RATING★ 6.7/10
VERDICT HIT
Child's Play (1988) movie backdrop
Child's Play (1988) movie poster

Child's Play Hit or Flop?

Rating
6.7/10
🎯Verdict
HIT
👍 GOOD
  • Engaging Storyline
  • Strong Performances
👎 BAD
  • Pacing issues in mid
  • Predictable ending
198887 minHorror
Audience VerdictHIT
Box Office ClassStandard

Child's Play

Child's Play Movie Hit or Flop?

HIT

Verdict:Child's Play is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 6.7/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Horror genre.

Is Child's Play Worth Watching?

Answer: Yes, Child's Play is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies.

It features a runtime of 87 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.

6.7/10 3,235 votes
87Minutes
1988Release Year
Visual Story
Advertisement

Child's Play Review

Last updated: January 18, 2026

🎬 Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations

Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1988, Child's Play emerges as a significant entry in the Horror domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of After being shot in a toy store, a serial killer transfers his soul into a Good Guy doll. Unlike standard genre fare, Child's Play attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and Child's Play features a noteworthy lineup led by Alex Vincent . Supported by the likes of Brad Dourif and Catherine Hicks , 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 Child's Play (1988) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.7/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.

Child's Play Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline

Quick Plot Summary: Child's Play is a Horror film that crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Story Breakdown

The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. After being shot in a toy store, a serial killer transfers his soul into a Good Guy doll. A mother then gifts it to her 6-year old son Andy, which unleashes terror upon the city. The film uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone, hinting at the terror to come while establishing the rules of this world.
  • Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
  • Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.

Child's Play Ending Explained & Final Analysis

Ending Breakdown: Child's Play concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to horror 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 horror themes established throughout the runtime.

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

Who Should Watch Child's Play?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Horror films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of the cast or director
  • Want a few scares and creepy atmosphere

Child's Play Box Office Collection

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $9.0M
Worldwide Gross $44.2M
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT

Child's Play Budget

The estimated production budget for Child's Play 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.

Advertisement

Full Cast & Crew of Child's Play

  • Alex Vincent – Andy Barclay
  • Brad Dourif – Chucky (voice) / Charles Lee Ray
  • Catherine Hicks – Karen Barclay
  • Chris Sarandon – Mike Norris
  • Dinah Manoff – Maggie Peterson

Top Highlights

Alex Vincent
Alex VincentAndy Barclay
Brad Dourif
Brad DourifChucky (voice) / Charles Lee Ray
Catherine Hicks
Catherine HicksKaren Barclay
Chris Sarandon
Chris SarandonMike Norris
Dinah Manoff
Dinah ManoffMaggie Peterson
Tommy Swerdlow
Tommy SwerdlowJack Santos
Jack Colvin
Jack ColvinDr. Ardmore
Neil Giuntoli
Neil GiuntoliEddie Caputo
Juan Ramírez
Juan RamírezPeddler
Alan Wilder
Alan WilderMr. Criswell

Where to Watch Child's Play Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

MGM Plus Amazon ChannelMGM Plus Amazon Channel

🎟️ Rent on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video

Parents Guide & Age Rating

R
Child's Play is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense. It is intended for mature audiences only.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.7/10, and global collection metrics, Child's Play stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1988 cinematic year.

Official Trailer

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Child's Play movie hit or flop?

Child's Play has received mixed reviews with a 6.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is Child's Play worth watching?

Child's Play is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Horror movies, but read reviews first.

Where can I watch Child's Play online?

Child's Play is currently available for streaming on MGM Plus Amazon Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like MGM Plus Amazon Channel depending on your region.

Best Movies to Watch if you liked Child's Play

How Child's Play Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Child's Play

🛡️

movieMx Verified

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

Advertisement
Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.7
Child's Play
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/childs-play-10585" 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;">★ 6.7</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Child's Play</div></div></a>

Share this rating on your blog or website. Includes a 100% organic backlink.

More with Alex Vincent

View full filmography

Part of the Child's Play Collection

Explore the full watch order, ratings, and collection details.

View Full Franchise