Barfly
Barfly Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 12, 2026
Movie Overview: Barfly
| Movie | Barfly |
| Release Year | 1987 |
| Director | Barbet Schroeder |
| Genre | Comedy / Drama / Romance |
| Runtime | 100 minutes |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Barfly (1987) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Barfly are led by Mickey Rourke . The supporting cast, including Faye Dunaway and Alice Krige , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Barfly stands out as a strong entry in the Comedy genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Comedy narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Barfly has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Barfly
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1987, Barfly is a Comedy, Drama, Romance film directed by Barbet Schroeder. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Mickey Rourke.
Ending Explained: Barfly
Barfly Ending Explained: Directed by Barbet Schroeder, Barfly wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core comedy themes developed throughout the film.
The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Mickey Rourke. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the comedy themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Barfly reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Barfly?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Mickey Rourke or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Box Office Collection: Barfly
| 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.
Top Cast: Barfly
All Cast & Crew →

















Where to Watch Barfly Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoBarfly Parents Guide & Age Rating
1987 AdvisoryWondering about Barfly age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Barfly is 100 minutes (1h 40m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.9/10, and global performance metrics, Barfly is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1987 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Barfly worth watching?
Barfly is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.9/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Barfly parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Barfly identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Barfly?
The total duration of Barfly is 100 minutes, which is approximately 1h 40m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Barfly
How Barfly Compares & Where it Ranks
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 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.












