James and the Giant Peach 1996

In the summer of 1948, young James Henry Trotter is a lonely orphan under the thumb of his cruel aunts, Spiker and Sponge, after experiencing the tragic fate of losing his parents to rhinoceros attack.

One fateful day, James’ luck begins to shift when he bravely saves a spider from his frantic aunts. In a twist of fate, he encounters a mysterious old man who gifts him with magical “crocodile tongues,” possessing the extraordinary ability to enlarge anything they touch to gigantic proportions. However, as James hurries back home, he accidentally spills the contents of the bag, causing the glowing “tongues” to burrow into the soil beneath an ancient peach tree. This magical event leads to the growth of an enormous peach, which Spiker and Sponge quickly exploit, drawing tourists from far and wide.

That night, in a surprising turn of events, James discovers he can enter the giant peach. Inside, he meets a delightful group of anthropomorphic invertebrates, including Mr. Grasshopper, Mr. Centipede, Ms. Spider, Mr. Earthworm, Mrs. Ladybug, and Mrs. Glowworm. As danger approaches, with Spiker and Sponge searching for him, Centipede bravely severs the peach from the tree, and it rolls away, eventually drifting off to the Atlantic Ocean.

With the help of seagulls tethered to the peach, they soar towards New York City, fulfilling James’ dream of seeing the Empire State Building, a dream once shared with his parents. They face formidable challenges along the way, including a gigantic mechanical shark and menacing undead pirates in the Arctic waters.

Upon their arrival, the spectral form of the rhinoceros that claimed James’ parents reemerges, creating chaos. Despite his fear, James manages to steer his friends to safety, confronting the beast, which strikes the peach with powerful lightning. In a dramatic turn of events, the peach plummets to Earth, landing atop the iconic Empire State Building.

Rescued by the largest crane in New York, James is confronted by his aunts, who attempt to reclaim him and the peach, but his courage shines as he shares his incredible journey with the gathered crowd, exposing the dark truth of his aunts’ treatment. Infuriated, Spiker and Sponge strike back with fire axes, but the courageous insects come to the rescue, with Ms. Spider skillfully ensnaring them in her silk.

With his newfound friends at his side, James introduces them to the spectators, generously sharing the peach with the eager children. The peach pit then becomes James’ home—a charming cottage in Central Park, where he thrives amongst his insect companions. Over time, they all gain fame in the bustling city: Mr. Centipede pursues a political career as New York’s mayor and adopts James, while Miss Spider becomes a club owner and his mother. Other friends thrive in various professions, with Mr. Grasshopper mastering the violin and Mrs. Glowworm lighting the torch of the Statue of Liberty.

As he celebrates his ninth birthday surrounded by his loving new family and friends, James realizes that he has finally found his true home.