Ode to Billy Joe
Performance & Direction: Ode to Billy Joe Review
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Ode to Billy Joe (1976) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Ode to Billy Joe features a noteworthy lineup led by Robby Benson . Supported by the likes of Glynnis O'Connor and Joan Hotchkis , 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?
Story & Plot Summary: Ode to Billy Joe
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1976, Ode to Billy Joe is a Drama, Romance film directed by Max Baer Jr.. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Robby Benson.
Ending Explained: Ode to Billy Joe
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Max Baer Jr., Ode to Billy Joe concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Robby Benson, 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 drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Ode to Billy Joe reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Ode to Billy Joe?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Robby Benson or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: Ode to Billy Joe
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1.1M |
| Worldwide Gross | $27.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Ode to Billy Joe Budget
The estimated production budget for Ode to Billy Joe is $1.1M. 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.
Top Cast: Ode to Billy Joe
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Where to Watch Ode to Billy Joe Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeOde to Billy Joe Parents Guide & Age Rating
1976 AdvisoryWondering about Ode to Billy Joe age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Ode to Billy Joe 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 6.1/10, and global performance metrics, Ode to Billy Joe is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1976 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ode to Billy Joe worth watching?
Ode to Billy Joe is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.1/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Ode to Billy Joe parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Ode to Billy Joe identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Ode to Billy Joe?
The total duration of Ode to Billy Joe is 105 minutes, which is approximately 1h 45m long.
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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.
