How to Be Really Bad
How to Be Really Bad Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 15, 2026
Movie Overview: How to Be Really Bad
| Movie | How to Be Really Bad |
| Release Year | 2018 |
| Director | Marco Petry |
| Genre | Comedy |
| Runtime | 100 minutes (1h 40m) |
| Language | DE |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is How to Be Really Bad (2018) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.6/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in How to Be Really Bad are led by Emma Bading . The supporting cast, including Janina Fautz and Ludwig Simon , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
How to Be Really Bad stands out as a strong entry in the Comedy genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Comedy narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, How to Be Really Bad has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: How to Be Really Bad
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2018, How to Be Really Bad is a Comedy film directed by Marco Petry, written by Rochus Hahn. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Emma Bading as Lilith.
Ending Explained: How to Be Really Bad
How to Be Really Bad Ending Explained: The life of 14-year-old Lilith is similar to that of a normal teenager, but there is a peculiarity: she is the daughter of the devil and lives with him in hell. Directed by Marco Petry, this 2018 comedy film stars Emma Bading (Lilith), alongside Janina Fautz as Greta Birnstein, Ludwig Simon as Samuel, Samuel Finzi as Teufel / Vater. With a 6.6/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of How to Be Really Bad?
The life of 14-year-old Lilith is similar to that of a normal teenager, but there is a peculiarity: she is the daughter of the devil and lives with him in hell. Because she is totally bored there and also wants to have fun and explore the world, she makes a pact with her father: she is allowed to go to earth for a week - but she has to convert a good person to evil there. If she succeeds in this challenge, she may stay on earth forever, otherwise she'll be waving a hell of a boring job in the bookkeeping of the underworld.
Marco Petry's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Emma Bading (Lilith)'s journey. Because she is totally bored there and also wants to have fun and explore the world, she makes a pact with her father: she is allowed to go to earth for a week - but she has to convert a good person to evil there.
How Does Emma Bading (Lilith)'s Story End?
- Emma Bading: Emma Bading's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Janina Fautz (Greta Birnstein): Janina Fautz's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Ludwig Simon (Samuel): Ludwig Simon's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of How to Be Really Bad Mean?
How to Be Really Bad's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Emma Bading may feel rushed. Marco Petry's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
How to Be Really Bad Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is How to Be Really Bad Based on a True Story?
No, How to Be Really Bad is a work of fiction. While the comedy film directed by Marco Petry and starring Emma Bading may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch How to Be Really Bad?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Emma Bading or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Where to Watch How to Be Really Bad Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesRakuten TVmaxdome StoreSky StoreHow to Be Really Bad Parents Guide & Age Rating
2018 AdvisoryWondering about How to Be Really Bad age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of How to Be Really Bad (2018) is 100 minutes (1h 40m). Directed by Marco Petry, the film runs for 100 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.6/10, and global performance metrics, How to Be Really Bad is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2018 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is How to Be Really Bad worth watching?
How to Be Really Bad is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.6/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find How to Be Really Bad parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for How to Be Really Bad identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of How to Be Really Bad (2018)?
The runtime of How to Be Really Bad (2018) is 100 minutes (approximately 1h 40m).
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.
