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Summary Captured at sea and confined in a small tank at an aquatic park, Willy (Keiko the Orca whale) is an unhappy and unpredictable attraction. No one understands Willy - except a scruffy street kid named Jesse who knows what it's like to be without a family. Together these two form a special bond -- one so strong that they're willing to risk ...

Directed By: Simon Wincer

Written By: Keith Walker, Corey Blechman

Free Willy

Metascore Generally Favorable Based on 14 Critic Reviews
79
User Score Generally Favorable Based on 70 User Ratings
6.8
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Summary Captured at sea and confined in a small tank at an aquatic park, Willy (Keiko the Orca whale) is an unhappy and unpredictable attraction. No one understands Willy - except a scruffy street kid named Jesse who knows what it's like to be without a family. Together these two form a special bond -- one so strong that they're willing to risk ...

Directed By: Simon Wincer

Written By: Keith Walker, Corey Blechman

Where to Watch

Coming Soon
Not available in your country?
ExpressVPN
Get 3 Extra months free
$6.67/mth

Top Cast

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 14 Critic Reviews
79
86% Positive
12 Reviews
14% Mixed
2 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 14 Critic Reviews
79
86% Positive
12 Reviews
14% Mixed
2 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
100
An astute, intelligent family picture, the film is a potent reminder that you can have your heart in the right place and still produce a gripping, satisfying entertainment.
By Leonard Klady FULL REVIEW
90
There's a muscular sincerity to this movie, a power and spread to its imagery that triumphs over the occasional candied purple patches or strained plot twists. [16 Jul 1993 Pg. F1]
By Michael Wilmington

User Reviews

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User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 70 User Ratings
6.8
56% Positive
39 Ratings
39% Mixed
27 Ratings
6% Negative
4 Ratings

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 70 User Ratings
6.8
56% Positive
39 Ratings
39% Mixed
27 Ratings
6% Negative
4 Ratings

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
Nov 10, 2016
10
Kingofdanerds
This is one of my favorite movie involving animals and friendship. The movie has memorable moments and one of the best songs by Michael Jackson. This is the best one in the Free Willy series. 10/10
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Nov 3, 2015
10
Jollyjoe1000
[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]
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90
Actually, the film's more serious side is beautifully balanced by the joy we experience as both Jesse and Willy come into their own.
By Hal Hinson FULL REVIEW
80
How each frees the other is the stuff of Free Willy, which is as engaging as such films can be without offering rude surprises.
By Vincent Canby FULL REVIEW
63
The film does what it can to dramatize the bond, but Richter has a disproportionate acting load because his co-star's emoting is below the water line. Happily, he carries it. [16 Jul 1993 Pg. 08.D]
By Mike Clark
63
This is one of those unusual films that is capable of enthralling those under twelve while not sending older members of the audience rushing for the exit.
By James Berardinelli FULL REVIEW
50
It's all pretty involving and sweetly ingratiating in a Charlotte's Web-by kind of way.
By Marjorie Baumgarten FULL REVIEW
See All 14 Critic Reviews
Jun 5, 2011
10
MsMia
The best family film ever made that you can watch again and again and it never gets old! They don't ake movies like this anymore, long live Free Willy!
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Jun 5, 2011
10
MovieMadness
Brilliant, just brilliant! Amazing, this is a real family favorite and can be watched by everyone, no one dislikes this film! An amazing sense of adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat and falling in love all over again and again! 10 OUT OF 10! BRILLIANT!
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May 31, 2011
10
WeKnowFilms
This is one of the greatest movies to ever watch. Simply breathtaking. Jason James Richter is an amazing actor and Keiko the whale is a true gem. This is a movie that every person in the world has to watch...
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Jan 5, 2014
5
Iky009
Não grande coisa
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Aug 27, 2011
4
J-Shap
As bland as nineties rip-offs of E.T. could get, Free Willy copies that classic down to the smallest detail, but the bond is never felt between the boy and the whale, instead coming across as assembly mind fodder.
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See All 12 User Reviews

Details

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Production Company
  • Warner Bros.
  • Regency Enterprises
  • StudioCanal
  • Alcor Films
  • New Regency Productions
  • Le Studio Canal+
  • Donners' Company
  • Donner/Shuler-Donner Productions
  • Estudios Churubusco Azteca S.A.
  • Warner Bros. Family Entertainment
Release Date Jul 16, 1993
Duration 1 h 52 m
Rating PG
Genres
Tagline A 12 year old street kid. A 3 ton orca whale. A friendship you could never imagine. An adventure you'll never forget.
Website https://www.facebook.com/Free-Willy-195155847263490/
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Awards

MTV Movie + TV Awards
• 1 Win & 3 Nominations
Young Artist Awards
• 2 Wins & 2 Nominations
BMI Film & TV Awards
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination

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