Diary of a Wimpy Kid (film series)
Film series adapting Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid books.
The *Diary of a Wimpy Kid* film series is a set of family comedies adapted from Jeff Kinney’s books. The franchise includes four live-action movies and four animated movies, with a fifth animated installment confirmed.
The first live-action film, released in 2010, began principal photography in August 2009 and wrapped two months later. Directed by Thor Freudenthal (his only entry in the series), it starred Zachary Gordon as Greg Heffley, alongside Robert Capron, Rachael Harris, Steve Zahn, Devon Bostick, and others. Theodore Shapiro composed the score. Critics gave it mixed reviews. Its release date moved from April 2 to March 19, 2010.
The sequel, *Rodrick Rules* (2011), was based on the second book with elements from *The Last Straw*. David Bowers directed, with Gordon returning as Greg. New characters included Holly Hills (Peyton List), Grandpa (Terence Kelly), and Bill Walter (Fran Kranz). Edward Shearmur handled the score. Filming took place in Vancouver and New Westminster from August to October 2010. It also received mixed reviews and came out on March 25, 2011.
*Dog Days* (2012), again directed by Bowers, drew from the third and fourth books. It brought back the main cast while expanding roles for Frank Heffley (Steve Zahn), Mr. Jefferson (Alf Humphreys), and Holly Hills. This was the final film with the original actors, as they had aged out of their parts. It earned mixed reviews and was released on August 3, 2012.
*The Long Haul* (2017) featured a completely new cast. The story follows Greg and Rodrick on an unwanted family road trip to their great-grandmother’s 90th birthday, with Greg hoping to meet his internet idol and shake off a viral meme. Critics and audiences panned the film, largely due to the recasting. It debuted on May 19, 2017.
The series shifted to animation for Disney+. The first animated film, simply titled *Diary of a Wimpy Kid* (2021), re-adapted the first book with character designs matching the books. Originally planned as a TV series, it was redeveloped as a feature and produced by Walt Disney Pictures (though initially in development at 20th Century Animation). It streamed on December 3, 2021.
A sequel, *Rodrick Rules* (2022), based on the second book, was announced before the first animated film’s release and premiered on December 2, 2022. Unlike the first animated film, the trailer’s copyright notice showed involvemen
- First film
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2010)
- Latest film
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Getaway (announced for December 2026)
- Number of films
- 8 (4 live-action, 4 animated, plus 1 announced)
- Based on
- Book series by Jeff Kinney
- Production companies
- 20th Century Fox (live-action films), Walt Disney Pictures (2021 animated film), 20th Century Studios (later animated films)
- Notable directors
- Thor Freudenthal, David Bowers, Matt Danner
Lore & Background
The live-action films began with Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2010), directed by Thor Freudenthal and starring Zachary Gordon as Greg Heffley. Principal production ran from August 12 to October 16, 2009. The film received mixed reviews and was released on March 19, 2010. Two sequels followed: Rodrick Rules (2011) and Dog Days (2012), both directed by David Bowers and featuring the same cast. Dog Days was the last film with the original cast, as they had outgrown their roles. A fourth live-action film, The Long Haul (2017), introduced an entirely new cast and was panned by critics and audiences, with criticism aimed at the casting change.
In 2021, the series rebooted as animated films on Disney+. The first animated film, simply titled Diary of a Wimpy Kid, was a re-adaptation of the first book and released on December 3, 2021. It was produced by Walt Disney Pictures. Sequels followed: Rodrick Rules (2022), Christmas: Cabin Fever (2023), and The Last Straw (2025). A fifth animated film, The Getaway, was announced for December 2026. Jeff Kinney stated he intends to adapt all the books into animated features for Disney+.
Reader's Guide
The Diary of a Wimpy Kid film series is significant as a long-running adaptation of Jeff Kinney's popular book series, spanning both live-action and animated formats. The live-action films, while receiving mixed reviews, established a dedicated fan base and introduced the characters to a wider audience. The 2017 film The Long Haul was notable for its negative reception due to recasting. The animated reboot, beginning in 2021, marked a shift to Disney+ and a return to the source material's visual style. The series demonstrates the franchise's enduring appeal and the author's active involvement in adapting all books for the screen. Its legacy includes a mix of critical responses but consistent audience interest, with plans for continued expansion.
Did You Know?
- The first live-action film was the only one directed by Thor Freudenthal.
- The 2017 film The Long Haul featured an entirely new cast and was panned by critics.
- A canceled TV special based on Cabin Fever was planned for 2014 but never materialized; a separate adaptation was released in 2023.
- Jeff Kinney submitted a script for a sixth animated film in January 2026.
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