SummaryCaptured 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 it all to... Read More
Directed By:Simon Wincer
Written By:Keith Walker, Corey Blechman
Free Willy
Metascore
Generally Favorable
79
User score
Generally Favorable
6.9
My Score
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Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
79
86% Positive
12 Reviews
12 Reviews
14% Mixed
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 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.
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]
User score
Generally Favorable
6.9
57% Positive
42 Ratings
42 Ratings
38% Mixed
28 Ratings
28 Ratings
5% Negative
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
Nov 10, 2016
10
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
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.
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.
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]
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.
50
It's all pretty involving and sweetly ingratiating in a Charlotte's Web-by kind of way.
Jun 5, 2011
10
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!
Jun 5, 2011
10
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!
May 31, 2011
10
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...
Aug 27, 2011
4
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.
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
Tagline:A 12 year old street kid. A 3 ton orca whale. A friendship you could never imagine. An adventure you'll never forget.
Awards
MTV Movie + TV Awards
• 1 Win & 3 Nominations
Young Artist Awards
• 2 Wins & 2 Nominations
BMI Film & TV Awards
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
