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Biographical documentary

Won't You Be My Neighbor? (2018): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Won't You Be My Neighbor? (2018) movie poster

Won't You Be My Neighbor? is a 2018 biographical documentary directed by Morgan Neville, starring Fred Rogers, Bill Clinton and Robert F. Kennedy. It runs 1 hour 34 minutes and earned $22.8 million worldwide. It won 1 award from 2 nominations, including Best Documentary Feature at the Spirit Awards 2019. Critics gave it 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and 85 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 8.3/10.

IMDb rating
8.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes
97%
worldwide gross
$22.8M
award won
1
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Won't You Be My Neighbor? (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 34m (94 min)
Director
Morgan Neville
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Won't You Be My Neighbor? About?

The premise of Won't You Be My Neighbor? without spoilers.

This insightful documentary explores the life and legacy of Fred Rogers, the gentle and beloved host of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." It reveals the profound warmth and wisdom that underpinned his simple yet impactful television program, examining his journey from aspiring minister to pioneering children’s television icon. The film celebrates Rogers’ remarkable career and the enduring influence he had on countless children and families, showcasing his commitment to kindness, empathy, and understanding.

Won't You Be My Neighbor? Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • tolerance
  • race relations
  • kindness
  • interview
  • child development
  • gay
  • public broadcasting service
  • teachable moment
  • hand puppet
  • gorilla
  • wheelchair
  • sincerity
+38 more
  • idealism
  • neighborhood
  • fear
  • faith
  • loss
  • death
  • parody
  • courage
  • friend
  • coming out
  • speech
  • superhero
  • overcoming trauma
  • father figure
  • piano
  • song
  • singing
  • depression
  • beach
  • playmate
  • station wqed pittsburgh
  • station wqex pittsburgh
  • year 2001
  • tikun olam
  • repairers of creation
  • hope
  • aquarium
  • dead fish
  • illness
  • dying
  • sheep
  • goat
  • burying a dead fish
  • cello
  • cellist
  • year 2003
  • memorial service
  • funeral
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Cast & crew

Won't You Be My Neighbor? Cast

Fred Rogers leads the cast, with Bill Clinton and Robert F. Kennedy. Directed by Morgan Neville; 21 actors are credited in all.

Ratings

Won't You Be My Neighbor? Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Won't You Be My Neighbor? 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and 85 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 8.3/10. Our Echo Score gives it 88/100, strongest in character & emotion (92) and weakest in sensory experience (80).

88 /100

Won't You Be My Neighbor? Echo Score Breakdown

This documentary excels in presenting an emotionally resonant portrait of Fred Rogers, balancing affectionate reverence with measured insight. Reviewers highlight its engaging narrative flow and thoughtful assembly of archival footage alongside reflective interviews. The film’s consistent tone and coherent structure create a unified experience that feels both instructive and uplifting. While some note an overly reverential approach, the overall impression remains one of genuine sincerity and enduring emotional impact.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 85

    In terms of Art & Craft, the film demonstrates careful assembly of archival footage and contemporary interviews with consistent editing rhythms. The direction maintains a clear visual clarity that supports the subject matter without drawing attention away. Color grading and framing reinforce a nostalgic atmosphere. Altogether, the production values feel well balanced and supportive of the documentary’s tone.

  • Character & Emotion 92

    When it comes to Character & Emotion, the documentary evokes strong empathy through intimate anecdotes and interviews that capture Fred Rogers’s gentle demeanor. Performers and interviewees convey authentic warmth, creating emotional resonance that underpins the narrative. The focused depiction of his personal philosophy and humanistic interactions ensures deep character engagement. Overall, the emotional portrayal feels both nuanced and heartfelt.

  • Story & Flow 88

    In terms of Story & Flow, the film presents a coherent narrative that traces Rogers’s career with logical pacing and clear thematic progression. Archival segments are interwoven seamlessly with commentary, maintaining engagement throughout. While the structure remains straightforward, it effectively highlights key moments without feeling disjointed. The overall pacing supports both informational depth and narrative clarity.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    When considering the Sensory Experience, the documentary relies on a straightforward audiovisual approach that underscores its reflective tone. The soundtrack remains unobtrusive, blending gentle musical motifs with natural sound to sustain an intimate atmosphere. Visual styling favors simplicity over flourish, emphasizing archival footage and authentic settings. The cohesion of sound and image maintains an inviting yet understated sensory presence.

  • Rewatch Factor 85

    In terms of Rewatch Factor, the film’s thoughtful structure and emotional sincerity invite repeated viewings. Viewers may revisit for its comforting tone and the nuanced insights into Rogers’s philosophy. The documentary’s balanced pace and curated highlights encourage reflection, making each reexamination rewarding. While not heavily plot-driven, its emotional depth sustains enduring appeal over multiple viewings.

Box office

Won't You Be My Neighbor? Box Office

Won't You Be My Neighbor? grossed $22.8 million worldwide. $22.8 million came from the US and Canada and $8,954 (0%) from the rest of the world.

2018 box office

Worldwide gross

$22.8M

US & Canada
$22.8M
International
$9K
US & Canada 100% Rest of the world 0%
Awards

Won't You Be My Neighbor? Awards & Nominations

Won't You Be My Neighbor? won 1 award from 2 nominations, including Best Documentary Feature at the Spirit Awards 2019. Its biggest night was the Spirit Awards 2019, with 1 win from 1 nomination.

1 win2 nominations2 ceremonies

Videos

Won't You Be My Neighbor? Trailers & Videos

10 videos: 2 trailers, 6 clips and 2 featurettes.

All 10 videos
Official Trailer
  • Trailer Official Trailer 2
  • Clip Exclusive Look
  • Clip How Mister Rogers Saved PBS
  • Clip Becoming Mr. Rodgers' Neighborhood
Details

Won't You Be My Neighbor? Also Known As

17 alternative titles, including “ミスター・ロジャースのご近所さんになろう” and “내 이웃이 되어 줄래요?”.

Also known as
  • ミスター・ロジャースのご近所さんになろう
  • 내 이웃이 되어 줄래요?
  • W odwiedzinach u pana Rogersa
  • Не искаш ли да си ми съсед?
  • Ar būsi mano kaimynu?
  • Komşum Olmaz mısın?
  • 与我为邻
  • 願與我為鄰?
  • Fred Rogers: O Padrinho da Criançada
  • Хочеш бути моїм сусідом?
  • ¿Quieres ser mi vecino?
  • Lennél a szomszédom?
+5 more
  • תהיה השכן שלי?
  • Fred Rogers: el padrino de los niños
  • Будешь моим соседом?
  • Nu vrei să fi vecinul meu?
  • Mister Rogers: un vicino straordinario

Seen Won't You Be My Neighbor??

FAQ

Won't You Be My Neighbor? FAQ: Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Won't You Be My Neighbor?, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Won't You Be My Neighbor??

Won't You Be My Neighbor? runs 1 hour 34 minutes (94 minutes).

When was Won't You Be My Neighbor? released?

Won't You Be My Neighbor? was released on June 8, 2018.

Who directed Won't You Be My Neighbor??

Won't You Be My Neighbor? was directed by Morgan Neville.

More films by Morgan Neville

Who is in the cast of Won't You Be My Neighbor??

Won't You Be My Neighbor? stars Fred Rogers, Bill Clinton and Robert F. Kennedy, among 21 credited actors.

How much did Won't You Be My Neighbor? make at the box office?

Won't You Be My Neighbor? grossed $22.8 million worldwide ($22.8 million domestic, $8,954 international).

How is Won't You Be My Neighbor? rated?

Won't You Be My Neighbor? has 8.3/10 on IMDb, 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, 85 on Metacritic and 80% on TMDB.

What awards did Won't You Be My Neighbor? win?

Won't You Be My Neighbor? won 1 award from 2 nominations, including Best Documentary Feature at the Spirit Awards 2019.

Does Won't You Be My Neighbor? have a post-credit scene?

No. Won't You Be My Neighbor? has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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