Quick LinksCheaper by the Dozen Was Every Child’s DreamThe Immortality of Cheaper by the Dozen

Family comedies often mix humor with heart. And, before they were household names on Supernatural and Smallville, Jared Padalecki and Tom Welling were part of a comedy that brought just that. Starring Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt, Cheaper by the Dozen quickly became a family favorite in 2003, centering on two parents dealing with the madness of raising twelve children.

This adaptation of the 1948 book by Frank and Ernestine Gilbreth turned the story of efficiency experts into a modern comedy of family life. While the original focussed on the Gilbreths’ obsession with efficiency, the 2003 version leaned into the chaos of a full house, making it a timeless example of sibling rivalry, parenting struggles, and the love that holds everything together. Two decades later, this version of Cheaper by the Dozen still resonates with audiences, much...