Wordplay
2006 · Movie · NR · 94 min · ★ 7.0 · 84% critics
This documentary dives into the world of crossword puzzles, from how they’re created to the dedicated community that solves them. It follows a major national tournament, mixes in interviews with well-known fans, and offers a close look at the passion, humor, and friendly rivalry behind a surprisingly addictive pastime.
Where to watch
Watch free on Amazon Freevee, Fawesome, Hoopla +3 more — also streaming on AMC+, Philo and Sundance Now.
2 hours to watch.
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Details
- Years
- 2006
- Release date
- 2006-06-26
- Language
- English
- Rated
- NR
- Runtime
- 94 min
- Max quality
- SD
- Critic score
- 84/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.0/10 (48 votes)
About
You’ll likely enjoy this if you like niche-interest documentaries, brainy hobbies, and friendly competition, especially if you’re curious about how puzzles get made; Not for you if you want high drama or broad scope like Control Room.
Pros: charming puzzle community; funny celebrity chats; engaging tournament energy | Cons: heavy New York Times focus; limited puzzle variety; low-key for some
Themes
- competition
- contest
- crossword puzzle
Cast & crew
Will Shortz
as Self
- MR
Merl Reagle
as Self
Bill Clinton
as Self
Jon Stewart
as Self
- TH
Tyler Hinman
as Self
- TP
Trip Payne
as Self
- AS
Al Sanders
as Self
- ER
Ellen Ripstein
as Self
- JD
Jon Delfin
as Self
- MR
Marc Romano
as Self
Directed by Patrick Creadon