RATING★ 6.4/10
VERDICT ABOVE AVERAGE
Bad Words (2013) movie backdrop
Bad Words (2013) movie poster

Bad Words Hit or Flop?

Rating
6.4/10
🎯Verdict
ABOVE AVERAGE
👍 GOOD
  • Engaging Storyline
  • Strong Performances
👎 BAD
  • Pacing issues in mid
  • Predictable ending
201389 minComedy
Audience VerdictABOVE AVERAGE
Box Office ClassStandard

Bad Words

Bad Words Movie Hit or Flop?

ABOVE AVERAGE

Verdict:Bad Words is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 6.4/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Comedy genre.

Is Bad Words Worth Watching?

Answer: Yes, Bad Words is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.

It features a runtime of 89 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.

6.4/10 885 votes
89Minutes
2013Release Year
Visual Story
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Bad Words Review

Last updated: January 18, 2026

🎬 Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations

Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2013, Bad Words emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Forty-year-old misanthrope, Guy Trilby, enters the National Golden Quill Spelling Bee through a loophole in the rules. Unlike standard genre fare, Bad Words attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Bad Words features a noteworthy lineup led by Jason Bateman . Supported by the likes of Kathryn Hahn and Rohan Chand , 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 Bad Words (2013) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.

Bad Words Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline

Quick Plot Summary: Bad Words is a Comedy film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Story Breakdown

The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. Forty-year-old misanthrope, Guy Trilby, enters the National Golden Quill Spelling Bee through a loophole in the rules. The film finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks and running gags that reward attentive viewers.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: The opening establishes the comedic tone and introduces the central conflict through humor and character quirks.
  • Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
  • Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together running gags and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.

Bad Words Ending Explained & Final Analysis

Ending Breakdown: Bad Words concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.

The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, 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 comedy themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Bad Words reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch Bad Words?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of the cast or director
  • Want some laughs and light entertainment

Bad Words Box Office Collection

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $9.5M
Worldwide Gross $7.8M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

Bad Words Budget

The estimated production budget for Bad Words is $9.5M. 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 Bad Words

  • Jason Bateman – Guy Trilby
  • Kathryn Hahn – Jenny Widgeon
  • Rohan Chand – Chaitanya Chopra
  • Philip Baker Hall – Dr. Bowman
  • Allison Janney – Dr. Bernice Deagan

Top Highlights

Jason Bateman
Jason BatemanGuy Trilby
Kathryn Hahn
Kathryn HahnJenny Widgeon
Rohan Chand
Rohan ChandChaitanya Chopra
Philip Baker Hall
Philip Baker HallDr. Bowman
Allison Janney
Allison JanneyDr. Bernice Deagan
Ben Falcone
Ben FalconePete Fowler
Steve Witting
Steve WittingProctor at Spelling Bee
Beth Grant
Beth GrantBedazzled Judge
Gwen Parden
Gwen PardenBrace Faced Girl
Anjul Nigam
Anjul NigamSriram Chopra

Where to Watch Bad Words Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video

Parents Guide & Age Rating

R
Bad Words is rated R. It is intended for mature audiences only.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.4/10, and global collection metrics, Bad Words stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2013 cinematic year.

Official Trailer

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bad Words movie hit or flop?

Bad Words has received mixed reviews with a 6.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is Bad Words worth watching?

Bad Words is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy movies, but read reviews first.

Where can I watch Bad Words online?

Bad Words 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.

Best Movies to Watch if you liked Bad Words

How Bad Words Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Bad Words

🛡️

movieMx Verified

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.4
Bad Words
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