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My Girl (film)

My Girl is a 1991 American coming-of-age romantic comedy-drama film directed by Howard Zieff and written by Laurice Elehwany.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

My Girl is a 1991 American coming-of-age romantic comedy-drama film directed by Howard Zieff and written by Laurice Elehwany. It stars Anna Chlumsky in her first major film role, alongside Dan Aykroyd, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Macaulay Culkin. Released by Columbia Pictures, the film became a commercial success, grossing about $121 million worldwide on a $17 million budget.

Plot

The film follows Vada Sultenfuss, an 11-year-old girl navigating family life, friendship, and first love during one summer in 1972. The story deals with her relationship with her widowed father, his new romantic interest, and a major personal tragedy.

Production

My Girl was directed by Howard Zieff and written by Laurice Elehwany. It was produced for Columbia Pictures and features a cast including Dan Aykroyd, Jamie Lee Curtis, Macaulay Culkin, and Anna Chlumsky.

Release and reception

The film was released on November 27, 1991, and grossed about $121 million worldwide against a $17 million budget. It later gained recognition as a sentimental coming-of-age film and inspired a sequel.

Music and title

The title is taken from the 1964 Temptations song “My Girl,” which is used in the film’s closing credits. The song choice connects the film’s emotional tone with its period setting.

Sequel

A sequel, My Girl 2, was released in 1994.

Key facts

  • The film is set in Madison, Pennsylvania, during the summer of 1972.
  • Anna Chlumsky plays Vada Sultenfuss in her first major motion-picture role.
  • The story centers on childhood, friendship, grief, and growing up.
  • The film’s title refers to The Temptations’ 1964 song “My Girl,” which appears in the end credits.
  • A sequel, My Girl 2, was released in 1994.
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Canadian context

The film was released in Canada and is also known in some French-language markets under translated titles, reflecting its broader North American distribution.

Frequently asked questions

What is My Girl about?
It is about an 11-year-old girl, Vada Sultenfuss, growing up in Pennsylvania during the summer of 1972 as she experiences family change, friendship, first love, and loss.
Who directed My Girl?
My Girl was directed by Howard Zieff.
Who stars in My Girl?
The film stars Anna Chlumsky, Dan Aykroyd, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Macaulay Culkin.
When was My Girl released?
It was released on November 27, 1991.
Is My Girl based on a song?
Its title refers to The Temptations’ 1964 song “My Girl,” which is featured in the end credits.
Did My Girl have a sequel?
Yes. My Girl 2 was released in 1994.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Girl_(film)
    Supports: Basic production details, plot setting, cast, release date, box office, title origin, and sequel information.
  2. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/my-girl-1991
    Supports: Critical description of the film’s coming-of-age themes and Anna Chlumsky’s role.
  3. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/my-girl
    Supports: Plot summary, MPAA rating, runtime, and cast.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1037649-my_girl
    Supports: Director, screenwriter, genre, rating, runtime, and box office figures.
  5. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/786137
    Supports: Synopsis, genre classification, and principal cast.