Release CalendarTop 250 MoviesMost Popular MoviesBrowse Movies by GenreTop Box OfficeShowtimes & TicketsMovie NewsIndia Movie Spotlight
    What's on TV & StreamingTop 250 TV ShowsMost Popular TV ShowsBrowse TV Shows by GenreTV News
    What to WatchLatest TrailersIMDb OriginalsIMDb PicksIMDb SpotlightFamily Entertainment GuideIMDb Podcasts
    OscarsPride MonthAmerican Black Film FestivalSummer Watch GuideSTARmeter AwardsAwards CentralFestival CentralAll Events
    Born TodayMost Popular CelebsCelebrity News
    Help CenterContributor ZonePolls
For Industry Professionals
  • Language
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)
8 suggestions available
Watchlist
Sign In
Sign In
New Customer? Create account
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)
Use app
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • FAQ
IMDbPro

Won't You Be My Neighbor?

  • 2018
  • PG-13
  • 1h 35m
IMDb RATING
8.3/10
28K
YOUR RATING
Fred Rogers in Won't You Be My Neighbor? (2018)
An exploration of the life, lessons, and legacy of iconic children's television host Fred Rogers.
Play trailer1:04
6 Videos
97 Photos
BiographyDocumentaryHistory

An exploration of the life, lessons, and legacy of iconic children's television host Fred Rogers.An exploration of the life, lessons, and legacy of iconic children's television host Fred Rogers.An exploration of the life, lessons, and legacy of iconic children's television host Fred Rogers.

  • Director
    • Morgan Neville
  • Stars
    • Fred Rogers
    • Margaret Whitmer
    • Tom Junod
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    8.3/10
    28K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Morgan Neville
    • Stars
      • Fred Rogers
      • Margaret Whitmer
      • Tom Junod
    • 231User reviews
    • 179Critic reviews
    • 85Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 54 wins & 34 nominations total

    Videos6

    Trailer #2
    Trailer 1:04
    Trailer #2
    Official Trailer
    Trailer 2:25
    Official Trailer
    Official Trailer
    Trailer 2:25
    Official Trailer
    Wont You Be My Neighbor?
    Trailer 0:51
    Wont You Be My Neighbor?
    Oscar Buzz for 'A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood'
    Clip 3:46
    Oscar Buzz for 'A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood'
    Won't You Be My Neighbor: Part Of Who We Become
    Clip 0:50
    Won't You Be My Neighbor: Part Of Who We Become
    IMDbrief: Box-Office Slump Reversed?
    Video 3:16
    IMDbrief: Box-Office Slump Reversed?

    Photos97

    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    + 89
    View Poster

    Top cast60

    Edit
    Fred Rogers
    Fred Rogers
    • Self
    • (archive footage)
    Margaret Whitmer
    Margaret Whitmer
    • Self - Producer, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood
    • (as Margy Whitmer)
    Tom Junod
    Tom Junod
    • Self - Journalist…
    Joanne Rogers
    Joanne Rogers
    • Self - Fred's Wife
    Josie Carey
    Josie Carey
    • Self
    • (archive footage)
    Jim Rogers
    Jim Rogers
    • Self - Fred's Son
    Max King
    Max King
    • Self - Biographer
    Hedda Sharapan
    Hedda Sharapan
    • Self - Child Development Advisor
    Betty Seamans
    Betty Seamans
    • Self - 'Mrs. McFeely'
    • (as Elizabeth Seamans)
    Junlei Li
    Junlei Li
    • Self - Co-Director, Fred Rogers Center
    Joe Negri
    Joe Negri
    • Self - 'Handyman Negri'
    David Newell
    David Newell
    • Self - 'Mr. McFeely'
    Bill Isler
    Bill Isler
    • Self - Colleague…
    John Rogers
    John Rogers
    • Self - Fred's Son
    Elaine Crozier
    Elaine Crozier
    • Self - Fred's Sister
    George Wirth
    George Wirth
    • Self - Pastor
    • (as Rev. George Wirth)
    • …
    Ralph Ellison
    Ralph Ellison
    • Self - Author
    • (archive footage)
    • …
    David Bianculli
    David Bianculli
    • Self - Television Critic
    • Director
      • Morgan Neville
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews231

    8.327.6K
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8
    9
    10

    Featured reviews

    8SnoopyStyle

    Mr. Niceguy

    This is a documentary about the legendary Fred Rogers who created the iconic children's show. I never saw the show other than a few clips although I'm certainly familiar with the ideas of the show. I probably know it more from its many spoofs. What I didn't know about Fred is his religious convictions or that he's a Republican. Neither is that surprising although it sheds some light on his personal views. Like some suggest, this is his sermon to the children of America. His unabashed conviction of the goodness of humanity is undeniable and infectious. He is who he is. One can really see his world view and his natural self in this. The best moments come from the kids with loving open eyes when they meet their best friend from their TVs. It is a touching tribute and it doesn't shy away from the darker material. That's not to say that Mister Rogers had a dark side. It's that there are actual people who hated Mister Rogers. It's an interesting insight into the man when he tells Clemmons that he has to fire him if his homosexuality comes out of the closet. The man has convictions but he's not a revolutionary trying to overthrow the establishment. It's obvious that the children comes first and at the end of the day, he is for the children.
    10ThomasDrufke

    143

    My first thought after viewing this film was: How impressive is it that a documentary which presents itself as a story about a life of a man, gets us to think more about ourselves internally than it does make us think of the life of Mr. Rogers. All I could think about was what am I doing to improve the world or improve myself? How can you love your neighbor as honestly or as devotingly as Fred Rogers? Who was it that helped me get where I am today? How do I become the best person I can be? It's these questions that make appreciate "Won't you be my neighbor?" even more every second I think about it. I would consider myself a casual viewer of the original show, only ever seeing the episodes late in its run. But it always struck me as powerful because of the earnestness and genuinity of Fred Rogers and the messages he was trying to get across. Is our world in a better place now than it was before the show? Probably not. But his message of loving yourself and loving your neighbor is something that transcends generations and ideals. I would be hard pressed to find a film that was as emotionally impactful as this in 2018. It's exactly the type of film we need at right now, when our world is at a low. Rogers truly represented the best a man could be and it's time we got back to viewing life the way he did. Love is at the root of everything, love or the lack of it. Wow, if there was ever a quote that could represent an entire population, generation, or world. That may be it.

    10/10
    8ferguson-6

    a legacy of nice

    Greetings again from the darkness. Is it too good to be true? We often ask that question in life, but when it comes to Fred Rogers of "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood", director Morgan Neville's documentary proves the answer is no ... he was good and true. Fred Rogers hosted the children's TV show on PBS for more than 30 years, starting in 1968. The terrific (and surprisingly emotional) film provides the background of the show, and more importantly, profiles a wonderful man.

    Director Neville (BEST OF ENEMIES: BUCKLEY VS VIDAL, 2015) has produced numerous biopics on musicians ranging from Keith Richards to Muddy Waters to Johnny Cash to Brian Wilson. His subject this time out was known for his singing the show's familiar opening number, and his lyrical legacy was his substantial impact on many generations of children. Mr. Rogers was an ordained minister and, in the early days of television, recognized that violent cartoons were not appropriate programming for the formative childhood years. Even in the early years, he was an outlier with sincerity and wholesomeness in entertainment. He never shied away from tough topics - not even death - whether it was the assassination of Robert Kennedy or a dead fish in the aquarium on set. He spoke directly to children in a voice and language they understood.

    There are interviews with fellow cast members, long timer crew members, and relatives, including his wife Joanne. We hear Francois Clemmons (Officer Clemmons on the show) discuss how Mr. Rogers addressed Clemmons' homosexuality and race, adding poignancy to the shared televised foot bath. Archival footage takes us back to the early years, and we see Lady Aberlin and Daniel Tiger in both black and white and color segments. We learn that the puppet Daniel most resembled the personality of the host himself ... a quiet, patient, compassionate being who cared about others.

    We see footage of Fred Rogers testifying in front of a Senate sub-committee to prevent funding for PBS from being eliminated, and we see numerous cardigan sweaters and tennis shoes. Mostly we see the approach of a man who built a legacy on kindness and human decency ... a lifetime pursuit of uniting that led to struggles with depression. His obsession with 143 - both his weight and his code for "I love you" provides some insight into his personality, and mostly we hear others speak of his lasting impact.

    Rather than comedy and pranks, Mr. Rogers was intent on making kids feel safe and secure in a scary world. Sure he educated - often subtly - but it was his innate ability to comfort that kept kids coming back. There are naysayers who say he is responsible for generations of entitled kids who grew into entitled adults, but the film addresses this by showing Roger's commencement address where he clearly explains the "special" label. His final show was in 2000 and he died in 2003. His legacy is simple yet powerful. We can each do better. We can each be better. We can each be better neighbors.
    10johnrodd-16322

    This is a must see

    Full disclosure: I am a cynical, negative atheist. This was one of the best films I have ever seen. I was profoundly moved by the vision of such a kind, gentle, subtle and genuine human. Fred Rogers was a Christian Republican. Today's "Christian" "Republicans" should be forced to watch and discuss this film. Doing so would change the world.
    10fuqua11

    Spoiler...

    Fred Rogers is one of the best humans to ever walk this Earth. I'm as black hearted and cynical as anyone thats ever walked the Earth. Mr. Rogers always hits in the feels because he is the real deal. He wants nothing from you, only that you be understood and proud of yourself.

    This doc is a love letter to Mr. Rogers so it is what you'd expect, no surprises, a few more interviews than I've seen in the past all arranged well.

    More like this

    Hoop Dreams
    8.3
    Hoop Dreams
    Blackfish
    8.1
    Blackfish
    Life Itself
    7.8
    Life Itself
    Bowling for Columbine
    8.0
    Bowling for Columbine
    The Cove
    8.4
    The Cove
    Minding the Gap
    8.0
    Minding the Gap
    Where to Invade Next
    7.5
    Where to Invade Next
    A Gay Girl in Damascus: The Amina Profile
    7.0
    A Gay Girl in Damascus: The Amina Profile
    This Film Is Not Yet Rated
    7.4
    This Film Is Not Yet Rated
    RBG
    7.6
    RBG
    The Wolfpack
    7.0
    The Wolfpack
    Exit Through the Gift Shop
    7.9
    Exit Through the Gift Shop

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Although the documentary includes a brief clip of Fred Rogers' meeting with Koko the Gorilla and shows Koko removing Mister Rogers' shoes, it does not explain the story behind the gorilla's actions. After Koko's death in June 2018, multiple obituaries for the gorilla explained that Koko faithfully watched Mister Rogers' show every day, and during their encounter, she removed his shoes because she was used to seeing him do the same at the start of every episode.
    • Quotes

      Fred Rogers: From the time you were very little, you've had people who have smiled you into smiling, people who have talked you into talking, sung you into singing, loved you into loving. So, on this extra special day, let's take some time to think of those extra special people. Some of them may be right here, some may be far away. Some may even be in heaven. No matter where they are, deep down you know they've always wanted what was best for you. They've always cared about you beyond measure and have encouraged you to be true to the best within you. Let's just take a minute of silence to think about those people now.

    • Connections
      Featured in The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: Jeremy Renner/Derek Hough/Mrs. Joanne Rogers/Christine and the Queens feat. Dâm-Funk (2018)
    • Soundtracks
      Won't You Be My Neighbor?
      Music and lyrics by Fred Rogers

      Performed by Fred Rogers

      Courtesy of the Fred Rogers Company

    Top picks

    Sign in to rate and Watchlist for personalized recommendations
    Sign in

    FAQ20

    • How long is Won't You Be My Neighbor??Powered by Alexa
    • Why in the world is this not nominated for an Academy Award?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • June 29, 2018 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Official site
    • Languages
      • English
      • Hebrew
    • Also known as
      • Будемо сусідами?
    • Filming locations
      • Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA(commencement speech)
    • Production companies
      • Impact Partners
      • Independent Lens
      • Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $22,835,787
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $475,419
      • Jun 10, 2018
    • Gross worldwide
      • $22,844,741
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 35 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

    Contribute to this page

    Suggest an edit or add missing content
    Fred Rogers in Won't You Be My Neighbor? (2018)
    Top Gap
    By what name was Won't You Be My Neighbor? (2018) officially released in India in English?
    Answer
    • See more gaps
    • Learn more about contributing
    Edit page

    More to explore

    Production art
    List
    Staff Picks: What to Watch This Month
    See our picks
    Production art
    Photos
    Streaming Stars, Then and Now
    See the gallery
    Production art
    Photos
    LGBTQIA+ Icons and Allies
    See the gallery

    Recently viewed

    Please enable browser cookies to use this feature. Learn more.
    Get the IMDb app
    Sign in for more accessSign in for more access
    Follow IMDb on social
    Get the IMDb app
    For Android and iOS
    Get the IMDb app
    • Help
    • Site Index
    • IMDbPro
    • Box Office Mojo
    • License IMDb Data
    • Press Room
    • Advertising
    • Jobs
    • Conditions of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • Your Ads Privacy Choices
    IMDb, an Amazon company

    © 1990-2025 by IMDb.com, Inc.