Bates Motel

  • 1987
  • Not Rated
  • 95m
movieMx RATING
4.5/1058
VERDICT
AVERAGE
Advertisement

Performance & Direction: Bates Motel Review

Last updated: February 20, 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 20, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Bates Motel (1987) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 4.5/10. 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 Bates Motel features a noteworthy lineup led by Bud Cort . Supported by the likes of Lori Petty and Moses Gunn , 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 Bates Motel (1987) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.5/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Result: AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Bates Motel stands as a AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: Bates Motel

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1987, Bates Motel is a Horror, Drama film directed by Richard Rothstein. 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 Bud Cort.

Ending Explained: Bates Motel

Ending Breakdown: Directed by Richard Rothstein, Bates Motel attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.

The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Bud Cort, 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 Bates Motel reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch Bates Motel?

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Horror films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Advertisement

Top Cast: Bates Motel

All Cast & Crew →
Bud Cort
Bud CortAlex West
Moses Gunn
Moses GunnHenry Watson
Gregg Henry
Gregg HenryTom Fuller
Jason Bateman
Jason BatemanTony Scotti
Kerrie Keane
Kerrie KeaneBarbara Peters
Robert Picardo
Robert PicardoDr. Goodman
Kurt Paul
Kurt PaulNorman Bates
Peter Dobson
Peter DobsonBilly Parks
Advertisement

Bates Motel Parents Guide & Age Rating

1987 Advisory
Not Rated

Official Age Rating

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

Bates Motel has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Horror, Drama), it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Bates Motel is 95 minutes (1h 35m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.5/10, and global performance metrics, Bates Motel is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1987 cinematic calendar.

AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for Bates Motel. Rating: 4.5/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bates Motel worth watching?

Bates Motel is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 4.5/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Bates Motel parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Bates Motel identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Bates Motel?

The total duration of Bates Motel is 95 minutes, which is approximately 1h 35m long.

Best Movies to Watch if you liked Bates Motel

How Bates Motel Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Bates Motel

No reviews found for this filter.

🛡️

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.

Advertisement
Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 4.5
Bates Motel
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/bates-motel-86330" 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;">★ 4.5</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Bates Motel</div></div></a>

Share this rating on your blog or website. Includes a 100% organic backlink.

More with Bud Cort

View full filmography