Performance & Direction: Billy the Kid Review
Last updated: January 23, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Billy the Kid (1930) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a FLOP with a verified audience rating of 4.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Western.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Western is often anchored by its ensemble, and Billy the Kid features a noteworthy lineup led by Johnny Mack Brown . Supported by the likes of Wallace Beery and Kay Johnson , 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 Billy the Kid (1930) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: Billy the Kid
Quick Plot Summary: Billy the Kid is a Western film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: Billy the Kid
Ending Breakdown: Billy the Kid attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to western 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 western themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Billy the Kid reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Billy the Kid?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Western films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: Billy the Kid
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Where to Watch Billy the Kid Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeBilly the Kid Parents Guide & Age Rating
1930 AdvisoryWondering about Billy the Kid age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Billy the Kid is 95 minutes (1h 35m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.3/10, and global collection metrics, Billy the Kid stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1930 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Billy the Kid worth watching?
Billy the Kid is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Western movies. It has a verified rating of 4.3/10 and stands as a FLOP in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Billy the Kid parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Billy the Kid identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Billy the Kid?
The total duration of Billy the Kid is 95 minutes, which is approximately 1h 35m long.
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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.
