Willard fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Terrifying and tense
Fast from start to finish.
- Scare9
- Tension8
- Violence8
Heart
Moving and melancholic
- Pathos7
- Melancholy7
- Catharsis6
Humor
Some dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor6
- Cringe Humor3
- Satire & Parody3
World
The mind, everyday modern life, and crime
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Novelty7
Craft
Standout performances and characters
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
- Intrigue8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
HighTerrifying and tense
Fast from start to finish.
Willard is terrifying, tense, and violent.
All energy traits
- Scare9Frightening moments and scares.
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence8Physical conflict and intensity.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Uncanny8Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Grotesque7Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
LowMoving and melancholic
Emotionally, it's moving and melancholic.
All heart traits
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
LowSome dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some dark humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor6Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumThe mind, everyday modern life, and crime
Its world is built around the mind, everyday modern life, and crime.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Crime7Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Mystery7Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Social Commentary5Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout performances and characters
The performances and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Grotesque7Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
Skip it if
Find more like it
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
When the cat's away, the rats will play.
Actors
Crew
Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about Willard
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Willard worth watching?
Opinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 61/100 (IMDb 6.1, Rotten Tomatoes 64%, and Metacritic 61). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Willard rated?
It's rated PG-13 in the United States. Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How long is Willard?
1 h 40 min
Willard runs 1 h 40 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Willard?
Yes. Critics average 63 and audiences 59 out of 100, so both groups see Willard much the same way.
Was Willard a box office hit?
No. It cost about $22 million to make and earned $9 million worldwide, 39% of its budget.
What language is Willard in?
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Willard?
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Willard in 16 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Willard use?
TV Tropes lists 64 storytelling tropes for Willard, including Large Ham, "The Reason You Suck" Speech, Even Bad Men Love Their Mamas.

6.1









