Is Barfly Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Barfly is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 100 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Barfly Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1987, Barfly emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Drama, Romance domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Downtrodden writer Henry and distressed goddess Wanda aren't exactly husband and wife: they're wedded to their bar stools. Unlike standard genre fare, Barfly 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 Barfly features a noteworthy lineup led by Mickey Rourke . Supported by the likes of Faye Dunaway and Alice Krige , 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 Barfly (1987) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.9/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Barfly Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Barfly is a Comedy, Drama, Romance 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.
Barfly Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Barfly concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, 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 Barfly reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Barfly?
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
Barfly Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $3.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $3.2M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Barfly Budget
The estimated production budget for Barfly is $3.0M. 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 Barfly
- Mickey Rourke – Henry Chinaski
- Faye Dunaway – Wanda Wilcox
- Alice Krige – Tully Sorenson
- Jack Nance – Detective
- J.C. Quinn – Jim
Top Highlights
Mickey RourkeHenry Chinaski
Faye DunawayWanda Wilcox
Alice KrigeTully Sorenson
Jack NanceDetective
J.C. QuinnJim
Frank Stallone Jr.Eddie
Sandy MartinJanice
Roberta BassinLilly
Gloria LeRoyGrandma Moses
Joe UngerBen
Where to Watch Barfly Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Barfly is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.9/10, and global collection metrics, Barfly stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1987 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Barfly movie hit or flop?
Barfly has received mixed reviews with a 6.9/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Barfly worth watching?
Barfly is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Drama, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Barfly online?
Barfly 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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Critic Reviews for Barfly
Mickey Rourke shines in this offbeat comedy about a dropout drunk poet. A bit too over the top in some scenes but an ultimately satisfying and funny film. Faye Dunaway's performance stands out as well.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
