6.5
Where can I stream Bad Ronald legally?
You can rent or buy it from Amazon Video. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Bad Ronald
1974·Movie
·1h 14min·NR·
Bad Ronald fingerprint
High energy, no humor.
Energy
Terrifying and tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Scare9
- Tension8
- Violence7
Heart
Emotionally reserved
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics7
- Melancholy6
- Pathos5
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor3
- Situational Comedy1
- Wit & Wordplay1
World
Everyday modern life, the mind, and crime
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality6
- Novelty6
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Intrigue8
- Direction7
- Acting7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography6
- Editing6
- Visual Stylization6
Energy
HighTerrifying and tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Bad Ronald is terrifying, tense, and violent. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Scare9Frightening moments and scares.
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence7Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Uncanny8Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Grotesque7Macabre, distorted imagery.
Heart
LowEmotionally reserved
Much of it is about family.
It keeps its emotions at a distance. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Catharsis3Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness1Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Wit & Wordplay1Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Eccentricity6Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, the mind, and crime
Its world is built around everyday modern life, the mind, and crime.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Rewatchability4Invites repeat viewing.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism10Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Crime7Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Mystery7Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
MediumSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality5Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
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 Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Music Composition5Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality4The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Grotesque7Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You need an uplifting moodGraphic violence bothers youYou scare easily
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
The Wood family doesn't know it. But the old house they've just bought is already occupied... by a psychopathic killer.
When awkward teen Ronald Wilby accidentally kills a young girl whose sister rejected his affections, his overbearing mother decides to hide him from the law by creating a concealed room in their home for him to live.
Psychological HorrorHidden RoomDysfunctional FamilySocial OutcastTeenage ViolenceMother-Son RelationshipClaustrophobic AtmosphereDisturbing SecretsUnsettling Isolation
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 Bad Ronald
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Bad Ronald worth watching?
64
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 64/100 (IMDb 6.5 and Rotten Tomatoes 67%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Bad Ronald rated?
NRViolenceDisturbing imagery
It's rated NR in the United States. Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How long is Bad Ronald?
1 h 14 min
Bad Ronald runs 1 h 14 min.
Is Bad Ronald based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on Bad Ronald?
Critics67
Audiences61
Yes. Critics average 67 and audiences 61 out of 100, so both groups see Bad Ronald much the same way.
What language is Bad Ronald in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Bad Ronald?
3
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Bad Ronald in 3 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Bad Ronald use?
Go Mad from the IsolationThe Pig-PenSecret SquatterI Want My Mommy!Berserk ButtonNosy NeighborLoser ProtagonistFinal GirlPolice Are UselessAccidental MurderBig EaterLighter and Softerand 19 more
TV Tropes lists 31 storytelling tropes for Bad Ronald, including Go Mad from the Isolation, The Pig-Pen, Secret Squatter.