Is Bugsy Malone Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Bugsy Malone is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 93 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Bugsy Malone Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1976, Bugsy Malone emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Action, Comedy, Music, Family domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of New York, 1929, a war rages between two rival gangsters, Fat Sam and Dandy Dan. Unlike standard genre fare, Bugsy Malone 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 Bugsy Malone features a noteworthy lineup led by Scott Baio . Supported by the likes of Jodie Foster and Florrie Dugger , 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 Bugsy Malone (1976) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Bugsy Malone Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Bugsy Malone is a Drama, Action, Comedy, Music, Family 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.
Bugsy Malone Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Bugsy Malone 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 Bugsy Malone reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Bugsy Malone?
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
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Full Cast & Crew of Bugsy Malone
- Scott Baio – Bugsy Malone
- Jodie Foster – Tallulah
- Florrie Dugger – Blousey
- John Cassisi – Fat Sam
- Martin Lev – Dandy Dan
Top Highlights
Scott BaioBugsy Malone
Jodie FosterTallulah
Florrie DuggerBlousey
John CassisiFat Sam
Martin LevDandy Dan
Paul MurphyLeroy Smith
Sheridan Earl RussellKnuckles
Albin 'Humpty' JenkinsFizzy
Paul ChirelsteinSmolsky
Andrew PaulO'Dreary
Where to Watch Bugsy Malone Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home
Spectrum On Demand🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Bugsy Malone is rated G. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.6/10, and global collection metrics, Bugsy Malone stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1976 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bugsy Malone movie hit or flop?
Bugsy Malone has received mixed reviews with a 6.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Bugsy Malone worth watching?
Bugsy Malone is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Action, Comedy movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Bugsy Malone online?
Bugsy Malone 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 Bugsy Malone
There is something cartoon-like about this gangster spoof. The characters are all played by children and instead of spraying their rivals with bullets, they find themselves being creamed to death. The plot centres around the turf wars between "Dandy Dan" (Martin Lev) and "Fat Sam" (John Cassisi) and the shrewd manoeuvrings of the eponymous character (Scott Baio). Add to the mix the seductive, sultry, "Tallulah" (Jodie Foster) and you have the makings of a gently comedic production. There's quite a decent list of songs to keep it moving - "Bugsy Malone", "Down and Out" and "So You Wanna be a Boxer". Not songs you might recognise by their titles, but ones your toes start instinctively tapping to when the ensemble break into their well choreographed delivery. It's an OK watch, this, but I found that the initially innovative joke wore a bit thin quite quickly and the scenarios prove just a little too repetitive. That said, Foster and Baio work quite well together and it does look good - sending up all things Al Capone! Worth a watch, but nothing great.
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