RATING★ 6.8/10
VERDICT HIT
Bird (1988) movie backdrop
Bird (1988) movie poster

Bird Hit or Flop?

Rating
6.8/10
🎯Verdict
HIT
👍 GOOD
  • Engaging Storyline
  • Strong Performances
👎 BAD
  • Pacing issues in mid
  • Predictable ending
1988161 minDrama, Music
Audience VerdictHIT
Box Office ClassStandard

Bird

Bird Movie Hit or Flop?

HIT

Verdict:Bird is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 6.8/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Drama, Music genre.

Is Bird Worth Watching?

Answer: Yes, Bird is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.

It features a runtime of 161 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.

6.8/10 344 votes
161Minutes
1988Release Year
Visual Story
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Bird Review

Last updated: January 18, 2026

🎬 Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations

Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1988, Bird emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Music domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Saxophone player Charlie ‘Bird’ Parker comes to New York in 1940 and is quickly noticed for his remarkable way of playing. Unlike standard genre fare, Bird attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Bird features a noteworthy lineup led by Forest Whitaker . Supported by the likes of Diane Venora and Michael Zelniker , 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 Bird (1988) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.

Bird Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline

Quick Plot Summary: Bird is a Drama, Music film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Bird Ending Explained & Final Analysis

Ending Breakdown: Bird concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama 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 drama themes established throughout the runtime.

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

Who Should Watch Bird?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of the cast or director
  • Want a character-driven story with emotional moments

Bird Box Office Collection

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $9.0M
Worldwide Gross $2.0M
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT

Bird Budget

The estimated production budget for Bird is $9.0M. 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 Bird

  • Forest Whitaker – Charlie 'Bird' Parker
  • Diane Venora – Chan Parker
  • Michael Zelniker – Red Rodney
  • Samuel E. Wright – Dizzy Gillespie
  • Keith David – Buster Franklin

Top Highlights

Forest Whitaker
Forest WhitakerCharlie 'Bird' Parker
Diane Venora
Diane VenoraChan Parker
Michael Zelniker
Michael ZelnikerRed Rodney
Samuel E. Wright
Samuel E. WrightDizzy Gillespie
Keith David
Keith DavidBuster Franklin
Michael McGuire
Michael McGuireBrewster
James Handy
James HandyEsteves
Damon Whitaker
Damon WhitakerYoung Bird
Morgan Nagler
Morgan NaglerKim
Arlen Dean Snyder
Arlen Dean SnyderDr. Heath

Where to Watch Bird Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TVApple TV
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

🏷️ Buy on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TVApple TV
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

Parents Guide & Age Rating

R
Bird is rated R. It is intended for mature audiences only.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.8/10, and global collection metrics, Bird stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1988 cinematic year.

Official Trailer

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bird movie hit or flop?

Bird has received mixed reviews with a 6.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is Bird worth watching?

Bird is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Music movies, but read reviews first.

Where can I watch Bird online?

Bird 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 Bird

How Bird Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Bird

🛡️

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
★ 6.8
Bird
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/bird-24679" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 6.8</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Bird</div></div></a>

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