The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)
Kernel Score: 78% · 4,349 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Western, Comedy, Drama
Released: 2018-11-09
Runtime: 132 minutes
Is The Ballad of Buster Scruggs worth watching?
Depends on your taste. Six Western short stories from the Coens, ranging from musical comedy to bleak death. It's uneven: some tales are brilliant, others merely clever, and the dark tone surprises people expecting a light romp.
Watch it if you
- like the Coens' dark humour
- enjoy short-story collections
- want a Western with a twist
Skip it if you
- need a single plot to follow
- want light, consistent entertainment
Best for: Offbeat night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Ballad of Buster Scruggs
- Stream: Netflix
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
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.
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that this R-rated Western anthology includes gunfights, bank robbery, and dark comedic violence across six vignettes.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — The anthology includes gunfighters, a bank robbery, and Old West violence across its stories, consistent with its R rating.
- Language: Moderate — An R-rated Western anthology of this style typically includes strong period-appropriate and crude language.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Ballad of Buster Scruggs
If you liked The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- No Country for Old Men (2007) — 94%: Coens in full dark mode.
- The Big Lebowski (1998) — 89%: Coen comedy full of eccentric characters.
- Fargo (1996) — 86%: Coen blend of dark comedy and violence.
- The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) — 87%: Classic Western about legend and truth.
- Little Big Man (1970) — 85%: Western comedy-drama with a tall-tale feel.
- Hell or High Water (2016) — 83%: Modern Western with a wry streak.
Director
Cast
- Tim Blake Nelson as Buster Scruggs (segment "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs")
- Willie Watson as The Kid (segment "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs")
- Clancy Brown as Curly Joe (segment "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs")
- Danny McCarthy as Curly Joe's Brother (segment "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs")
- David Krumholtz as Frenchman (segment "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs")
- Thomas Wingate as Gun Check Man (segment "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs")
- Tim DeZarn as Mean-Eyed Card Player (segment "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs")
- E.E. Bell as Piano Player (segment "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs")
- Alejandro Patiño as Cantina Bartender (segment "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs")
- Tom Proctor as Cantina Bad Man (segment "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs")
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs FAQ
Is The Ballad of Buster Scruggs worth watching?
Depends on your taste. Six Western short stories from the Coens, ranging from musical comedy to bleak death. It's uneven: some tales are brilliant, others merely clever, and the dark tone surprises people expecting a light romp.
Where can I watch The Ballad of Buster Scruggs?
In the US you can stream The Ballad of Buster Scruggs on Netflix.
Is The Ballad of Buster Scruggs OK for kids?
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that this R-rated Western anthology includes gunfights, bank robbery, and dark comedic violence across six vignettes.
What movies are like The Ballad of Buster Scruggs?
If you liked The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, try No Country for Old Men, The Big Lebowski, Fargo and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.