The Badlanders
Performance & Direction: The Badlanders Review
Last updated: February 18, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Badlanders (1958) 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 Western.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Western is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Badlanders features a noteworthy lineup led by Alan Ladd . Supported by the likes of Ernest Borgnine and Katy Jurado , 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: The Badlanders
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1958, The Badlanders is a Western, Crime, Drama, Romance film directed by Delmer Daves. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Alan Ladd.
Ending Explained: The Badlanders
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Delmer Daves, The Badlanders concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to western resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Alan Ladd, 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 western themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Badlanders reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Badlanders Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Badlanders incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a western, crime, drama, romance film directed by Delmer Daves, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Alan Ladd'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: The Badlanders adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Badlanders?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Western films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Alan Ladd or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Badlanders
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1.4M |
| Worldwide Gross | $2.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Badlanders Budget
The estimated production budget for The Badlanders is $1.4M. 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: The Badlanders
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Where to Watch The Badlanders Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeThe Badlanders Parents Guide & Age Rating
1958 AdvisoryWondering about The Badlanders age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Badlanders is 85 minutes (1h 25m). 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, The Badlanders is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1958 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Badlanders worth watching?
The Badlanders is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Western 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 The Badlanders parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Badlanders identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Badlanders?
The total duration of The Badlanders is 85 minutes, which is approximately 1h 25m 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.
