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Trailer

Barfly

1987Movie1 h 40 minR

ComedyDrama
72
GoodGoodWatch score
IMDb7.1Metacritic706.8Rotten Tomatoes76%82%

A profoundly sad, moving comedy movie about everyday modern life and class and money, with standout dialogue.

Good for date night · friends night · comfort watch

Skip it if you want fast pacing

Where to watch

Set your services

Not streaming in United States. Where it is:

Fingerprint

Not for warmth, scares or adrenaline.

Movies with

Story

Some people never go crazy. What truly horrible lives they must lead.

Downtrodden writer Henry and distressed goddess Wanda aren't exactly husband and wife: they're wedded to their bar stools. But, they like each other's company—and Barfly captures their giddy, gin-soaked attempts to make a go of life on the skids.

Feels like

  • Downtrodden Romance
  • Character-Driven
  • Alcoholism
  • Gritty Realism
  • Literary
  • Offbeat
  • Melancholy
  • Dialogue-Heavy
  • Independent Film

Cast

21 of 21

Crew

Directed by
Barbet Schroeder
Written by
Charles Bukowski
Produced by
Barbet Schroeder, Fred Roos, Tom Luddy
Music by
Jack Baran

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

September 2, 1987 · 1 h 40 min · R

Released
September 2, 1987
Runtime
1 h 40 min
Age rating
R
Content
Strong Language, Sexual Content, Drug Use
Genres
Comedy, Drama, Romance
Original language
English
Made in
United States
Budget
$3 million
Box office
$3 million
Available in
5 countries

Tropes

The Alcoholic, Bruiser with a Soft Center, Unwanted Rescue +8

  • The Alcoholic
  • Bruiser with a Soft Center
  • Unwanted Rescue
  • Downer Ending
  • Lower-Class Lout
  • Black Comedy
  • Guys are Slobs
  • Lady Drunk
  • Creator Cameo
  • Drunken Master
  • Do You Want to Haggle?

From TV Tropes.

Q&A

4 questions, like "Where can I stream Barfly?"

Questions about Barfly

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Barfly?

It streams in 2 other countries, but not in the United States.

Is Barfly worth watching?

72
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly, it's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 72 (IMDb 7.1, Rotten Tomatoes 76%, and Metacritic 70).

Will Barfly make me laugh?

Funny

Yes: the humor is mostly sharp wit (7 of 10) and dark humor (7 of 10).

Is Barfly good for date night?

Date NightPartner WatchAdultsFriends NightSolo Watch

Yes: romance is 7 of 10, and the viewing guide lists it for date night.