Bad

  • 1977
  • NC-17
  • 105m
movieMx RATING
6.3/1052
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: Bad Review

Last updated: February 16, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 16, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Bad (1977) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and Bad features a noteworthy lineup led by Carroll Baker . Supported by the likes of Perry King and Susan Tyrrell , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Bad (1977) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Bad stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: Bad

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1977, Bad is a Horror, Comedy, Crime film directed by Jed Johnson. The narrative crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Carroll Baker.

Ending Explained: Bad

Ending Breakdown: Directed by Jed Johnson, Bad concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.

The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions involving Carroll Baker, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Bad reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Bad Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

Bad incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a horror, comedy, crime film directed by Jed Johnson, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Carroll Baker's character.

Historical Context

The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.

Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.

Accuracy Assessment: Bad adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.

Who Should Watch Bad?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Horror films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of Carroll Baker or the director
  • Want a few scares and creepy atmosphere

Box Office Collection: Bad

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $1.5M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

Bad Budget

The estimated production budget for Bad is $1.5M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

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Top Cast: Bad

All Cast & Crew →
Carroll Baker
Carroll BakerHazel Aiken
Susan Tyrrell
Susan TyrrellMary Aiken
Charles McGregor
Charles McGregorDetective Hughes
Susan Blond
Susan BlondBaby-Killing Mother
Renee Paris
Renee ParisSara Leachman
Geraldine Smith
Geraldine SmithGlenda Montemorano
Maria Smith
Maria SmithMarsha Montemorano
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Where to Watch Bad Online?

Streaming Hub

Bad Parents Guide & Age Rating

1977 Advisory
NC-17

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Bad age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Bad is rated NC-17. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Bad is 105 minutes (1h 45m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.3/10, and global performance metrics, Bad is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1977 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for Bad. Rating: 6.3/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bad worth watching?

Bad is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 6.3/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Bad parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Bad identifies it as NC-17. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Bad?

The total duration of Bad is 105 minutes, which is approximately 1h 45m long.

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How Bad Compares & Where it Ranks

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🛡️

movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.3
Bad
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/bad-66489" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 6.3</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Bad</div></div></a>

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