7.2
Where can I stream The Ballad of Buster Scruggs legally?
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is included with a subscription to Netflix in the United States. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs fingerprint
Masterful craft, funny, light on feelings.
Energy
Violent
- Violence7
- Tension6
- Spectacle6
Heart
Melancholic and moving
- Melancholy8
- Pathos7
- Nostalgia5
Humor
Plenty of dark humor and sharp wit
- Dark Humor9
- Wit & Wordplay8
- Absurdist Humor8
World
History
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability8
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
- Direction9
- Acting9
- Narrative Structure9
Style
Standout cinematography, editing, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
- Cinematography9
- Editing8
- Visual Stylization8
Energy
MediumViolent
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is violent.
All energy traits
- Violence7Physical conflict and intensity.
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
All heart traits
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness1Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
HighPlenty of dark humor and sharp wit
Expect plenty of dark humor and sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor9Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay8Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor8Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody6Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Physical Comedy5Slapstick and visual gags.
- Situational Comedy4Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
Related traits
- Eccentricity7Oddball tone and quirks.
- Pastiche6Playful imitation of styles.
World
HighHistory
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around history. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism6Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Psychological5Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
Very highStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure9Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality9Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative9Time-shifts and structure play.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Meta Narrative2Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Homage & Reference7Allusions to other works.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Style
HighStandout cinematography, editing, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the cinematography, editing, and visual style stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography9Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization8Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Pastiche6Playful imitation of styles.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchThought-Provoking
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About
Stories live forever. People don't.
Vignettes weaving together the stories of six individuals in the old West at the end of the Civil War. Following the tales of a sharp-shooting songster, a wannabe bank robber, two weary traveling performers, a lone gold prospector, a woman traveling the West to an uncertain future, and a motley crew of strangers undertaking a carriage ride.
Anthology WesternDarkly HumorousExistentialistCoen Brothers StyleBleak & PhilosophicalSharp DialogueCharacter-Driven VignettesUnique Narrative StructureNeo-Western
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 The Ballad of Buster Scruggs
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Ballad of Buster Scruggs worth watching?
79
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 79/100 (IMDb 7.2, Rotten Tomatoes 90%, and Metacritic 79). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Ballad of Buster Scruggs rated?
RViolenceStrong languageDisturbing imagery
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, strong language, and disturbing imagery.
How long is The Ballad of Buster Scruggs?
2 h 12 min
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs runs 2 h 12 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Ballad of Buster Scruggs?
Critics85
Audiences75
Not quite. Critics rate The Ballad of Buster Scruggs higher (85) than audiences (75). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is The Ballad of Buster Scruggs in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Ballad of Buster Scruggs?
131
+117
+117GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Ballad of Buster Scruggs in 131 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Ballad of Buster Scruggs use?
One-Man ArmySickly Green GlowPridePet the DogGraceful LoserMinimalist CastOnce More, with ClarityChekhov's GunCall-BackHave a Gay Old TimeNothing Is ScarierAnthology Filmand 136 more
TV Tropes lists 148 storytelling tropes for The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, including One-Man Army, Sickly Green Glow, Pride.