Is Willard Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Willard is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies.
It features a runtime of 95 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Willard Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1971, Willard emerges as a significant entry in the Horror, Science Fiction domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A social misfit, Willard is made fun of by his co-workers, and squeezed out of the company started by his deceased father by his boss. Unlike standard genre fare, Willard 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 Willard features a noteworthy lineup led by Bruce Davison . Supported by the likes of Ernest Borgnine and Sondra Locke , 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 Willard (1971) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Willard Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Willard is a Horror, Science Fiction 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.
Willard Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Willard 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 Willard reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Willard?
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
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of Willard
- Bruce Davison – Willard Stiles
- Ernest Borgnine – Al Martin
- Sondra Locke – Joan Simms
- Elsa Lanchester – Henrietta Stiles
- Michael Dante – Brandt
Top Highlights
Bruce DavisonWillard Stiles
Ernest BorgnineAl Martin
Sondra LockeJoan Simms
Elsa LanchesterHenrietta Stiles
Michael DanteBrandt
Jody GilbertCharlotte Stassen
William HansenBarskin
John MyhersCarlson
J. Pat O'MalleyJonathan Farley
Joan ShawleeAlice Rickles
Where to Watch Willard Online?
Streaming HubParents Guide & Age Rating
Willard is rated PG. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.1/10, and global collection metrics, Willard stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1971 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Willard movie hit or flop?
Willard has received mixed reviews with a 6.1/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Willard worth watching?
Willard is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Horror, Science Fiction movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Willard online?
Willard 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 Willard
How Willard Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Willard
***A young loner finds that he connects with… rats*** A mama’s boy and meek misfit (Bruce Davison) befriends the rats that live behind his mother old manor and decides to use them to get back at his domineering boss (Ernest Borgnine) who usurped the business from his father. Sondra Locke is on hand as a coworker in one of her earliest roles. "Willard" (1971) is an odd mundane character study of a timid loner with low key horror and a bit o’ black humor; it has a curious vibe that hints at the insanity of life. Incredibly, it was a minor hit at the box office, the 12th top-grossing movie of 1971, beating out notables like “Escape from the Planet of the Apes,” “Shaft,” “Play Misty for Me,” “McCabe & Mrs. Miller” and “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” I say “incredibly” because this is a small, absurd, melancholy movie of little consequence, yet not without some interest. The main rats are cute, for instance. Plus it’s nice to see Locke in her young, pre-Eastwood years. She dated star Davison while filming “Willard,” but not publicly since she was married to her soul mate from high school. The husband didn’t mind, however, since he was homosexual. The movie runs 1 hour, 35 minutes, and was shot in Los Angeles. GRADE: B-
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
More with Bruce Davison
View full filmography
Part of the Willard Collection
Explore the full watch order, ratings, and collection details.
View Full Franchise