The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Film›Sky High (film)
Entertainment • Film

Sky High (film)

Sky High is a 2005 American superhero comedy film directed by Mike Mitchell.

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

Sky High is a 2005 American superhero comedy film directed by Mike Mitchell. It stars Michael Angarano as Will Stronghold, a teenager attending an airborne high school for young superheroes who has not yet developed powers. The film was released by Buena Vista Pictures Distribution and has since been described as a cult film.

Plot

The story follows Will Stronghold as he attends Sky High, a school that trains the children of superheroes. He struggles with friendships, identity, and the expectation that he will become a hero despite not having obvious powers at first.

Production and release

Sky High was directed by Mike Mitchell and written by Paul Hernandez with Bob Schooley and Mark McCorkle. It was theatrically released on July 29, 2005, by Buena Vista Pictures Distribution.

Cast

The film stars Michael Angarano, Kurt Russell, Kelly Preston, Danielle Panabaker, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead, among others. Disney and other listings also include Lynda Carter, Bruce Campbell, and Dave Foley in the cast.

Reception

The film was generally well received by critics and audiences on release. It later developed a reputation as a cult film.

Key facts

  • The film is a superhero comedy set in a high school for teenage superheroes.
  • Its main character, Will Stronghold, is the son of two superheroes who initially lacks powers of his own.
  • The movie was directed by Mike Mitchell and released in 2005.
  • It grossed US$86.4 million worldwide against a production budget of US$35 million.
  • The film received generally positive reviews and later gained a cult following.
🍁
Canadian context

Sky High has been available to Canadian audiences through Disney and streaming services, making it part of the broader Disney family-film catalogue familiar to Canadian viewers.[2][17]

Frequently asked questions

What is Sky High about?
It follows a teenager at a high school for superheroes who has not yet developed powers and must find his place among peers and family expectations.
Who directed Sky High?
Mike Mitchell directed the film.
When was Sky High released?
It was released theatrically on July 29, 2005.
Who stars in Sky High?
The film stars Michael Angarano, Kurt Russell, Kelly Preston, Danielle Panabaker, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead.
How did Sky High perform commercially?
It grossed about US$86.4 million worldwide against a production budget of US$35 million.
Is Sky High considered a cult film?
Yes. Sources describing its reception note that it has since been recognized as a cult film.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sky_High_(2005_film)
    Supports: Director, release date, synopsis, cast, box office, budget, and cult-film reception.
  2. Disney+ — https://www.disneyplus.com/browse/entity-c096c913-c3ab-4166-ae9e-bb51bff5b5c3
    Supports: Film description, genre, cast, duration, director, and release year.
  3. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/70028895
    Supports: Synopsis, cast, and genre labels.
  4. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/sky-high
    Supports: Plot description, MPAA rating, runtime, and release information.