Big Friendly Giant: Meaning, Movie, Where to Watch & FAQ

Few children’s stories have sparked as much curiosity as Roald Dahl’s tale of a gentle giant who refuses to eat humans. The Big Friendly Giant, or BFG, reached a new generation with Steven Spielberg’s 2016 film adaptation (Netflix). This guide answers the most common questions about the BFG: what the name means, where to watch it, and whether it’s suitable for young children.

Year of release (2016 film): 2016 ·
Director (2016): Steven Spielberg ·
Runtime: 117 minutes ·
Rating (MPAA): PG ·
Original author: Roald Dahl

Eight key facts, one pattern: the BFG story has been told in multiple formats, each with its own audience and availability. Here’s a quick reference.

What does “Big Friendly Giant” mean?

Origin of the name and phrase

The term “Big Friendly Giant” comes directly from Roald Dahl’s 1982 children’s book. The BFG is the only giant who is kind and gentle, contrasting with the other man-eating giants in the story (Netflix). The name itself is a play on the initialism BFG, which in the book stands for “Big Friendly Giant.”

How the BFG differs from other giants

• Other giants like Fleshlumpeater and Bloodbottler eat humans; the BFG refuses (Common Sense Media).
• The BFG is smaller and weaker than the others, often bullied by them.
• He catches dreams and gives them to children, a unique skill.

Meaning in the context of the story

Beyond the literal name, the BFG represents kindness and courage in a world full of cruelty. The story frames him as a protector of children, using his gentle nature to oppose the violent giants (Movieguide).

The implication: the BFG’s name is a direct challenge to the stereotype that all giants are fearsome. Dahl uses it to subvert expectations and teach empathy.

Where can I watch The Big Friendly Giant?

Is The BFG on Netflix?

Yes, but with a catch. The BFG (2016) is currently available on Netflix in some regions, such as the Netherlands, where it is listed with a maturity rating of 6 under the Kids category (Netflix Netherlands). However, in the U.S., the film was removed from Netflix on March 1, 2022 (streaming aggregator FlixBoss).

Is The BFG on Prime Video?

Yes, The BFG is available for rent or purchase on Prime Video in the U.S. and other markets. Pricing varies by region (IMDb).

Why is it not available on Netflix?

Licensing agreements are the primary reason. The BFG was produced by Disney and DreamWorks, and streaming rights change over time. In some countries, the film is now on Disney+ instead (regional streaming guide Public Affairs UK).

Other streaming and purchase options

• Disney+ (select markets).
• YouTube – the 1989 animated version is available for free.
• DVD and Blu-ray from major retailers.

The trade-off: streaming convenience varies by region, so the same film may require different services depending on where you live.

Is The Big Friendly Giant scary or suitable for children?

Age rating and content warnings

The 2016 film is rated PG by the MPAA for “action/peril, some scary moments, and brief rude humor” (IMDb). Common Sense Media also rates it PG and provides a detailed parents’ guide (Common Sense Media).

What makes it potentially scary for young children

• The man-eating giants are large, loud, and threatening.
• Scenes of giants eating children (though implied) can be frightening.
• Some fast-paced action sequences may overwhelm sensitive viewers.

Raising Children Network recommends the film for children aged 8 and older, and advises against it for under 7 (Raising Children Network).

Is The BFG suitable for a 4 year old?

Most experts say no. The film’s PG rating and the presence of scary giants make it inappropriate for most 4-year-olds. A review from Raising Whasians notes there is no bad language, but the intensity is still too high for very young children (Raising Whasians).

Why this matters: parents should not assume that because the BFG is a “friendly” giant, the entire film is gentle. The other giants create genuine tension.

Why is The BFG so small and what does he eat?

Why is the BFG smaller than other giants?

The book and film never give a definitive explanation. The BFG is simply the runt of the giants, and his small size is a key part of his character – he is physically weaker but morally stronger (Movieguide).

What does the BFG eat?

Unlike the other giants, the BFG refuses to eat humans. His diet consists of snozzcumbers, a foul-tasting vegetable that he despises but eats to survive. He also drinks frobscottle, a fizzy green beverage that causes flatulence (Common Sense Media).

Snozzcumbers and frobscottle explained

• Snozzcumbers are described as black and ugly, tasting like “caterpillars and slime.”
• Frobscottle bubbles downwards instead of upwards, leading to “whizzpopping.”
• These made-up foods reinforce the whimsical, childlike tone of the story.

The pattern: Dahl uses food as a moral marker. The BFG’s awful snozzcumbers symbolize his integrity, while the other giants’ feast on humans represents their cruelty.

Does The BFG have a happy ending?

Summary of the ending of the book and film

Sophie and the BFG devise a plan to stop the man-eating giants. They enlist the help of the Queen of England and the British Army, who capture the giants and imprison them in a deep pit. The BFG is given a home in the human world, and he and Sophie remain close friends (Movieguide).

How the giants are stopped

The giants are lured into a trap and then airlifted to a giant pit where they are confined. The book and film both end with the giants no longer a threat to humans.

Sophie and the BFG’s fate

Sophie returns to the orphanage but visits the BFG often. The BFG is allowed to live in a cottage in the Queen’s garden, and he continues to catch dreams. The ending is widely regarded as happy and uplifting (Common Sense Media).

What this means: the ending resolves the conflict without sacrifice, reinforcing the theme that kindness and bravery can overcome brute force.

The BFG remains one of the most beloved children’s stories because it offers a clear moral framework without being preachy. For parents in the U.S. and Europe, the decision is straightforward: if your child is 7 or older and can handle mild scariness, the 2016 film is a worthwhile watch. For younger viewers, stick with the 1989 animated version or the book. The streaming option you choose depends on your region – but the story itself is timeless.