The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Film›Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
Entertainment • Film

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids is a 1989 American science fiction comedy film directed by Joe Johnston and released by Walt Disney Pictures.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids is a 1989 American science fiction comedy film directed by Joe Johnston and released by Walt Disney Pictures. It stars Rick Moranis as inventor Wayne Szalinski, whose shrinking machine accidentally miniaturizes his children and the neighbours’ children, forcing them to survive a dangerous backyard world. The film became a major box-office success and launched a franchise.

Premise

The story centers on a family science experiment gone wrong after Wayne Szalinski's shrinking machine miniaturizes his children and their neighbours’ children. The children must navigate a backyard that becomes a hazardous landscape at their new size.

Production

The film was directed by Joe Johnston and produced by Walt Disney Pictures. It is widely noted as Johnston's first feature film as a director.

Release and reception

Released in June 1989, the film was a major commercial success and earned about $222.7 million worldwide. It became one of Disney's biggest live-action hits of its era.

Franchise impact

The film's success led to the franchise continuing with sequels and a television series. Disney later expanded the concept through themed attractions and related adaptations.

Key facts

  • The film follows Wayne Szalinski, an inventor whose shrink ray accidentally reduces children to a quarter-inch tall.
  • It was Joe Johnston's feature directorial debut.
  • The movie was a box-office hit and became the highest-grossing live-action Disney film at the time.
  • Its success led to sequels, a television series, and theme-park attractions.
  • The film was released theatrically in the United States on June 23, 1989.
🍁
Canadian context

The film was widely released and popular in Canada as part of Disney's international theatrical distribution, and it remains familiar to Canadian audiences as a classic family adventure-comedy.

Frequently asked questions

What is Honey, I Shrunk the Kids about?
It is about an inventor whose shrinking machine accidentally miniaturizes his children and their neighbours’ children, who must survive the backyard as a giant environment.
Who directed Honey, I Shrunk the Kids?
Joe Johnston directed the film.
Who stars in Honey, I Shrunk the Kids?
The film stars Rick Moranis as Wayne Szalinski, along with Marcia Strassman, Matt Frewer, Amy O'Neill, Robert Oliveri, Jared Rushton, and Thomas Wilson Brown.
When was Honey, I Shrunk the Kids released?
It was released in U.S. theatres on June 23, 1989.
Was Honey, I Shrunk the Kids a success?
Yes. It grossed about $222.7 million worldwide and became a major Disney hit.
Did Honey, I Shrunk the Kids become a franchise?
Yes. It led to sequels, a television series, and theme-park attractions.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honey,_I_Shrunk_the_Kids
    Supports: Release date, director, cast, plot, worldwide gross, franchise follow-ons
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/honey_i_shrunk_the_kids
    Supports: Synopsis, director, screenwriters, distributor, production company, genre, runtime, U.S. box office
  3. Disney D23 — https://d23.com/honey-i-shrunk-the-kids-facts/
    Supports: Release date, plot summary, franchise impact
  4. Mental Floss — https://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/movies/18-big-facts-about-honey-i-shrunk-kids
    Supports: Opening weekend performance, domestic and worldwide earnings
  5. Turner Classic Movies — https://www.tcm.com/articles/135996/honey-i-shrunk-the-kids
    Supports: Basic premise and status as a top-grossing film of 1989