7.1
Where can I stream Barfly legally?
You can rent or buy it from Amazon Video. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Barfly fingerprint
Funny, strong craft, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension4
- Violence4
- Fast Pace3
Heart
Profoundly sad and moving
- Melancholy9
- Pathos8
- Romance7
Humor
Some sharp wit and dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay7
- Dark Humor7
- Situational Comedy6
World
Everyday modern life and class and money
- Dialogue Centrality9
- Rewatchability7
- World Immersion6
Craft
Standout dialogue, performances, and characters
- Dialogue Quality9
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition7
- Music Centrality7
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Barfly is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowProfoundly sad and moving
Emotionally, it's profoundly sad, moving, and romantic.
All heart traits
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Romance7Love stories and emotional connections.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
HighSome sharp wit and dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit and dark humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay7Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor7Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy6Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Absurdist Humor4Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Eccentricity7Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumEveryday modern life and class and money
Its world is built around everyday modern life and class and money.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- World Immersion6Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Class & Capitalism7Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout dialogue, performances, and characters
The dialogue, performances, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Dialogue Quality9Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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About
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.
Downtrodden RomanceCharacter-DrivenAlcoholismGritty RealismLiteraryOffbeatMelancholyDialogue-HeavyIndependent Film
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Barfly
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Barfly worth watching?
72
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 73/100 (IMDb 7.1, Rotten Tomatoes 76%, and Metacritic 70). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Barfly rated?
RStrong languageSexual contentDrug use
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: strong language, sexual content, and drug use.
How long is Barfly?
1 h 40 min
Barfly runs 1 h 40 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Barfly?
Critics73
Audiences74
Yes. Critics average 73 and audiences 74 out of 100, so both groups see Barfly much the same way.
Was Barfly a box office hit?
Budget$3 million
Box office$3 million
Roughly broke even. It cost about $3 million to make and earned $3 million worldwide, 1.1 times its budget.
What language is Barfly in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Barfly?
5
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Barfly in 5 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Barfly use?
The AlcoholicBruiser with a Soft CenterUnwanted RescueDowner EndingLower-Class LoutBlack ComedyGuys are SlobsLady DrunkCreator CameoDrunken MasterDo You Want to Haggle?
TV Tropes lists 11 storytelling tropes for Barfly, including The Alcoholic, Bruiser with a Soft Center, Unwanted Rescue.