Is 31 Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, 31 is likely a skip if you enjoy Horror movies.
It features a runtime of 102 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
31 Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2016, 31 emerges as a significant entry in the Horror, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Five carnival workers are kidnapped and held hostage in an abandoned, Hell-like compound where they are forced to participate in a violent game, the goal of which is to survive twelve hours against a gang of sadistic clowns. Unlike standard genre fare, 31 attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and 31 features a noteworthy lineup led by Sheri Moon Zombie . Supported by the likes of Richard Brake and Meg Foster , 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?
In summary, our editorial assessment of 31 (2016) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
31 Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: 31 is a Horror, Thriller film that crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. Five carnival workers are kidnapped and held hostage in an abandoned, Hell-like compound where they are forced to participate in a violent game, the goal of which is to survive twelve hours against a gang of sadistic clowns. The film uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone, hinting at the terror to come while establishing the rules of this world.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.
31 Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: 31 attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, 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 horror themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of 31 reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch 31?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Horror films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
31 Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1.5M |
| Worldwide Gross | $850.4K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
31 Budget
The estimated production budget for 31 is $1.5M. 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.
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Full Cast & Crew of 31
- Sheri Moon Zombie – Charly
- Richard Brake – Doom-Head
- Meg Foster – Venus Virgo
- Malcolm McDowell – Father Murder
- Daniel Roebuck – Pastor Victor
Top Highlights
Sheri Moon ZombieCharly
Richard BrakeDoom-Head
Meg FosterVenus Virgo
Malcolm McDowellFather Murder
Daniel RoebuckPastor Victor
Lawrence Hilton-JacobsPanda Thomas
Jeff Daniel PhillipsRoscoe Pepper
Andrea DoraTrixie
Ginger LynnCherry Bomb
Jane CarrSister Serpent
Where to Watch 31 Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
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Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
31 is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.4/10, and global collection metrics, 31 stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2016 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 31 movie hit or flop?
31 has received mixed reviews with a 5.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is 31 worth watching?
31 is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Horror, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch 31 online?
31 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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How 31 Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for 31
_31_ was made very quickly on a shoestring budget, and it shows in Rob Zombie's worst film to date. Bizarrely though, it also features what might just be the best performance of Richard Brake's career. And that is no small feat, the man is a proven talent. Still probably skippable for the moviegoing community at large, but worth the time of a hardcore devotee. _Final rating:★★½ - Had a lot that appealed to me, didn’t quite work as a whole._
_31_ was made very quickly on a shoestring budget, and it shows in Rob Zombie's worst film to date. Bizarrely though, it also features what might just be the best performance of Richard Brake's career. And that is no small feat, the man is a proven talent. Still probably skippable for the moviegoing community at large, but worth the time of a hardcore devotee. _Final rating:★★½ - Had a lot that appealed to me, didn’t quite work as a whole._
By this point in his career, there's not much mystery left to Zombie. From his days of White Zombie to his latest musical outpourings and films, he's made his desire to have fun and his love for the grittier horror of the past well known. Zombie fans know this. We go into each new project knowing there's little chance of being surprised but hoping that it's going to be a hell of a ride of full of homages.
31 is no exception. The film opens with a scratchy, shaky cam and proceeds to introduce us to a lot of the same cast we've seen before playing the same trashy and foul-mouthed character types we've seen before. The acting is intentionally full of cheese and the setting is once again his favourite decade. If you didn't enjoy House of 1000 Corpses, The Devil's Rejects, or The Lords of Salem, there's little chance that 31 will be your cup of tea.
On one hand, I'm not disappointed. 31 is pretty much exactly what I expected it to be. On the other hand, it's clear that Zombie is capable of doing something more unique and at this point it really feels like it's time for him to -- for at least one film -- take his horror a different direction. Sure, I'm tired of the boring cleancut CGI films of the mainstream, but if anyone can make one of these that is truly gorey and scary, Zombie's the guy. I'm not saying he should stop doing what's fun for him, but some variety would be nice.
Quick notes:
- Richard Brake (Doom-Head) was perfection.
- Malcolm McDowell was underused.
- Sherri Moon Zombie wasn't the best casting choice for Charly, though I'd love to have her kicking ass here in a different capacity.
- Zombie really should make a full release of Werewolf Women of the SS.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
