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Thriller

Bad Genius (2024): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Where to Watch

Bad Genius (2024) movie poster

Bad Genius is a 2024 thriller directed by J.C. Lee, starring Callina Liang as Lynn, Taylor Hickson and Samuel Braun. It runs 1 hour 36 minutes and earned $320,390 worldwide. IMDb users rate it 6.3/10. Stream it on Hulu and Kanopy, or rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.

IMDb rating
6.3/10
worldwide gross
$320.4K
Echo Score
66
Bad Genius (2024) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 36m (96 min)
Director
J.C. Lee
Genre
Thriller
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Bad Genius About?

The premise of Bad Genius without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

Lynn, a gifted scholarship student, creates an elaborate cheating scheme to help her friends succeed in their exams. What begins as a small operation quickly grows into a large-scale enterprise, drawing Lynn deeper into a risky and complex world. As the stakes rise, she finds herself navigating a high-pressure situation that challenges her principles and puts her in conflict with the American education system.

Bad Genius Themes & Keywords

· 3 tags
  • college
  • group
  • cheating
Where to watch

Where to Watch Bad Genius

Stream it on Hulu and Kanopy, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

Bad Genius Cast & Characters

Callina Liang leads the cast as Lynn, with Taylor Hickson as Grace and Samuel Braun as Pat. Directed by J.C. Lee; 12 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Bad Genius

· 8 more
Ratings

Bad Genius Reviews & Ratings

IMDb users rate Bad Genius 6.3/10. Our Echo Score gives it 66/100, strongest in character & emotion (78) and weakest in sensory experience (55).

66 /100

Bad Genius Echo Score Breakdown

Bad Genius delivers a clever premise and solid performances, particularly from the lead actress, which keep the film engaging despite its derivative nature. Critics note that the remake fails to surpass its source material, and several reviewers point to plot inconsistencies and a rushed narrative that undermine tension. The mixed reception reflects strengths in execution of the heist concept but weaknesses in storytelling coherence and freshness, resulting in a moderately appealing viewing experience.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 70

    In terms of direction and visual execution, the film presents competent cinematography and editing that support the heist framework. Reviewers acknowledge the well‑shot sequences but also cite a lack of stylistic innovation, describing the aesthetic as conventional. The overall visual craftsmanship is respectable yet unremarkable, positioning the artistic component in the moderate‑praise range.

  • Character & Emotion 78

    When it comes to character work, the cast delivers nuanced performances, with the lead actress receiving particular commendation for credibility and emotional depth. Supporting actors, such as the father figure, are also highlighted positively. Some critics note that the remake does not fully develop all characters, but the prevailing sentiment emphasizes strong acting that enhances audience connection.

  • Story & Flow 60

    The narrative structure blends heist mechanics with teenage drama, offering moments of tension and a satisfying climax. However, reviewers frequently mention plot holes, unrealistic scenarios, and uneven pacing, especially in the early act. While the ending resolves key arcs, the overall coherence and originality of the story are viewed as only moderate, reflecting a mixed assessment.

  • Sensory Experience 55

    Sensory elements such as the soundtrack receive mixed feedback; the repeated use of a classical piece is described as overbearing by some, while others find it fitting. Visual style is generally competent but not distinctive, and sound design is not highlighted as a strength. Consequently, the sensory experience occupies a lukewarm position in the evaluation.

  • Rewatch Factor 65

    Rewatch appeal is supported by the film's clever twists and engaging performances, prompting viewers to appreciate the heist mechanics on subsequent viewings. Nonetheless, criticism of pacing and narrative gaps diminishes the desire for repeated watches for some audience members. The balance of enjoyable moments with structural flaws yields a moderate rewatch factor.

Plot

Bad Genius Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Bad Genius from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Lynn, a top secondary school student living with her father, is accepted into a prestigious school, earning a scholarship for her academic achievements. There, she is befriended by the good-natured but academically challenged Grace. Lynn begins to help Grace cheat in exams after finding out that their teacher has been leaking questions in private tutoring sessions. She is then approached by Grace’s rich boyfriend Pat, who offers payment in exchange for also helping him and his friends. Although at first reluctant, Lynn agrees when she finds out that the school, despite her scholarship, collected extra fees from her father, who earns a modest income as a teacher. She devises a system of hand signals, based on certain piano pieces, and uses them to send answers during exams.

Full summary

The whole story of Bad Genius, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Bad Genius Box Office

Bad Genius grossed $320,390 worldwide.

2024 box office

Worldwide gross

$320.4K

International
$320.4K
Videos

Bad Genius Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 teaser.

Official Trailer
  • Teaser In Cinemas 20 September
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Bad Genius?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What prestigious school does Lynn get accepted to?

Details

Bad Genius Also Known As

13 alternative titles, including “גאון רע” and “גאונות רעה”.

Also known as
  • גאון רע
  • גאונות רעה
  • Ліга Мільйонерів
  • Mentes Peligrosas
  • שקר גאוני
  • แบด จีเนียส
  • Как взломать экзамен
  • 天才枪手
  • Genialna prevara
  • Genialny przekręt
  • Thiên Tài Ném Phao
  • Blogi genijai
+1 more
  • 배드 지니어스

Seen Bad Genius?

FAQ

Bad Genius FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Bad Genius, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Bad Genius?

Bad Genius runs 1 hour 36 minutes (96 minutes).

When was Bad Genius released?

Bad Genius was released on October 11, 2024.

Who directed Bad Genius?

Bad Genius was directed by J.C. Lee.

Who is in the cast of Bad Genius?

Bad Genius stars Callina Liang as Lynn, Taylor Hickson as Grace and Samuel Braun as Pat, among 12 credited actors.

Where can I watch Bad Genius?

In the US, Bad Genius is streaming on Hulu and Kanopy and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home (availability from JustWatch).

How much did Bad Genius make at the box office?

Bad Genius grossed $320,390 worldwide.

How is Bad Genius rated?

Bad Genius has 6.3/10 on IMDb.

Does Bad Genius have a post-credit scene?

No. Bad Genius has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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