Performance & Direction: Cry-Baby Review
Last updated: January 21, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Cry-Baby (1990) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.5/10. 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 Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Cry-Baby features a noteworthy lineup led by Johnny Depp . Supported by the likes of Amy Locane and Susan Tyrrell , 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 Cry-Baby (1990) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.5/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: Cry-Baby
Quick Plot Summary: Cry-Baby is a Comedy, Romance film that 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 and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. A prim and proper schoolgirl goes against her society grandmother's wishes when she dates a motorcycle-riding juvenile delinquent. The film finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks and running gags that reward attentive viewers.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening establishes the comedic tone and introduces the central conflict through humor and character quirks.
- 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 comedic climax ties together recurring jokes and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.
Ending Explained: Cry-Baby
Ending Breakdown: Cry-Baby concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to comedy 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 comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Cry-Baby reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Cry-Baby?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Box Office Collection: Cry-Baby
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $11.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $8.3M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Cry-Baby Budget
The estimated production budget for Cry-Baby is $11.0M. 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: Cry-Baby
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Cry-Baby Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoCry-Baby Parents Guide & Age Rating
1990 AdvisoryWondering about Cry-Baby age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Cry-Baby is 85 minutes (1h 25m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.5/10, and global collection metrics, Cry-Baby stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1990 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cry-Baby worth watching?
Cry-Baby is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.5/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Cry-Baby parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Cry-Baby identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Cry-Baby?
The total duration of Cry-Baby is 85 minutes, which is approximately 1h 25m 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.
