5.8
Where can I stream The Toy legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Toy fingerprint
Big heart.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Tension6
- Fast Pace6
- Adrenaline5
Heart
Cathartic and nostalgic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Family Dynamics9
- Catharsis8
- Nostalgia8
Humor
Some satire and slapstick
Not a comedy at heart.
- Satire & Parody7
- Physical Comedy6
- Situational Comedy5
World
Everyday modern life, family, and class and money
- Dialogue Centrality7
- World Immersion6
- Rewatchability5
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Acting7
- Character Depth7
- Narrative Structure6
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography6
- Editing6
- Visual Stylization5
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Heart
HighCathartic and nostalgic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's cathartic, nostalgic, and moving. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis8Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness7Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age7Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
MediumSome satire and slapstick
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some satire and slapstick.
All humor traits
- Satire & Parody7Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Physical Comedy6Slapstick and visual gags.
- Situational Comedy5Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
Related traits
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, family, and class and money
Its world is built around everyday modern life, family, and class and money.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion6Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism10Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Class & Capitalism9Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Politics5Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological5Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
MediumSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Direction5Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality5Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue5Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Composition4Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality3The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality2Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
When Jackie Gleason told his son he could have any present he wanted, he picked the most outrageous gift of all...Richard Pryor.
On one of his bratty son Eric's annual visits, the plutocrat U.S. Bates takes him to his department store and offers him anything in it as a gift. Eric chooses a black janitor who has made him laugh with his antics. At first the man suffers many indignities as Eric's "toy", but gradually teaches the lonely boy what it is like to have and to be a friend.
80s Social SatireRacial DynamicsClass ConflictUnlikely FriendshipSentimentalCritique of ConsumerismFamily DynamicsNostalgic
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Toy
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Toy worth watching?
35
WeakGoodWatch scoreReviews are weak, with a GoodWatch score of 36/100 (IMDb 5.8, Rotten Tomatoes 3%, and Metacritic 16). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Toy rated?
PG
It's rated PG in the United States.
How long is The Toy?
1 h 42 min
The Toy runs 1 h 42 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Toy?
Critics10
Audiences63
Not quite. Audiences rate The Toy higher (63) than critics (10). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
Was The Toy a box office hit?
Budget$28 million
Box office$47 million
Roughly broke even. It cost about $28 million to make and earned $47 million worldwide, 1.7 times its budget.
What language is The Toy in?
EnglishGerman
It was made in English, with some German. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Toy?
64
+50
+50GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Toy in 64 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Toy use?
Accidental MisnamingBrand XMeaningful NameJerk with a Heart of GoldUndercrankingThat Came Out WrongCassandra TruthIronic EchoExact WordsParental AbandonmentBrainless BeautyButt-Monkeyand 20 more
TV Tropes lists 32 storytelling tropes for The Toy, including Accidental Misnaming, Brand X, Meaningful Name.