Charlotte's Web 1973

In this charming animated adaptation of E.B. White's classic tale, a plucky pig named Wilbur befriends an unlikely heroine, Charlotte the spider, who weaves a clever plan to save his life from the slaughterhouse. With wit and whimsy, Charlotte crafts words in her web that may just prove the key to securing Wilbur's fate.

In this charming animated adaptation of E.B. White's classic tale, a plucky pig named Wilbur befriends an unlikely heroine, Charlotte the spider, who weaves a clever plan to save his life from the slaughterhouse. With wit and whimsy, Charlotte crafts words in her web that may just prove the key to securing Wilbur's fate.

Does Charlotte's Web have end credit scenes?

No!

Charlotte's Web does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Charlotte's Web

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Ratings and Reviews for Charlotte's Web

See how Charlotte's Web is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Charlotte's Web stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Metacritic

73

Metascore

8.5

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

76%

TOMATOMETER

review

67%

User Score

IMDb

6.9 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

68

%

User Score

Take the Ultimate Charlotte's Web Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of Charlotte's Web with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


Charlotte's Web Quiz: Test your knowledge on the beloved 1973 animated film 'Charlotte's Web' and the heartwarming story of friendship and sacrifice.

What is the name of the piglet that Fern saves from being slaughtered?

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for Charlotte's Web

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Read the complete plot summary of Charlotte's Web, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


The Arable family is a devoted farm family that specializes in raising and selling animals. One fateful day, John Arable decides to slaughter a runt from a litter of piglets born just the previous night. However, his compassionate daughter, Fern, intervenes, passionately pleading for the piglet’s life. Touched by her fervor, John agrees to let her keep the piglet, who she names Wilbur. Fern treats Wilbur as her beloved pet, and they develop a deep bond, filled with joy and affection.

As time passes, Wilbur grows larger, prompting John to sell him, much to Fern’s heartbreak. Wilbur is sold to Homer Zuckerman, Fern’s maternal uncle, which allows her to visit him occasionally. Once in Zuckerman’s barnyard, Wilbur wrestles with feelings of loneliness and yearns for the companionship of Fern. The animals around him exhibit distinct personalities; some, like the motherly goose, offer warmth and understanding, while others, such as the head ram, regard him with disdain. One day, amidst his despair, the ram casually reveals to Wilbur that he is being raised for slaughter, leaving Wilbur distraught and fearful for his future.

In his time of need, Wilbur finds solace in the company of Charlotte, a wise barn spider who dwells above his pigpen and overhears his plight. Taking on a nurturing role, she assures Wilbur that she would devise a plan to save him from his grim fate. Meanwhile, Fern often listens to the animals’ conversations despite her mother’s concern about her fixation on them.

As summer drifts by, Charlotte devises a clever scheme. Recognizing that Zuckerman would hesitate to kill a pig known for its fame, she skillfully weaves phrases such as “Some Pig” into her web. This miraculous message transforms Wilbur into a sensation, drawing tourists to the barn in droves. However, the excitement eventually fades and the web with the phrase is destroyed. In response to the goose’s suggestion, Charlotte spins another word: “Terrific,” reigniting the public’s interest. Although Zuckerman enjoys the newfound fame, his intentions for Wilbur remain unchanged. To help keep the buzz alive, Charlotte instructs Templeton, a gluttonous rat who lives beneath Wilbur’s trough, to source yet another word. After some searching, Templeton brings back “Radiant,” which Charlotte weaves into her web.

As the acclaim continues, Zuckerman arranges for Wilbur to participate in the county fair, with Charlotte and Templeton accompanying him. The Arable family also attends the fair, but Fern, who still loves Wilbur, is now older and spends her time with her childhood sweetheart, Henry Fussy. At the fair, Charlotte weaves another word brought by Templeton – “Humble” – into her web at Wilbur’s stall. Although Wilbur does not clinch first prize, he receives a special award from the judges. As Charlotte, who has laid an egg sac at the fair, listens to the announcement over the public address system, she realizes that this accolade will secure Wilbur’s safety from slaughter. Satisfied that she has successfully protected him, Charlotte is aware that her time is running short; being a barn spider, her life is brief.

Ultimately, Charlotte chooses not to return with Wilbur and Templeton, instead requesting that they take her egg sac back to the barn. In a poignant farewell, Charlotte dies alone at the fairgrounds, knowing that she has accomplished her mission.

Wilbur spends the winter reflecting on his experiences while Charlotte’s offspring hatch. While most of the spiderlings fly away, three decide to stay, offering him companionship. Despite this new presence, Wilbur cherishes the memory of Charlotte above all, forever holding her in the highest regard as his beloved friend.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for Charlotte's Web

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Charlotte's Web (1973) theatrical trailer

Charlotte's Web Trailer 1973

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


pigspiderboylambdonkeyruntchildrenbarnfarmfriendshipgold medalmiracleflower hatrewardobesityindigestionmolasseshiccupautumnwagonanxietybaby spidercounty fairflyingmagazine clippingsoap boxhissingmansionrunning errandslaughterfaintingtwilightnapmeetingsunlighteveningsunsetdawnsunrisecrowchurchrich boyneighborhoodscarecrowmisunderstandingrockcanebaby chickballoonswing

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