Harriet the Spy (1996)

48% of critics liked it
(31 reviews)
46% of users liked it
(46,074 ratings)

The first feature film from the Nickelodeon cable channel, Harriet the Spy is an updated version of Louise Fitzhugh's best-selling 1964 children's novel. Sixth grade outcast Harriet (Michelle Trachtenberg) is an only child who has mostly been raised by her nanny, Golly (Rosie O'Donnell), rather than… More The first feature film from the Nickelodeon cable channel, Harriet the Spy is an updated version of Louise Fitzhugh's best-selling 1964 children's novel. Sixth grade outcast Harriet (Michelle Trachtenberg) is an only child who has mostly been raised by her nanny, Golly (Rosie O'Donnell), rather than her materialistic parents. Harriet wants to be a writer when she grows up, and only Golly encourages her creative pursuits. Meanwhile, Harriet dons a yellow raincoat and a belt full of gadgets to spy on everyone around her, including her eccentric neighbor with a lot of cats and the other kids at school. Carefully taking notes in her private notebook, Harriet makes clever and cruel observations about her subjects, including her best friends, would-be scientist Janie (Vanessa Lee Chester) and overburdened Sport (Gregory Smith). Harriet's world begins to change when Golly leaves, signaling that it is time for her to grow up. Then a snobby girl a school, Marion, gets her hands on Harriet's special notebook and makes its contents known to the whole school. Soon everyone is against Harriet, and she must concoct a plan to get even. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 41 min.
Directed By: Bronwen Hughes
Written By: Louise Fitzhugh, Douglas Petrie, Theresa Rebeck
Genres: Action & Adventure, Kids & Family, Comedy

In Theaters: Jul 10, 1996 Wide
On DVD: May 27, 2003
Studio: Paramount Pictures

Critic Reviews

Desson Thomson, Washington Post
A very draggy affair because Harriet's exploits are treated like an episodic laundry list.
Jay Carr, Boston Globe
Fresh and charming, it never plays down to kids.
M. Faust, Common Sense Media
Fans of the book will want to see this film.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
A below mediocre adaptation of the popular novel that is nonetheless served well by the two female leads, but all representative of the adults world (parents, teachers, psychologists) are narrow, standard-issue constructions.
Brian Webster, Apollo Guide
A kids' movie that's more serious - and substantial - than most.
Brandon Judell, PopcornQ
Will remind parents of their own youth, and it will aid those living theirs out now to cope a little easier -- and that's just what a children's film should do.
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
A better-than-expected kid's-book adaptation.
Steve Rhodes, Internet Reviews
The whimsical and meaningless first part dissolves into a mean spirited and disturbing concluding section.
Jeffrey Westhoff, Northwest Herald (Crystal Lake, IL)
Like the novel, Harriet the Spy is a rare children's story that celebrates the budding artistic spirit.

Read all 9 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

This is another movie that really inspired me when I was younger. Many people can relate to Harriet's problems in this movie, or have wanted to be spies like her at some point in their childhood. This is a good movie. Also, this movie is based on a great children's book.
Spencer S

True to the book, but it's fitted more for kids, so my rating is based off how I interpret it.
Alice S

Probably Michelle Trachtenberg's best performance. I thought this movie was okay as a kid, but now, I like it even better. I can't quite pinpoint the quality - perhaps it's the bluesy groove or Rosie O'Donnell's straightforward delivery of the life lessons.
Rachel F

Growing up, this was one of my favorite movies. It's really cute.
Drew S

A mostly unmemorable "child revenge" flick.
Sarah P

One of my favorites as a child. I just watched it the other day and I still enjoy it!
Sarah B

I remember this being quite good, if only for Michelle Trachtenberg. But I also remember it being disappointing because my imagination was cooking up far better situations than the ones played out on screen.
Sunil J

People tell me this movie sucks but I love it anyway. Suck it world!
Leo L

Funny!

Read all 9 featured audience ratings

Cast

            Michelle Trachtenberg as Harriet M. Welsch

            Rosie O'Donnell as Ole Golly

            Vanessa Lee Chester as Janie Gibbs

            Gregory Smith as Sport

            J. Smith-Cameron as Mrs. Welch

            Robert Joy as Mr. Welsch

            Don Francks as Harrison Withers

            Eartha Kitt as Agatha K. Plummer

            Gladys O'Connor as Woman With Purse

            Gerry Quigley as Sport's Dad

            Roland Kirouac as Choreographer

            Eugene Lipinski as George Waldenstein

            Nancy Beatty as Miss Elson

            Mercedes Enriquez as Windchime Lady

            Jamie Jones as Pickpocket

            Jackie Richardson as Janie's Mother

            Cecilley Carroll as Beth Ellen Hansen

            Charlotte Sullivan as Marion Hawthorne

            Sally Cahill as Maid

            Roger Clown as Doctor Wagner

            Dov Tiefenbach as Boy With Purple Socks

            Tsui Mung-Ling as Mrs Hong Fat

            Connor Devitt as Pinky Whitehead

            Vic Ho as Acupuncturist

            Teisha Kim as Rachel Hennessy

            Kwok-Wing Leung as Grandpa Hong Fat

            Kim Lieu as Paige Hong Fat

            Alisha Morrison as Laura Peters

            Nina Shock as Carrie Andrews

            Bob Windsor as Dog Delivery Guy

            Byron Wong as Frankie Hong Fat

            Paul Sun-Hyung Lee as Bruno Hong Fat

            Conor Devitt
            
See full cast