It’s been over two decades since the Baker family first brought their chaotic brand of “controlled madness” to the big screen.
On Christmas Day in 2003, audiences were introduced to the ultimate household challenge: a family of fourteen moving from a small town to the big city. Directed by Shawn Levy, Cheaper by the Dozen arrived as a heartfelt, slapstick-filled reimagining of the 1950 classic, and it quickly captured the hearts of a generation.
Whether it was the competitive football games, the infamous “soaking the underwear in meat water” prank, or the touching moments of family solidarity, the film remains a staple of holiday re-watches. As we celebrate this milestone, let’s dive into why the Baker family’s brand of chaos is still just as “excellent” today.
A Generational Ensemble Cast
One of the reasons the film has stayed so relevant is its incredible cast. In 2003, it featured a mix of comedy legends and rising teen stars who would go on to dominate Hollywood:
The Parents: Steve Martin (Tom) and Bonnie Hunt (Kate) provided the perfect anchor, balancing physical comedy with genuine warmth.
The Breakouts: The film featured Tom Welling at the height of his Smallville fame, Hilary Duff during her Lizzie McGuire peak, and a young Alyson Stoner.
The Cameo: Who could forget Ashton Kutcher in an uncredited, hilarious turn as the self-obsessed actor boyfriend, Hank.
Critics and Box Office
While critics were initially mixed on the film’s “low-brow” humor, audiences disagreed. The movie grossed over $190 million worldwide against a $40 million budget. Its success was so massive that it spawned a 2005 sequel, Cheaper by the Dozen 2, and paved the way for the 2022 Disney+ reimagining starring Gabrielle Union and Zach Braff.
Why We Still Love the Bakers
At its core, Cheaper by the Dozen isn’t about the pranks; it’s about the sacrifices parents make for their children and the unbreakable bond between siblings. In an era of perfectly curated social media families, there is something deeply comforting about watching a house that is always a mess, a dinner table that is always loud, and a family that—despite the constant fighting—always has each other’s backs.