--- title: "Big Hero 6" year: 2014 kind: "film" canonical: "https://film.one/film/big-hero-6" fi1m_score: 72 critics_score: 75 critics_reviews: 25 published: "2026-09-17T07:02:58.362755+00:00" updated: "2026-09-17T07:02:58.656700+00:00" region: "US" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Big Hero 6 (2014) Directed by Chris Williams, Don Hall · 1h 42m · MPA PG · Adventure, Family, Animation, Action, Comedy **Fi1m score: 72** · Critics 75 from 25 reviews *In a sentence:* A marshmallow nurse and a grieving boy make a lovely film, until somebody hands out the capes > Disney’s boy-and-robot film is warm, funny and precise for an hour, and Baymax, the inflatable nurse who cannot stop caring, is one of the studio’s best characters. Then it puts everyone in armour and becomes a superhero film we have seen before. ## Synopsis San Fransokyo, half San Francisco, half Tokyo. Hiro Hamada (Ryan Potter) is fourteen and hustles back-alley robot fights for cash. His brother Tadashi Hamada (Daniel Henney) wants him at the robotics lab, so he introduces him to his friends, GoGo Tomago (Jamie Chung), Wasabi (Damon Wayans Jr.), Honey Lemon (Genesis Rodriguez) and Fred (T.J. Miller), and to Baymax (Scott Adsit), the inflatable healthcare robot he has built. To win a place, Hiro builds microbots for the student exhibition, catching the eye of Professor Robert Callaghan (James Cromwell) and Alistair Krei (Alan Tudyk). Then a fire breaks out, and Hiro goes home to Aunt Cass (Maya Rudolph) with one brother fewer and a robot he did not ask for. ## Review Don Hall and Chris Williams have taken an obscure Marvel comic and thrown away nearly everything except the names. What they have built in its place is two films stapled together. The first is about a fourteen-year-old boy in a city called San Fransokyo, the brother he loses in a fire, and the inflatable medical robot the brother leaves behind. It is funny, tender and carefully judged. The second is a superhero origin story with a team, a villain in a kabuki mask and a big fight at the end, and it could have come from any studio with the software. The good film is good enough that we recommend the whole thing, but we should be honest about the join. The city is the first pleasure. San Fransokyo has San Francisco’s hills and cable cars, Tokyo’s signage and lanterns, and a bridge whose towers have been given the tops of shrine gates. Rob Dressel is credited with cinematography, which in animation means deciding where the camera goes, and he keeps it low and hurried through the alleys of the opening robot fight, then lets it climb once Baymax has been fitted with wings. The flight over the bay, weaving between wind turbines shaped like balloons, is the best five minutes in the film, and hardly anyone says a word during it. Henry Jackman’s score, electronic pulse under strings, does the talking there and sensibly goes quiet in the bedroom scenes. Baymax is the second pleasure and the larger one. His face is two dots and a line. He inflates out of a red case when Hiro stubs a toe, squeezes himself round the bedroom knocking things over and putting them back, and treats every human event, including grief, as a medical condition to be assessed on a scale of one to ten. Scott Adsit voices him flat, courteous and unhurried, and never once winks at us. We laughed out loud when his battery ran low and he began to slur like a man on his fourth pint, and we laughed again at his walk, which is the walk of someone who has never been in a hurry in his life. The film is also about a boy who has lost his brother, and it does not rush that. Hiro sits in his room with the door shut. Aunt Cass, voiced by Maya Rudolph, bakes too much and talks too fast. Baymax scans him, reports that his levels are low, and suggests that contact with friends might help. It moved us more than a film about an inflatable nurse had any right to, and the reason is that the robot never pretends to understand. He just does the next helpful thing. Ryan Potter gives Hiro a cracked, adolescent voice that goes small when it matters. Then the friends turn up, and the film becomes a franchise. GoGo, Wasabi, Honey Lemon and Fred are each given one trait, sharp, nervous, sweet and slacker, and Hiro builds them suits to match. T.J. Miller’s Fred, a rich boy who reads comics and wants to be turned into a lizard, gets the best lines of the four. The masked man who has stolen Hiro’s microbots is a shape more than a character, and the script by Daniel Gerson, Jordan Roberts and Robert L. Baird stops twice to tell us that science is good and revenge is bad. The final battle is microbots against armour in a collapsing space, and Tim Mertens cuts it fast and cleanly, but we had seen it before and so, we suspect, had he. We noticed, too, how quickly the film asks us to go from a boy crying on his bed to a rock song over a suiting-up montage, and the gear change grinds. Most critics have been kinder to the second half than we are, and they are right that it is never dull. Set against the studio’s own recent standard, though, this is less inventive than [*Wreck-It Ralph*](https://film.one/film/wreck-it-ralph) and less surely built than [*Frozen*](https://film.one/film/frozen). It has the studio’s confidence without the studio’s best material, and 102 minutes feels about ten too long. It is a PG, and a good one. Take a child. The child will want a Baymax afterwards, and so, if we are honest, did we. *Fi1m score 72, published 17 September 2026.* ## What the critics say Most critics respond warmly to Big Hero 6, with praise concentrated on Baymax’s design, physical comedy and gentle relationship with Hiro. The reviews repeatedly find that this friendship gives the film’s treatment of grief substance, rather than simply providing a pause between action sequences. The animation and hybrid city of San Fransokyo also draw broad approval for their colour, inventiveness and blend of Japanese and American influences. Several critics welcome the emphasis on science and compassion as heroic qualities. Reservations centre on the familiar superhero plotting, with some finding the team action less engaging than the central friendship. The spread runs from enthusiastic approval to qualified enjoyment, with no outright negative verdicts. Deadline embraces the team-up action and broad family appeal, while The Times finds the move into conventional superhero territory disappointing. Other reservations include thin supporting characters, uneven shifts in tone and an overstuffed story. ### Reviews we read (25) - **Film Comment**, Michael Sragow (85/100, inferred): The critic highlights the film's swift, inventive blend of action and whimsy, its pop-art poetry, and emotional depth, especially through the character of Baymax as a source of humanity and humor in the story of grief and heroism. [Read](https://www.filmcomment.com/big-hero-6-review/) - **The Hollywood Reporter**, THR Staff (85/100, inferred): The critic praises the vibrant mashup of East and West in this energetic animated romp, calling it an immensely satisfying follow-up to Frozen with strong emotional resonance. Baymax is singled out as stealing the show with his comic physical challenges. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/big-hero-6-film-review-742707/) - **Radio Times**, Sue Robinson (4/5): The film blends an East-meets-West tale of brotherly love, loss and heroism with intense action sequences in the hybrid city of San Fransokyo. It delivers a colourful, fun sugar-rush experience aimed squarely at kids despite some diluted messages. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-uhsfns/big-hero-6/) - **The New York Times**, Manohla Dargis (80/100, inferred): The critic finds the Disney animated feature bright and visually sumptuous with emotional depth, praising its Pixar-like wit and the standout inflatable robot Baymax. It is good enough to transcend a blah ending. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/07/movies/big-hero-6-an-animated-film-based-on-a-marvel-comic-book.html) - **The Telegraph**, Robbie Collin (80/100, inferred): The critic praises the inflatable robot Baymax as the standout character and highlights the film's old-fashioned physical comedy and visually extravagant animation in a hybrid San Fransokyo setting. [Read](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/11374364/Big-Hero-6-review-Disneys-most-visually-extravagant-animation-ever.html) - **Vulture** (80/100, inferred): The critic calls the film often wonderful and exciting yet notes emotional whiplash from its mix of fun action and heavy themes of loss and grief. The palpable sense of loss and Baymax's therapeutic role are singled out for praise. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2014/11/movie-review-big-hero-6.html) - **IndieWire**, Charles Solomon (75/100, inferred): The review highlights the film's blend of superhero action and emotional depth centered on loss and friendship, noting its appeal as a Disney-Marvel hybrid. Baymax is praised as a memorable, gentle character. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/culture/review-disneys-big-hero-6-123863/) - **Empire**, Dan Jolin (70/100, inferred): The critic finds the film a bright, energetic superhero origin story with strong visual verve and action, though the plot is somewhat formulaic. The standout element praised is the heartwarming, humorous friendship between Hiro and the wonderfully designed Baymax. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/big-hero-6-review/) - **Los Angeles Times**, Betsy Sharkey (70/100, inferred): The review highlights the huggable robot Baymax as the irresistible standout that steals the show and seals a franchise in this smart, forward-thinking yet emotionally old-fashioned world. It notes the film's edgier, grittier 21st-century sensibility compared to classic Disney fairy tales. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-big-hero-6-review-20141107-column.html) - **Screen Daily** (70/100, inferred): Disney and Marvel combine emotion, humour and cuteness with superhero action in a solidly entertaining sci-fi anime-influenced tale. It should win over a boy-skewing family audience even if it falls short of Frozen's appeal. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/big-hero-6/5078882.article) - **The AV Club**, Ignatiy Vishnevetsky (B-): The critic finds the film's fantastical layouts and bouncy animation imaginative and a highlight, but criticizes it as derivative in its superhero plot elements and team showdown. Baymax is singled out as a terrific, gentle image of technological promise. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/lovely-animation-and-design-elevate-the-derivative-big-1798181852) - **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (70/100, inferred): The critic finds the film visually striking in its Asian-fusion setting but derivative in its familiar origin-story approach, with the central boy-robot relationship giving way to a less interesting superhero team-up. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/jan/29/big-hero-6-review) - **Total Film**, Kevin Harley (70/100, inferred): The critic calls it a heart-melter after Frozen, with the sweet, witty pairing of Hiro and Baymax anchoring a busy super-group tale. Baymax is singled out for praise as the source of sustained heart and humour amid the superhero action. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/big-hero-6-review/) - **Variety**, Peter Debruge (70/100, inferred): The critic praises the reinvention of the obscure Marvel comic into an appealing superhero buddy movie with bright animation, positive lessons, and the unforgettable lovable robot Baymax. It notes the fresh origin story and multicultural design but finds it bogged down by a generic villain later on. [Read](https://variety.com/2014/film/festivals/film-review-big-hero-6-2-1201337195/) - **Slant Magazine** (65/100, inferred): The review describes the film as enjoyable and ambitious but awkwardly stuffed into a familiar superhero mold, with unsubtle moralizing. Baymax's physical gags and the micro-bots' textures are praised amid the overstuffed storylines. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/big-hero-6/) - **The Times** (60/100, inferred): The critic notes the film's bright start with an appealing robot and innovative setting but criticizes its shift into conventional superhero territory with routine action. [Read](https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/kingsman-and-big-hero-6-wkdljztrz9j) - **Time Out**, Jesse Hassenger (3/5): The animation is fluid and inventive, balancing action and slapstick, making it an enjoyable diversion that should delight kids. For adults it feels a little less unique than recent Disney hits like Wreck-It Ralph or Frozen. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/big-hero-6) - **Deadline**, Pete Hammond (90/100, inferred): The critic describes the film as pure Disney magic and a total charmer, grounded in the heartfelt relationship between the young protagonist Hiro and the lovable robot Baymax. He highlights its exciting team-up action, family appeal, and broad entertainment value that works for viewers of all ages. [Read](https://deadline.com/2014/11/big-hero-6-review-disney-animation-marvel-1201273322/) - **The Wrap**, Alonso Duralde (90/100, inferred): The critic praises the film as a witty, stylish superhero origin story with human feeling, diverse characters, and positive messages about science and compassion. He singles out the innovative visuals blending Japanese anime influences with an American context in the inventive setting of San Fransokyo. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/big-hero-6-review-disneys-superhero-epic-is-smart-translation-of-japanese-anime/) - **Collider**, Matt Goldberg (B+): The critic praises the film for making science cool and heroic through its story of young inventors becoming superheroes, highlighting the endearing robot Baymax and the emphasis on STEM and emotional healing. [Read](https://collider.com/big-hero-6-review/) - **Den of Geek**, Simon Brew (4/5): The critic notes that the film excels most in its early focus on Hiro's relationship with Baymax and themes of loneliness, delivering energy and confidence overall, though the later action sequences feel less compelling. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/big-hero-6-review-2/) - **Eye for Film**, Angus Wolfe Murray (80/100, inferred): The critic praises the film's innovative story involving an inflatable robot hero and its blend of courage and physics, noting the frenetic fun characters and unbroken pace. They single out the unique hero design as a standout. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/big-hero-6-2014-film-review-by-angus-wolfe-murray) - **Polygon**, Danielle Riendeau (80/100, inferred): The critic finds it a funnier and sweeter superhero origin story than average, praising the relatable diverse cast, core relationships especially with Baymax, and its blend of slapstick comedy and emotional depth. [Read](https://www.polygon.com/2014/11/6/7169885/big-hero-6-review-disney/) - **Digital Spy**, Simon Reynolds (75/100, inferred): The critic calls it a fun and engaging superhero origins tale that balances heart and visual spectacle, with Baymax as the standout loveable character, though it lacks the narrative sparkle of top Pixar films. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a624654/big-hero-6-review-disney-superhero-tale-has-heart-and-spectacle/) - **The Playlist**, The Playlist Staff (B/B+): The review finds the film visually glorious and emotionally touching in its exploration of grief through the Hiro-Baymax relationship, but criticizes its episodic structure, thin characters, and some missteps like the soundtrack. It praises Baymax's design as the greatest treat. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/review-disneys-heart-tugging-big-hero-6-20141104/) ## Details - **Director:** Chris Williams, Don Hall - **Director:** Chris Williams, Don Hall - **Screenplay:** Robert L. Baird, Jordan Roberts, Daniel Gerson - **Story:** Robert L. Baird, Joseph Mateo - **Cinematography:** Rob Dressel - **Editor:** Tim Mertens - **Music:** Henry Jackman - **Producer:** Roy Conli - **Cast:** Scott Adsit as Baymax (voice); Ryan Potter as Hiro Hamada (voice); Daniel Henney as Tadashi Hamada (voice); T.J. Miller as Fred (voice); Jamie Chung as GoGo Tomago (voice); Damon Wayans Jr. as Wasabi (voice); Genesis Rodriguez as Honey Lemon (voice); James Cromwell as Professor Robert Callaghan (voice) - **Runtime:** 1h 42m - **Certificate (MPA):** PG - **Release (the US):** 7 November 2014 - **Genres:** Adventure, Family, Animation, Action, Comedy - **Budget:** $165 million - **Box office:** $658 million - **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IdMPpKMdcc ## Where to watch in the US - Disney+: streaming, uhd - Amazon Prime Video: rent $3.99, uhd - Apple TV: rent $3.99, hd - Amazon Prime Video: buy $19.99, uhd - Apple TV: buy $19.99, hd *Checked 2026-09-17.* Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, IE, IL, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, TR, UA, US, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## Awards - Academy Awards 2015: Best Animated Feature (won) - BAFTA Film Awards 2015: BAFTA's Children & Young People Award - Feature Film (nominated) - Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Animated Movie 2015: Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Animated Movie (won) - Annie Award for Best Animated Feature 2014: Annie Award for Best Animated Feature (nominated) - Critics' Choice Awards 2014: Best Animated Feature (nominated) ## If you liked this - *The Iron Giant* (1999), Fi1m 88: A boy, a robot and a Cold War; quieter, sadder, and no team-up. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-iron-giant.md) - *Wreck-It Ralph* (2012), Fi1m 70: The same studio on a better idea, with a villain who has an inner life. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/wreck-it-ralph.md) - *Robot & Frank* (2012): A care robot and a stubborn old man; Baymax for grown-ups, and gentler than it sounds. - *Kubo and the Two Strings* (2016), Fi1m 83: Stop-motion grief in Japan, told with more patience and stranger pictures. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/kubo-and-the-two-strings.md) - *The Incredibles* (2004), Fi1m 88: If it is the capes you liked, this is how a family superhero film is built. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-incredibles.md) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/big-hero-6