Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

Name: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
Genre: Family, Fantasy, Comedy
Released: 1971-06-29
Cast: Peter Ostrum, Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson, Diana Sowle, Julie Dawn Cole

1971 | 100 min | Family, Fantasy, Comedy

Saturday Special

Why it’s a Saturday Special

People are still talking about it, it earned strong reviews (92% on Rotten Tomatoes) and audiences rate it highly (7.5 out of 10), despite a box office loss. A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it: Made for anyone who wants a laugh, fantasy fans and families. If you loved Grease, start here.
The mood: Light and funny, feel-good.
The pace: Breezy, at 1 hr 40 min.
What might put you off: Made in 1971: an older pace and style.

When eccentric candy man Willy Wonka promises a lifetime supply of sweets and a tour of his chocolate factory to five lucky kids, penniless Charlie Bucket seeks the golden ticket that will make him a winner.

How it earned its rating

CriticsStrong
92% on Rotten Tomatoes
AudiencesStrong
7.5 out of 10
AwardsSolid
Won 1 Golden Globe: Golden Globe Awards: National Film Preservation Board. Also nominated for 1 Oscar and 1 more Golden Globe. Plus 1 other award.
Box office & staying powerBelow par
$2 million worldwide on a $3 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
Buzz & cultural impactVery strong
About 727K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

Cast & crew

Directed by Mel Stuart

Peter OstrumCharlie
Gene WilderWilly Wonka
Jack AlbertsonGrandpa Joe
Diana SowleMrs. Bucket
Julie Dawn ColeVeruca Salt
Roy KinnearMr. Salt
Denise NickersonViolet Beauregarde
Leonard StoneMr. Beauregarde
Paris ThemmenMike Teevee
Nora DenneyMrs. Teevee