Dennis the Menace poster

Dennis the Menace

Movie 1993 5.9 /10
Directed by Nick Castle

Dennis the Menace follows a energetic boy whose pranks yank the town's routines into chaos. George Wilson, the gruff neighbor, endures constant interruptions while trying to keep order. When a slick drifter named Switchblade Sam arrives, a tense game between adults and Dennis begins, fueled by... Read more

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Streaming availability last verified: January 14, 2026

About Dennis the Menace

Dennis the Menace follows a energetic boy whose pranks yank the town's routines into chaos. George Wilson, the gruff neighbor, endures constant interruptions while trying to keep order. When a slick drifter named Switchblade Sam arrives, a tense game between adults and Dennis begins, fueled by clever tricks and escalating schemes. A rumor about a hidden hoard of gold pulls Dennis into the mystery, raising the stakes for the whole street as schemes ricochet from kitchen to cul de sac. The chase plays out through a string of pratfalls and close calls, yet the film keeps a warm, comic heart as Dennis proves he can care while being mischievous. The tone stays breezy and family friendly throughout.

Directed by Nick Castle, the movie adapts Hank Ketchams comic strip and carries the touch of John Hughes in development, pairing classic Dennis mischief with a warm, suburban setting for families. The cast, led by Walter Matthau and Mason Gamble, grounds the farce with heart.

Dennis the Menace marks a memorable 1990s live action take on a familiar comic world. Walter Matthau delivers humor as Mr. Wilson while Mason Gamble embodies Dennis's rapid energy. Christopher Lloyd brings danger to Switchblade Sam, helping the movie linger in fans' memories. It fits into a wave of kid friendly adaptations that balanced mischief with warmth and kept Dennis relevant for a new generation.

Critics at the time treated it as light family fare that leans on a friendly town dynamic and the tug of competing generations. The film mines humor from Dennis's curiosity while underscoring themes of community, responsibility, and the value of looking out for neighbors. It aims for broad appeal with a gentle pace, delivering a safe, entertaining experience for kids and parents alike.

Box office data is not provided in the prompt, so this paragraph notes the absence rather than presenting gross figures. If you want revenue details, I can retrieve them separately. The movie did play in theaters around the world, but no numbers are listed here.

Details

Release Date
June 09, 1993
User Ratings
1,546 votes
Type
Movie
Genres
Family, Comedy

Official Trailer

Cast

Walter Matthau

Walter Matthau

George Wilson

Mason Gamble

Mason Gamble

Dennis Mitchell

Joan Plowright

Joan Plowright

Martha Wilson

Christopher Lloyd

Christopher Lloyd

Switchblade Sam

Lea Thompson

Lea Thompson

Alice Mitchell

Robert Stanton

Robert Stanton

Henry Mitchell

Amy Sakasitz

Amy Sakasitz

Margaret Wade

K

Kellen Hathaway

Joey

Paul Winfield

Paul Winfield

Chief of Police

Natasha Lyonne

Natasha Lyonne

Polly

Director: Nick Castle

Written by: Hank Ketcham, John Hughes

Frequently Asked Questions

Dennis the Menace is not currently available on streaming subscription services, but you can rent or buy it on Apple iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon Video.

Yes, you can rent on Apple iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon Video or buy on Apple iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon Video.

With a rating of 5.9/10 from 1,546 viewers, Dennis the Menace is a mixed bag - check out reviews to see if it's right for you.

Dennis the Menace follows a energetic boy whose pranks yank the town's routines into chaos. George Wilson, the gruff neighbor, endures constant interruptions while trying to keep order. When a slick drifter named Switchblade Sam arrives, a tense game between adults and Dennis begins, fueled by cl...

Dennis the Menace stars Walter Matthau, Mason Gamble, Joan Plowright, Christopher Lloyd, and Lea Thompson.

Dennis the Menace was directed by Nick Castle.

Dennis the Menace was released on June 09, 1993.

Dennis the Menace is a Family and Comedy film.

Walter Matthau plays George Wilson, Dennis's grumpy neighbor. His foil to Dennis's pranks adds humor and heart to the film.

Mason Gamble plays Dennis Mitchell, the mischievous kid at the center of the story. His antics drive much of the plot and comic chaos.

The film was directed by Nick Castle. It’s based on the Dennis the Menace comic strip created by Hank Ketcham, with John Hughes contributing as a creator.

Christopher Lloyd portrays Switchblade Sam, the shady drifter who stirs up trouble in town. His character creates the central conflict Dennis must navigate.