“Spielberg has made a film that is both a celebration of childhood wonder and a meditation on the power of storytelling.”
A.O. Scott
The New York Times

United States"The world is more giant than you can imagine."
Steven Spielberg returns to the realm of childhood wonder with this live-action adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic novel. The story centers on Sophie, a ten-year-old orphan living in a dreary London children's home, whose life changes forever when she spots a colossal figure gliding past her window one foggy night. This giant, known as the Big Friendly Giant or BFG, sweeps her off her feet and transports her to a hidden realm far beyond human sight.
Unlike his man-eating kin who hunt for food, the BFG collects sweet dreams from sleeping children and delivers them through chimneys. He speaks in a unique mix of English and invented words called gobbledegook. When he realizes that the other giants plan to invade London to feast on humans, he teams up with Sophie to stop them. Their unlikely alliance requires courage, cleverness, and a trip to Buckingham Palace to convince the Queen of their existence.
Stream
Availability and pricing can change. Confirm on the provider's site before purchasing.
Sophie wakes up in a quiet London children's home where the matron treats the girls with cold indifference. Her nights are spent staring out the window at the moonlit city, dreaming of escape from her lonely existence. One restless evening, she sees a massive shape moving silently through the streets. Before she can process what she is seeing, a giant hand grabs her and lifts her high into the air. She finds herself whisked away from the safety of her bed and transported across the ocean to a mist-shrouded landscape known as Giant Country.
Here, Sophie meets the Big Friendly Giant, a towering but gentle creature distinguished by his oversized ears and a fondness for snozzcumbers, a foul-tasting vegetable he eats to avoid eating people. The BFG explains that he is different from the other giants because he refuses to harm humans. He spends his nights flying over cities like London to capture sweet dreams from sleeping children and deliver them through chimneys. However, his peaceful mission is threatened by a pack of man-eating giants led by the terrifying Fleshlumpeater, who view the BFG as a traitor for refusing to join their cannibalistic crusade.
Initially terrified, Sophie soon realizes that the BFG is not the monster she feared. The two form an unlikely bond, communicating through a mix of broken English and the BFG's invented language. As they grow closer, Sophie learns of the BFG's tragic backstory: he was exiled from his own kind for refusing to eat people, leaving him alone until he met Sophie. The central conflict escalates when the BFG reveals his plan to stop the man-eating giants from invading London. With the help of Sophie's sharp mind and quick thinking, the duo devises a daring strategy to expose the giants' evil deeds to the human authorities.
Their journey takes them back to London, where they must convince the Queen of the giants' existence. The stakes are incredibly high; if they fail, the man-eating giants will descend upon the city, leading to chaos and destruction. Along the way, Sophie proves herself to be more than just a child. She becomes a strategist, a diplomat, and a brave ally who helps the BFG navigate the treacherous political landscape of the British government. The film builds tension as the pair races against time to prepare for the inevitable confrontation, showcasing themes of friendship, courage, and the power of believing in the impossible.
The narrative focuses heavily on the relationship between Sophie and the BFG. Through their adventure, Sophie finds a family in the BFG, while the BFG discovers a purpose beyond his solitary life. The story culminates in a tense standoff where the fate of both the human and giant worlds hangs in the balance. Sophie uses her knowledge of the BFG's language and the Queen's trust to rally support for their cause. The film balances moments of genuine fear with whimsical wonder, creating a magical atmosphere that appeals to both children and adults. The visual effects bring the fantastical elements to life, making the giants feel real and imposing yet ultimately harmless when guided by kindness.
Official Trailer
Critical Consensus
Steven Spielberg's The BFG is a visually stunning adaptation that captures the whimsical spirit of Roald Dahl's beloved novel. While some critics found the pacing sluggish and the emotional depth lacking compared to other Spielberg films, the movie succeeds in its ambition to bring a magical world to life. Mark Rylance's performance as the titular character anchors the film, offering a heartwarming portrayal of a gentle giant. The special effects are impressive, creating a believable yet fantastical environment that appeals to both children and adults.
“Spielberg has made a film that is both a celebration of childhood wonder and a meditation on the power of storytelling.”
A.O. Scott
The New York Times
“Mark Rylance is a revelation as the BFG, bringing a depth and warmth to the role that makes the giant feel like a real person.”
Peter Travers
Rolling Stone
“While the film may not reach the heights of Spielberg's best work, it is a delightful journey that captures the magic of Dahl's imagination.”
David Ehrlich
IndieWire
“The BFG is a charming and visually spectacular film that will delight audiences of all ages.”
Richard Roeper
Chicago Sun-Times
Director
Steven Spielberg
Writers
Melissa Mathison, Roald Dahl
Composer
John Williams
Cinematographer
Janusz Kamiński
Producers
Frank Marshall, Sam Mercer, Steven Spielberg
Academy Awards (2017)
Best Visual Effects: Nominated
BAFTA Awards (2017)
Best Special Visual Effects: Nominated
Saturn Awards (2017)
Best Fantasy Film: Won
Saturn Awards (2017)
Best Performance by a Young Actor: Nominated
Saturn Awards (2017)
Best Music: Nominated
Join the community
fans discussing