the twins; adult support mixed

PacingDivisive60

Swift and never dull, but feels breathless and truncated

Plot and storyDivisive30

Rushed compression of five books leaves holes and incoherence

Preferred by

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

  • Women vs men 1 point apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 3 points apart
  • Critics vs users 7 points apart
  • US vs non-US 8 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Spiderwick Chronicles like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Fun ride: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want a fun ride.

It is intense, has a few laughs and leaves you fired up.

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

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Fun ride.

The answer rests on this: Moods
ThrillingTenseWarm
Heaviest: late
Register
Adventurous · 11% of filmsSolemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Warm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its fantasy premise straight, treating the magical world as real and dangerous, while balancing moments of wonder and family warmth.
The rideThe film shifts between family drama and magical encounters, building toward a climactic confrontation while maintaining a sense of wonder.
StructureThe film follows a conventional three-act structure: the discovery of the guide, the escalating threat from Mulgarath, and the final confrontation. Flashbacks provide context about Arthur Spiderwick but do not disrupt the linear progression.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Fired up.

The answer rests on this: Rousing · 10% of filmsHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves the viewer feeling uplifted and inspired, as the family bonds and overcomes the threat, with a sense of wonder about the hidden world.
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).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% (this title) · 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%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Oppressive state: A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).

21% of films fit this archetype

with Quest underneath

Why this archetypeThe story follows a family who discovers a hidden world of creatures and must protect a powerful book from an evil ogre and his goblin army. The primary arc is defeating the monster that threatens their home and the wider world, with a secondary quest to rescue Arthur Spiderwick.

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% (this title) · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · 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 bondsIdentity · 14% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on the Grace siblings and their mother coming together to face a magical threat, strengthening their family bonds despite the strain of divorce and moving.
StanceThe film celebrates the value of family and the courage to believe in the unseen, ultimately affirming the strength that comes from sticking together.

The world

Contemporary
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score
SettingA crumbling Victorian estate surrounded by woods that teem with invisible creatures

Content guide

Is The Spiderwick Chronicles okay for kids?

PG

The Spiderwick Chronicles is rated PG: “Rated PG for scary creature action and violence, peril and some thematic elements” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (60/100), sexual content at minimal (10/100), language at mild (24/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (9/100) and frightening material at intense (62/100). Overall it is heavier than 86% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 19 other countries
  • UKPG
  • Canada14A
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany6
  • FranceTP
  • IrelandPG
  • JapanG
  • South KoreaALL
  • BrazilL
  • Austria6
  • CzechiaU
  • Hungary12
  • Netherlands6
  • Poland12
  • PortugalM/12
  • ROAP
  • Spain7
  • Sweden11
  • Switzerland12
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 36% of all filmsHeavier than 86% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 91%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 16%
Profanity
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 43%
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 16%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 91%

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

The reason to think twice is frightening material and violence. Everything else sits at or below what PG-rated films usually carry.

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 The Spiderwick Chronicles have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Spiderwick Chronicles?

Cast

1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Freddie Highmore
as Jared
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.
Sarah Bolger
as Mallory
David Strathairn
as Arthur Spiderwick
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Mary-Louise Parker
as Helen
Nick Nolte
as Mulgarath
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.
Joan Plowright
as Aunt Lucinda
Andrew McCarthy
as Richard
Seth Rogen
as Hogsqueal
Martin Short
as Thimbletack
Jordy Benattar
as Young Lucinda
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Spiderwick Chronicles?

Movies like The Spiderwick Chronicles include Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005), Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989) and Mr. Popper's Penguins (2011). Of the 12 closest matches, most are stories about siblings, and most are fantasy films.

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

All 12 share its subject: family bonds. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Spiderwick Chronicles?

559 other films share the rarest tag below, premise: chosen one. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.