The Devil's Backbone
Performance & Direction: The Devil's Backbone Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Devil's Backbone (2001) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Fantasy.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Fantasy is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Devil's Backbone features a noteworthy lineup led by Marisa Paredes . Supported by the likes of Eduardo Noriega and Federico Luppi , 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 Devil's Backbone
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2001, The Devil's Backbone is a Fantasy, Drama, Horror, Thriller film directed by Guillermo del Toro. The narrative transports viewers to imaginative worlds filled with magic, wonder, and epic adventures. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Marisa Paredes.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Spain, 1939. In the last days of the Spanish Civil War, the young Carlos arrives at the Santa Lucía orphanage, where he will make friends and enemies as he follows the quiet footsteps of a mysterious presence eager for revenge. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Marisa Paredes's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: The Devil's Backbone
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Guillermo del Toro, The Devil's Backbone resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to fantasy resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Marisa Paredes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the fantasy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Devil's Backbone reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Devil's Backbone?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Fantasy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Marisa Paredes or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Devil's Backbone
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $4.5M |
| Worldwide Gross | $6.6M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Devil's Backbone Budget
The estimated production budget for The Devil's Backbone is $4.5M. 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 Devil's Backbone
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The Devil's Backbone Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeThe Devil's Backbone Parents Guide & Age Rating
2001 AdvisoryWondering about The Devil's Backbone age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Devil's Backbone is 108 minutes (1h 48m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.3/10, and global performance metrics, The Devil's Backbone is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2001 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Devil's Backbone worth watching?
The Devil's Backbone is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Fantasy movies. It has a verified rating of 7.3/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Devil's Backbone parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Devil's Backbone identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Devil's Backbone?
The total duration of The Devil's Backbone is 108 minutes, which is approximately 1h 48m 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.
