Skip to content
MovieCove
Billionaire Boy

Billionaire Boy

Money can't buy everything.

TV movie201660 minMidcredits score: 29th percentile of all films
Director
Matt Lipsey
Starring
David Walliams, John Thomson, Warwick Davis, Catherine Tate

The story of Len, who made a billion dollars from inventing a new toilet roll, and his 12-year-old son Joe who appears to have everything he could want but what he really needs is a friend.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Billionaire Boy?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove does not list Billionaire Boy on any major US streaming service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Billionaire Boy?

Billionaire Boy earns 2 badges, led by Christmas pick and Feel-good.

Reception

Is Billionaire Boy worth watching?

Billionaire Boy's Midcredits score is the 29th percentile of all films, from 4.4K ratings across 4 sources. 33% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

29th percentile

Better received than 29% of films

31st percentile among Comedy29th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)32nd
Approval (how many liked it)27th

56 /100

32nd percentile of all films

35th percentile among Comedy34th percentile among 2010s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 5.6 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

33% liked it

27th percentile of all films

28th percentile among Comedy27th percentile among 2010s
33% rated it 7–1067% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

75th percentile

4.4K ratings across platforms

72nd percentile among Comedy77th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 75% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

A simple, family-friendly morality story about a rich boy learning what really matters.

Fans praised

  • heartfelt morality tale about wealth vs. family
  • Catherine Tate's over-the-top comic performance
  • Warwick Davis's amusing cameo role

Detractors panned

  • predictable plot with no surprises
  • low-budget TV feel with weak production values
  • poor lead acting from Elliot Sprakes and John Thomson

What stands out

ActingDivisive45

Catherine Tate and Warwick Davis praised; lead child actor criticized as wooden

Emotional impactDivisive45

heartfelt message about family resonates with fans

HumorDivisive40

some find Catherine Tate's antics funny; detractors call it humorless

Plot and storyDivisive30

predictable rags-to-riches story, no surprises

OriginalityDivisive25

derivative of Richie Rich and other wealthy-kid stories

Watch experience

What is Billionaire Boy like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something warm that leaves you smiling.

It is gentle, takes its time and leaves you feeling good. Skip it when you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Patience.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
WarmHopefulTense
Heaviest: middle
Warm humor
Register
WarmSentimental · 8% of filmsPlayful
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film is played straight with a warm, earnest heart, using gentle comedy to underline its moral message.
The rideThe early part is light and exciting, the middle has conflict and loss, and the ending is warm and resolving.
StructureA conventional beginning‑middle‑end structure: Joe’s rise to wealth, the troubles it brings, and the resolution after losing everything.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

The answer rests on this: Feel-goodHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves the viewer happy and reassured that family and honesty are what truly matter.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Rags
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3% (this title): Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% (this title) · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rags to riches: A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition. · Rise and fall: Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).

3% of films fit this archetype

with Rebirth underneath

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeJoe's family quickly ascends to extreme wealth then loses it, learning that money isn't everything and true family is what matters.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% (this title) · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% (this title) · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bondsFriendship · 9% of filmsSelf-worth · 7% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe story argues that genuine relationships and being true to yourself matter more than material wealth.
StanceThe film celebrates family bonds and friendship over wealth, affirming that genuine relationships are what matter.

The world

ContemporaryDomesticSmall townRealistic
Orchestral classicalPopSupportive music · original score · Anne Dudley
SettingA post‑wealth mansion and a local school in England
MusicAnne Dudley's score balances whimsical and sentimental cues to match the film's tone.

Content guide

Is Billionaire Boy okay for kids?

As of March 15, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (50/100), sexual content at mild (27/100), language at mild (25/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at moderate (56/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 1 other country
  • UKU
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Moderate
too few votes to rank (4 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Mild
too few votes to rank (5 votes)
Profanity
Mild
too few votes to rank (4 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (4 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
too few votes to rank (3 votes)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (20 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Billionaire Boy have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Billionaire Boy?

Cast

David Walliams
as Mrs. Trafe
John Thomson
as Len Spud
Warwick Davis
as Warwick Davis
Catherine Tate
as Sapphire Diamond
James Fleet
as Mr. Darrow
Rebecca Front
as Miss Sharp
Harish Patel
as Raj
Tupele Dorgu
as Julie
Sean McKenzie
as Foreman
Todd Boyce
as Global Newsreader

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Billionaire Boy?

Movies like Billionaire Boy include Annie (1982) and Lady and the Tramp (2019), both family adventures.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Billionaire Boy?

3.8K other films share the rarest tag below, follows: child. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.