Child's Play

  • 1988
  • R
  • 87m
movieMx RATING
6.7/103.3K
VERDICT
HIT
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Performance & Direction: Child's Play 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 Child's Play (1988) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.7/10. 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 Child's Play features a noteworthy lineup led by Alex Vincent . Supported by the likes of Brad Dourif and Catherine Hicks , 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 Child's Play (1988) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 6.7/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Result: HIT
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Child's Play stands as a HIT.

Story & Plot Summary: Child's Play

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1988, Child's Play is a Horror film directed by Tom Holland. 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 Alex Vincent.

Story Breakdown

The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. After being shot in a toy store, a serial killer transfers his soul into a Good Guy doll. A mother then gifts it to her 6-year old son Andy, which unleashes terror upon the city. Director Tom Holland uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone, hinting at the terror to come while establishing the rules of this world.
  • Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Alex Vincent's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
  • Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.

Ending Explained: Child's Play

Ending Breakdown: Directed by Tom Holland, Child's Play 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 Alex Vincent, 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 Child's Play reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch Child's Play?

Worth Watching If You:

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

Box Office Collection: Child's Play

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $9.0M
Worldwide Gross $44.2M
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT

Child's Play Budget

The estimated production budget for Child's Play is $9.0M. 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: Child's Play

All Cast & Crew →
Alex Vincent
Alex VincentAndy Barclay
Brad Dourif
Brad DourifChucky (voice) / Charles Lee Ray
Catherine Hicks
Catherine HicksKaren Barclay
Chris Sarandon
Chris SarandonMike Norris
Dinah Manoff
Dinah ManoffMaggie Peterson
Tommy Swerdlow
Tommy SwerdlowJack Santos
Jack Colvin
Jack ColvinDr. Ardmore
Neil Giuntoli
Neil GiuntoliEddie Caputo
Alan Wilder
Alan WilderMr. Criswell
Richard Baird
Richard BairdNews Reporter at Toy Store
Ray Oliver
Ray OliverDr. Death
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Where to Watch Child's Play Online?

Streaming Hub

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Child's Play Parents Guide & Age Rating

1988 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

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

Child's Play is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Child's Play is 87 minutes (1h 27m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.7/10, and global performance metrics, Child's Play is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1988 cinematic calendar.

HIT
Official movieMx status for Child's Play. Rating: 6.7/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Child's Play worth watching?

Child's Play is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 6.7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Child's Play parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Child's Play identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Child's Play?

The total duration of Child's Play is 87 minutes, which is approximately 1h 27m long.

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Critic Reviews for Child's Play

🛡️

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
★ 6.7
Child's Play
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/childs-play-10585" 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;">★ 6.7</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Child's Play</div></div></a>

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