Holes

Some secrets are too big to keep hidden.

2003 • 117 min • Adventure · Family · Drama · Comedy

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Synopsis

After being wrongfully convicted for stealing a pair of shoes, Stanley Yelnats is sent away to Camp Green Lake, a boys detention facility where inmates are forced to dig holes all day in the hot desert sun as a form of character building. As he endures the brutal routine, Stanley begins to uncover a hidden truth behind the camp—one that connects to a dangerous secret and his family’s history.

Our family guide

Best from age 8

Movie Knight Score

1573 reviews

100 Reviewers · 1 · 51%
69 Audience · 1572 · 49%

Wrongfully accused, Stanley Yelnats is sent to Camp Green Lake where boys dig holes in the desert heat. He uncovers a secret connected to his family’s past, and learns the truth behind the camp’s mysterious purpose. The story blends humor and adventure with themes of perseverance.

Violence & peril: 3/10
Language: 1/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 1/10
Romance & sensuality: 0/10
Scary moments: 3/10

Heads up

Children endure harsh conditions and unfair treatment.
Some peril from wild animals, like lizards and snakes.
Brief flashbacks include historical injustices and violence.
The antagonist is quite cruel and menacing.

What it models well

Perseverance and resilience
Friendship and loyalty
Overcoming adversity
Justice and fairness

Talk about it after

The impact of false accusations
Generational curses and breaking cycles
The power of friendship in tough times
Environmental themes like water scarcity

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for Holes. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.

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Top billed cast

Director: Andrew Davis • Crew: Louis Sachar

Trailers & clips

Reviewer notes

RecommendedTrusted family reviewers
We dig, dig, dig, dig, dig, dig… Disney produce and Andrew Davis directs this wonderful adaptation of Louis Sachar’s Holes. Miscreant youths are sent to Camp Green Lake for character building, the bulk of which involves them constantly digging holes in the parched desert. New inmate Stanley Yelnats IV (Shia LeBeouf) is about to set the wheels in motion that will unearth the secret of the digs.…
John Chard, TMDB Community