When was The House with a Clock in Its Walls released?

Its world release date was 15 September 2018. It opened in US cinemas on 21 September 2018, followed by a digital release on 27 November 2018 and a physical media release on 18 December 2018.

Where can I watch The House with a Clock in Its Walls?

In the US it is streaming on Netflix, including the Standard with Ads plan. You can also rent or buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube and Fandango At Home.

Who is in the cast of The House with a Clock in Its Walls?

Jack Black plays Jonathan Barnavelt, Cate Blanchett plays Florence Zimmerman and Owen Vaccaro plays Lewis Barnavelt. The cast also includes Kyle MacLachlan, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Colleen Camp, Sunny Suljic and Vanessa Anne Williams.

How long is The House with a Clock in Its Walls, and is it suitable for kids?

The film runs 105 minutes. It is rated PG in the US, so it is aimed at family audiences, though its spooky haunted-house atmosphere may be a little intense for very young children.

Is The House with a Clock in Its Walls based on a book?

Yes. The film is based on a novel. Eli Roth directed it from a screenplay by Eric Kripke.

The House with a Clock in Its Walls (2018): Cast & Plot

Plot Summary (No Spoilers)

Set in the 1950s, The House with a Clock in Its Walls follows Lewis Barnavelt (Owen Vaccaro), a ten-year-old who has lost his parents and has to start over in an unfamiliar home. His new guardian is his Uncle Jonathan (Jack Black), an eccentric who lives in a rambling old house full of strange corners, secret passageways and clocks of every kind. Yet one ticking sound can’t be traced to any of them. It seems to come from somewhere inside the walls.

Lewis soon discovers that Jonathan is no ordinary relative. He is a warlock, and the boy is drawn into a world of magic that also includes Florence Zimmerman (Cate Blanchett). Eager to belong, Lewis begins learning spells of his own, only to find that magic carries real consequences. One rash decision stirs up dark forces, and uncovering the secret hidden in the house becomes far more urgent than anyone expected.

Wrapped in a Halloween atmosphere of pumpkins, shadows and creaking floorboards, the film mixes spooky mystery with comedy and a heartfelt story about family and finding your place.

The House with a Clock in Its Walls — Mood illustration, not a still from the film — Mood illustration, not a still from the film

Cast, Director and What Makes It Notable

Director: Eli Roth
Screenplay: Eric Kripke, based on a novel
Main cast: Jack Black (Jonathan Barnavelt), Cate Blanchett (Florence Zimmerman), Owen Vaccaro (Lewis Barnavelt), Kyle MacLachlan (Isaac Izard), Renée Elise Goldsberry (Selena Izard), Colleen Camp (Mrs. Hanchett), Sunny Suljic (Tarby Corrigan), Vanessa Anne Williams (Rose Rita Pottinger), Braxton Bjerken (Woody Mingo) and Lorenza Izzo (Mother)
Genres: Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
Origin: A US–India co-production from Amblin Entertainment, Reliance Entertainment and Mythology Entertainment, filmed in English
Runtime: 105 minutes

The film stands out for its blend of genres. It is a family adventure that borrows the look and mood of a haunted-house story while keeping a playful, comic tone. Pairing Jack Black and Cate Blanchett as the adult leads gives the magical world two very different screen presences, and the 1950s setting adds a nostalgic, storybook feel. The tagline sums up the premise neatly: “This house knows what makes you tick.”

Review snapshot: If you are looking for a review, audience reception on TMDB averages 6.25 out of 10 from more than 2,300 votes, a fairly positive response from viewers.

Who Will Enjoy It

Families looking for a spooky but PG-rated Halloween movie night
Fans of fantasy stories about young people discovering magic
Viewers who like haunted houses, hidden passageways and old-fashioned mysteries
Fans of Jack Black’s comedic style or Cate Blanchett’s work outside drama
Anyone who enjoys films adapted from children’s novels

Release Date and Where to Watch

The film’s world release date was 15 September 2018. In the United States it opened in cinemas on 21 September 2018, rated PG. It then arrived on digital on 27 November 2018 and on physical media on 18 December 2018.

Where to watch in the US:

Streaming: Netflix (including Netflix Standard with Ads)
Rent or buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube and Fandango At Home

Streaming availability can change, so it is worth checking your service before pressing play. An official trailer is also available.

Trailer

Cast

Jack Blackas Jonathan Barnavelt
Cate Blanchettas Florence Zimmerman
Owen Vaccaroas Lewis Barnavelt
Kyle MacLachlanas Isaac Izard
Renée Elise Goldsberryas Selena Izard
Colleen Campas Mrs. HanchettSee credits →
Sunny Suljicas Tarby Corrigan
Lorenza Izzoas Mother

Photo: TMDB

FAQ

When was The House with a Clock in Its Walls released?: Its world release date was 15 September 2018. It opened in US cinemas on 21 September 2018, followed by a digital release on 27 November 2018 and a physical media release on 18 December 2018.
Where can I watch The House with a Clock in Its Walls?: In the US it is streaming on Netflix, including the Standard with Ads plan. You can also rent or buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube and Fandango At Home.
Who is in the cast of The House with a Clock in Its Walls?: Jack Black plays Jonathan Barnavelt, Cate Blanchett plays Florence Zimmerman and Owen Vaccaro plays Lewis Barnavelt. The cast also includes Kyle MacLachlan, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Colleen Camp, Sunny Suljic and Vanessa Anne Williams.
How long is The House with a Clock in Its Walls, and is it suitable for kids?: The film runs 105 minutes. It is rated PG in the US, so it is aimed at family audiences, though its spooky haunted-house atmosphere may be a little intense for very young children.
Is The House with a Clock in Its Walls based on a book?: Yes. The film is based on a novel. Eli Roth directed it from a screenplay by Eric Kripke.

Sources

Viewer comments

Loading comments…