Is Thoroughbreds Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Thoroughbreds is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 92 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Thoroughbreds Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2018, Thoroughbreds emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Lily and Amanda, two high school students living in suburban Connecticut, rekindle their unlikely friendship after years of drifting apart. Unlike standard genre fare, Thoroughbreds 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 Thoroughbreds features a noteworthy lineup led by Olivia Cooke . Supported by the likes of Anya Taylor-Joy and Anton Yelchin , 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 Thoroughbreds (2018) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Thoroughbreds Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Thoroughbreds is a Drama, Thriller 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.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Lily and Amanda, two high school students living in suburban Connecticut, rekindle their unlikely friendship after years of drifting apart. Together, they devise a plan to kill Lily's abusive stepfather by hiring a lowlife drug dealer. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- 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 emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's themes.
Thoroughbreds Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Thoroughbreds concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, 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 Thoroughbreds reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Thoroughbreds?
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
Thoroughbreds Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $5.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $2.8M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Thoroughbreds Budget
The estimated production budget for Thoroughbreds is $5.0M. 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 Thoroughbreds
- Olivia Cooke – Amanda
- Anya Taylor-Joy – Lily
- Anton Yelchin – Tim
- Paul Sparks – Mark
- Francie Swift – Cynthia
Top Highlights
Olivia CookeAmanda
Anya Taylor-JoyLily
Anton YelchinTim
Paul SparksMark
Francie SwiftCynthia
Kaili VernoffKaren
Alyssa FishendenJessica
Jackson DamonPhil
James HaddadMichael
Nolan BallDelivery Guy
Where to Watch Thoroughbreds Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Thoroughbreds is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.4/10, and global collection metrics, Thoroughbreds stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2018 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thoroughbreds movie hit or flop?
Thoroughbreds has received mixed reviews with a 6.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Thoroughbreds worth watching?
Thoroughbreds is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Thoroughbreds online?
Thoroughbreds 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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How Thoroughbreds Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Thoroughbreds
Don't fuck with _The Saddle Club_. _Final rating:★★★½ - I really liked it. Would strongly recommend you give it your time._
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
