Nicholas Nickleby

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Nicholas Nickleby

PG

2002

2h 18m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

79%

Tomatometer

126 Reviews

76%

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2,500+ Ratings

After the death of the family patriarch, young Nicholas Nickleby (Charlie Hunnam) and his family are left with no means to survive. The family is forced to split up, and Nicholas lands in a school run by brutish principal Wackford Squeers (Jim Broadbent). Eventually, Nicholas makes a friend named Smike (Jamie Bell), and the two boys break free. Nicholas reunites with his family, but learns he must now defend his sister from the advances of menacing suitor Sir Mulberry Hawk (Edward Fox).

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Critics Consensus

Thanks to a strong cast of experienced actors and director Douglas McGrath's steady hand, Nicholas Nickleby is a worthy and respectful adaptation of the Dickens novel.

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Steven Oxman

Variety

Feb 2, 2018

Pic separates itself out by hitting the humor as hard as the pathos, finding a nice contrast between the caricatures of the supporting roles and the dimensionality of the leads.

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John Leonard

New York Magazine/Vulture

Feb 2, 2018

... makes for bravura storytelling...

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Alexander Walker

London Evening Standard

Jan 9, 2018

Above all other pleasures it offers, it provides a classic of literature and social criticism with a straight run-through from start to finish.

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

May 8, 2023

3/4

This Reader’s Digest approach is remarkably fluid and full-bodied, if lacking the full emotional wallop.

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

Jan 27, 2017

Directed at a sprightly yet smooth pace, [Douglas McGrath's] adaptation packs an astounding amount of complications into just over two hours with deft efficiency.

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John A. Nesbit

Old School Reviews

Jan 28, 2012

B

a pleasurable ride

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Karthik Y.

@madkarthi May 26, 2026

It is a surprisingly so good movie. This is a very deep emotional weight film. The sad ending twist completely touches the heart. The characters and how they suffer under cruel people is just looking so painful to watch. Jamie Bell is completely amazed with his performance here. I mean the full innocence he brought to the screen and the way he performed is so amazing. Charlie Hunnam also did a wonderful performance here as the main hero. Anne Hathaway is looking so beautiful and young. God she is so gorgeous in every single frame. Jim Broadbent also acted as a very hot tempered and irritating person. He makes us hate the character so much but he was an amazing actor though. I really like this film very much. It is a very perfect Charles Dickens adaptation.

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Edward T

@Youshant Jan 13, 2026

This movie is amenable for all ages; tackling core concepts and engaging in a deep and poignant manner. Genuinely surprised that such cinema is still created today amidst the sea of garbage that already exists. 10/10 looking forward to watching again.

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Frans B

@FransB Aug 9, 2025

Douglas McGrath did good bringing this to screen. Very well written and portrayed. Lots of intrigue, twists and dilemma. Gripping and very entertaining. Amazing cinematography and settings. Very capable cast all convincing in character. Epic

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Stephen C

@bob25009 Jun 6, 2025

Success in 2 hours and 18 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy 23rd anniversary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Eye C

@ECinc Feb 6, 2024

A nice movie about doing the right thing always, no matter what, in principle is what we should always do. Good cast by the way.

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Fleur H

@RT57335276 Jan 25, 2024

Great story, stunning cast, but a TERRIBLE actor in the leading role. It's like Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone all over again!

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Douglas McGrath

Director

Jamie Bell

Smike

Jim Broadbent

Wackford Squeers

Tom Courtenay

Newman Noggs

Alan Cumming

Mr. Folair

Edward Fox

Sir Mulberry Hawk

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Synopsis

After the death of the family patriarch, young Nicholas Nickleby (Charlie Hunnam) and his family are left with no means to survive. The family is forced to split up, and Nicholas lands in a school run by brutish principal Wackford Squeers (Jim Broadbent). Eventually, Nicholas makes a friend named Smike (Jamie Bell), and the two boys break free. Nicholas reunites with his family, but learns he must now defend his sister from the advances of menacing suitor Sir Mulberry Hawk (Edward Fox).

Director: Douglas McGrath
Producer: Simon Channing Williams, John Hart, Jeff Sharp
Screenwriter: Charles Dickens, Douglas McGrath
Distributor: United Artists
Production Co: United Artists, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Rating: PG (Some Violent Action|Childbirth Scene|Thematic Material)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 27, 2002, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 16, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA): $1.3M
Runtime: 2h 18m

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