A wavelength variable interference filter includes: a first substrate on which a first reflection film is formed; and a second substrate that includes a movable portion on which a second reflection film facing the first reflection film is formed and a holding portion surrounding an outer circumference of the movable portion and holding the movable portion so that the movable portion is displaceable in a thickness direction of the second reflection film. The movable portion has long and short sides in a plan view. The holding portion includes a long-side holding portion formed along the long side and a short-side holding portion formed along the short side. The rigidity of the short-side holding portion is lower than the rigidity of the long-side holding portion.