Cheaper by the Dozen

Life in a bustling Chicago suburb erupts into organized chaos when Tom Baker lands a football coaching job at Northwestern, bringing the large Baker household along for the ride. Tom and his wife Kate, a witty writer, juggle careers and twelve children, ranging from toddlers to teens, turning their once orderly home into a whirlwind of schedules, sports practices, and birthday chaos. The move tests the couple as work commitments pull them away from family meals and home comforts. With both parents stretched thin, the house fills with pranks, loyalties tested, and a colorful clash of personalities as the kids try to carve out their own space. Among them, Lorraine plots to prove herself, Charlie tests boundaries, and Nora negotiates with siblings for attention, turning chores into mini competitions.

Directed by Shawn Levy, the 2003 comedy borrows from the Gilbreth family memoir and Joel Cohen's adaptation, delivering a broad ensemble piece anchored by Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt. The film uses a lively city setting to heighten the chaos and features a breezy, family-first vibe.

Its worldwide gross reached about $190,212,113 on a $40 million budget, signaling strong audience appeal and solid returns for the studio.

Cheaper by the Dozen helped anchor a wave of large family comedies in the early 2000s and remains a touchstone for stories about balancing work with a full house. Its blend of pratfalls and warmth set a template for later family crowd-pleasers, and the pairing of Martin with Hunt helped shape how studios cast warm, dependable parents in this genre.

Critics found it friendly and unpretentious, rewarding viewers with solid performances from Martin, Hunt and Duff. The themes center on balancing ambition with family duties, teamwork in a crowded home, and discovering strength through loyalty. It remains a reliable family pick because humor and heart grow from genuine relationships within the Baker clan.