Big Daddy

"Nature called. Look who answered."

1999 1h 33m EN

👍

6.5

SOLID

★6.5TMDB · 3,676

ComedyDrama

Synopsis

Spoiler shield

A lazy law school grad adopts a kid to impress his girlfriend, but everything doesn't go as planned. Now he's forced to grow up while navigating the challenges of fatherhood.

“Nature called. Look who answered.”

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Where to watch · US

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Cast

Adam Sandler
Sonny
Joey Lauren Adams
Layla
Jon Stewart
Kevin
Cole Sprouse
Julian
Dylan Sprouse
Julian
Josh Mostel
Mr. Brooks
Leslie Mann
Corinne
Allen Covert
Phil

Credits

Behind the camera

Director: Dennis Dugan
Writers: Steve Franks, Tim Herlihy, Adam Sandler
Languages: English, Italian
Countries: United States of America

Want more? Switch to Cinephile mode in the header for DP, composer, budget, box office, production companies, keywords, and release history.

Did you know?

Fun facts 🍿

1 / 8

MONEY

Did you know

Made its money back 6.9× over at the box office.

MoodPlayr · trivia#01

2 / 8

ERA

Did you know

27 years old — old enough to be someone's favourite childhood film.

MoodPlayr · trivia#02

3 / 8

WORLD

Did you know

Dialogue crosses 2 languages: English, Italian.

MoodPlayr · trivia#03

4 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Directed by Dennis Dugan, shot by Theo van de Sande. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.

MoodPlayr · trivia#04

5 / 8

CAST

Did you know

Original score by Teddy Castellucci. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.

MoodPlayr · trivia#05

6 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Editor Jeff Gourson shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.

MoodPlayr · trivia#06

7 / 8

CAST

Did you know

Adam Sandler and Joey Lauren Adams and Jon Stewart carry the top of the cast.

MoodPlayr · trivia#07

8 / 8

FACT

Did you know

Marketing tagline: "Nature called. Look who answered.".

MoodPlayr · trivia#08

Cinephile deep dive

The take

Dennis Dugan directs. Theo van de Sande behind the camera. Teddy Castellucci scores. Jeff Gourson cuts. Runs lean at under 100 minutes. Made its budget back several times over at the box office. Produced in United States of America. Dialogue in English, Italian.

Trivia

Things worth knowing

1Made its money back 6.9× over at the box office.
227 years old — old enough to be someone's favourite childhood film.
3Dialogue crosses 2 languages: English, Italian.
4Directed by Dennis Dugan, shot by Theo van de Sande. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.
5Original score by Teddy Castellucci. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.
6Editor Jeff Gourson shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.
7Adam Sandler and Joey Lauren Adams and Jon Stewart carry the top of the cast.
8Marketing tagline: "Nature called. Look who answered.".
9IMDB entry: tt0142342 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.
10Classified under 11 themes, including "bachelor", "vomit", "syracuse university", "law school".

The technical file

Cinematography: Theo van de Sande
Original score: Teddy Castellucci
Editing: Jeff Gourson
Production design: Perry Andelin Blake
Costume design: Ellen Lutter
Sound: Paul Massey
Stunt coordinator: G.A. Aguilar
Runtime: 93 min · 1h 33m
Aspect ratio (typical): 1.37:1 (Academy)
Status: Released
Budget: $34,200,000
Box office: $234,801,895
Return: 687% of budget
Original language: EN
Certification (US): PG-13
IMDB: Big Daddy (1999)

Awards

Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Movie

Individual records documented via Wikidata; the summary above may count more.

Also by

Dennis Dugan

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Wallpaper

Trailers & featurettes

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Community reviews

What people are saying

Kamurai2020-10-03
★ 6/10
Good watch, could watch agian, and can recommeond. While it's a typical Happy Madiosn / Adam Sandler, the importance of the child's welfare kind of balances it out as far as "seriousness" goes. The humor stands up, even if some of it is problematic, but even then that was the point, to push boundaries. It's a funny, charming movie that reminds of a time when I didn't like Leslie Mann, mostly because she got written into to some jerk roles, more than just being a straight man, like "vengeful woman" jerk, and even with her being "in the right" about it, she still comes off a a villain, in place of an antagonist other than "life". The movie is exactly what the premise is: by horrible circumstance some kid gets stuck with Adam Sandler, comedy ensues. Nothing really special, but it's not bad even after 20 years.
Andre Gonzales2023-04-30
★ 10/10
One of my favorite Adam Sandler movies. This movie is hilarious. My daughter loved this movie as a kid as well. Now that she is a teen she loves Adam Sandler but always calls him big daddy. She says that's the only way she could remember him.
tmdb516161672024-09-03
★ 9/10
"Big Daddy," starring Adam Sandler and the Sprouse twins, is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences with its humor and heartwarming storyline. Adam Sandler shines in his role as a goofy and over-the-top character who unexpectedly finds himself in a fatherly role, displaying both comical antics and genuine love for the child in his care. The film's blend of humor and heart makes it a truly memorable and enduring piece of cinema. "Big Daddy" has proven its lasting appeal, consistently ranking among the top movies on streaming platforms like Netflix and earning a spot in movie lovers' hearts. Sandler's performance in the movie is hailed as one of his best, with memorable lines that leave a lasting impression, such as the iconic "I wipe my own ass" moment. Unlike many modern films, "Big Daddy" has a rare quality that keeps audiences laughing out loud throughout the entire viewing experience. It's a film that tugs at heartstrings, captures attention, and delivers genuine moments of laughter and joy. Overall, "Big Daddy" is a true gem that continues to bring smiles to viewers of all ages.