Is The Thief of Baghdad Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Thief of Baghdad is likely a skip if you enjoy TV Movie movies.
It features a runtime of 102 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Thief of Baghdad Review
Last updated: January 12, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1978, The Thief of Baghdad enters the TV Movie genre with a narrative focused on A resourceful thief helps a handscome prince fight an evil wizard and win the hand of a beautiful princess. Under the direction of Clive Donner, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Roddy McDowall. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, The Thief of Baghdad offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, The Thief of Baghdad resonates with current cultural themes in the TV Movie space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, The Thief of Baghdad is available in theaters worldwide. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Video roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of The Thief of Baghdad centers on a unique premise within the TV Movie landscape. A resourceful thief helps a handscome prince fight an evil wizard and win the hand of a beautiful princess. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1978 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of The Thief of Baghdad has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a The Thief of Baghdad sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for The Thief of Baghdad (1978): with an audience rating of 5.2/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of TV Movie, Adventure cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Where to Watch The Thief of Baghdad Online?
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Amazon VideoGoogle Play MoviesParents Guide & Age Rating
The Thief of Baghdad has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.2/10, and global collection metrics, The Thief of Baghdad stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1978 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Thief of Baghdad movie hit or flop?
The Thief of Baghdad has received mixed reviews with a 5.2/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Thief of Baghdad worth watching?
The Thief of Baghdad is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of TV Movie, Adventure movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Thief of Baghdad online?
The Thief of Baghdad may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is The Thief of Baghdad movie hit or flop?
The Thief of Baghdad has received mixed reviews with a 5.2/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Thief of Baghdad worth watching?
The Thief of Baghdad is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of TV Movie, Adventure movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Thief of Baghdad online?
The Thief of Baghdad may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
What is the story of The Thief of Baghdad?
The Thief of Baghdad is a TV Movie, Adventure movie that follows: A resourceful thief helps a handscome prince fight an evil wizard and win the hand of a beautiful princess....
Is The Thief of Baghdad family friendly?
The Thief of Baghdad is classified as TV Movie, Adventure. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.
What language is The Thief of Baghdad available in?
The Thief of Baghdad is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
A resourceful thief helps a handscome prince fight an evil wizard and win the hand of a beautiful princess.
Critic Reviews
A rather shoddily produced Arabian Nights fantasy with a superbly camp Peter Ustinov - who must have used the same dialogue coach as Olivier did in "Khartoum" - as the Caliph trying his best to make a silk purse from a sow's ear! Despite having a good cast with Roddy McDowell, Frank Finlay, Ian Holm and a marvellously hammy Terence Stamp as the baddie "Jaudur" all trying their best, there is no denying that the script and direction are really poor. Ustinov's daughter, Pavla, adds some glamour as the Princess "Jasmine" and the costumiers and set designers have spared no effort/expense but in the end it's a waste of their craft.