Skip to content
MovieCove
Willard

Willard

When the cat's away, the rats will play.

2003100 minPG-13Midcredits score: 50th percentile of all films
Director
Glen Morgan
Starring
Crispin Glover, R. Lee Ermey, Laura Harring, Jackie Burroughs

Desperate for companionship, the repressed Willard befriends a group of rats that inhabit his late father's deteriorating mansion. In these furry creatures, Willard finds temporary refuge from daily abuse at the hands of his bedridden mother and his father's old partner, Frank. Soon it becomes clear that the brood of rodents is ready and willing to exact a vicious, deadly revenge on anyone who dares to bully their sensitive new master.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Willard?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Willard to rent or buy on Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Willard?

Willard earns 6 badges, led by Halloween pick and Award Winner.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Willard worth watching?

Willard's Midcredits score is the 50th percentile of all films, from 35K ratings across 6 sources. 46% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

50th percentile

Better received than 50% of films

48th percentile among Drama48th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)53rd
Approval (how many liked it)46th

62 /100

53rd percentile of all films

52nd percentile among Drama52nd percentile among 2000s

Critics 61 · Audience 62

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.3 — solid but not unanimous.

46% liked it

46th percentile of all films

44th percentile among Drama44th percentile among 2000s
46% rated it 7–1054% rated it 1–6

Critics 64% · Audience 51%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 5 noms overall

87th percentile

35K ratings across platforms

89th percentile among Drama80th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 7% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$20M
Opening weekend$4M
Domestic gross$6.9M
Worldwide gross$8.6M

Returned 0.4× its budget — 84th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A stylized dark comedy about a lonely misfit who uses a trained rat army for revenge, with Crispin Glover's oddball performance as the central attraction.

Fans praised

  • Crispin Glover's stunningly creepy, tour-de-force performance
  • Darkly comic, Tim Burton-esque atmosphere and gothic visual style
  • Genuinely affecting bond between Willard and Socrates the rat

Detractors panned

  • Overacted, campy, and implausible — no sense of menace
  • Slow pacing and tedious stretches between rat attacks
  • CGI rats lack real threat; kills are bloodless and tame

What stands out

ActingDivisive82

Crispin Glover's weird, intense, and committed lead performance

AtmosphereDivisive75

Creepy, claustrophobic gothic mood; decaying house and basement infestations

CharactersDivisive68

Three-dimensional arc from pathetic loser to vengeful tyrant betrayed by his own cruelty

Effects and spectacleDivisive65

Blend of real and CGI rats; effective but occasionally obvious

OriginalityDivisive60

Remake that adds a darker, more stylized tone but follows the same beats

TensionDivisive58

Uneven suspense; rarely truly frightening, more unsettling than scary

Plot and storyDivisive55

Familiar revenge tale; predictable but structurally sound

Pacing40

Slow first act; drags before the revenge plot kicks in

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 1 point apart
  • Critics vs users 4 points apart
  • US vs non-US 5 points apart

Watch experience

What is Willard like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Scary: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want to be scared.

It is intense, has a few laughs and leaves you unsettled. Skip it when you want an easy night.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Scary.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseDreadBittersweet
Heaviest: late
Dark humor
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Absurdist · 7% of films: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its dark subject with straight-faced sincerity and a touch of black humor.
The rideThe mood builds from oppressive dread to a violent, tragic climax.
StructureThe story unfolds in linear fashion from Willard's domestic life to his revenge plot.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Unsettled.

UnsettlingBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves an eerie, lingering unease mixed with sympathy for its protagonist.
How it ends · evidence
Tragic ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MonsterTyrant
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% (this title) · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Tyrant: A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeWillard, a lonely man bullied by his boss, trains a colony of rats to exact revenge, framing the boss as a monster to be overcome.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfIdentitySelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% (this title) · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% (this title) · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Identity · 14% of filmsFamily bondsRevenge · 4% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeWillard's sense of self is crushed by an abusive mother and a sadistic boss, and his only assertion of identity comes through his bond with the rats.
StanceThe film examines Willard's twisted path to self-assertion without endorsing it, leaving the moral questions open.

The world

ContemporarySuburbanInstitutionalStylized realism
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Shirley Walker
Settinga decaying mansion and a soulless office building
MusicWalker's score underlines the creeping menace and the tragic undertow.

Content guide

Is Willard okay for kids?

PG-13

Willard is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for terror/violence, some sexual content and language” (MPAA). As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (52/100), sexual content at mild (26/100), language at moderate (40/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (25/100) and frightening material at moderate (56/100). Overall it is heavier than 53% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 2 other countries
  • Germany12
  • Ireland15
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 33% of all filmsHeavier than 53% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 56%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 43%
Profanity
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 47%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 25%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 66%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is frightening material, heavier than 66% of PG-13-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Willard have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Willard?

Cast

Crispin Glover
as Willard
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
R. Lee Ermey
as Mr. Martin
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Laura Harring
as Cathryn
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jackie Burroughs
as Mrs. Stiles
Ashlyn Gere
as Ms. Leach
Laara Sadiq
as Janice Mantis
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Ty Olsson
as Officer Salmon
Gus Lynch
as George Foxx
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
David Parker
as Detective Boxer
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Kristen Cloke
as Psychiatrist

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Willard?

Movies like Willard include Willard (1971), Out of the Furnace (2013) and Promising Young Woman (2020). Of the 12 closest matches, half are stories about psychopaths, and several are revenge thrillers.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

8 of these 12 share its praise for acting. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Willard?

813 other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: animal companion. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.