The Way Way Back

The Way Way Back

We've all been there.

Directed by Jim Rash, Nat Faxon

Produced by Sycamore Pictures, OddLot Entertainment

2013103 min7.1 / 10

A warm, nostalgic coming-of-age comedy about a shy teenager finding friendship and confidence during a transformative summer at the beach.

Shy 14-year-old Duncan goes on summer vacation with his mother, her overbearing boyfriend, and her boyfriend's daughter. Having a rough time fitting in, Duncan finds an unexpected friend in Owen, manager of the Water Wizz water park.

Where to watch

Questions people ask

  • Is The Way Way Back easy watching? Yes, very. More comforting than 95% of films.

  • Does The Way Way Back end with hope? Yes, very. More hopeful than 90% of films.

  • Is The Way Way Back one of a kind? Barely. Less singular than 87% of films.

  • Is The Way Way Back violent? Barely. Less violent than 86% of films.

  • Is The Way Way Back scary? Barely. Less frightening than 84% of films.

  • Is The Way Way Back sad? About average. Almost exactly mid-range.

These describe how the film comes across, measured across the whole film and compared with other well-known films. They are not a content list — nothing here was counted or checked scene by scene, so for age-suitability or specific content use a classification board or a dedicated content-warning service.

48/ 100

Cinnamon Score

How much this film gives you that nothing else will, and whether it delivers.

Familiar shape, done well.

Rarity18

How unlike any other film this one feels

Surprise66

How much more it delivers than it promises

Love72

How much audiences actually like it

The highest scores in the catalogue →

Ensemble

Everything like The Way Way Back, and what each one shares →

Like The Way Way Back

Nearest across the full emotional profile.

Same Mood as The Way Way Back

Nearest on what's most distinctive about this one.

Like The Way Way Back, But Darker

Similar, pushed toward heavier and more intense.

Like The Way Way Back, But Lighter

Similar, pushed toward warmer and easier.

Like The Way Way Back, But Less Popular

Same territory, far fewer people have seen it.

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