The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018): Cast, Ratings & Ending
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is a 2018 drama musical directed by Ethan Coen and Joel Coen, starring Tim Blake Nelson as Buster Scruggs (segment "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs"), James Franco and Clancy Brown. It runs 2 hours 13 minutes. It was nominated for 3 Oscars. Critics gave it 89% on Rotten Tomatoes and 79 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.2/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 13m (133 min)
- Directors
- Ethan Coen and Joel Coen
- Original language
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English
- Studio
- Netflix
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Ballad of Buster Scruggs About?
The premise of The Ballad of Buster Scruggs without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.
Following the American Civil War, this anthology film presents six distinct narratives set against the backdrop of the Wild West. Each story explores themes of love, loss, and the search for redemption, blending elements of drama, comedy, romance, and musical styles. The tales unfold across a lawless frontier, where characters grapple with hope and despair in a vibrant and unpredictable landscape.
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- cowboy
- new mexico desert
- arizona desert
- panning for gold
- new mexico territory
- arizona territory
- episodic structure
- violence
- dog
- gold digging
- anthology
- six stories
+38 more Show fewer
- gold prospector
- prostitute
- throwing someone off a bridge
- boy
- oregon
- tucumcari new mexico
- trapper
- digging a hole
- comanche indian
- singing cowboy
- singing
- legless man
- cowboy hat
- gun
- horse
- shootout
- shooting
- shot in the forehead
- shooting off a finger
- angel
- hanging
- bank
- bank robbery
- wagon train
- stagecoach
- conestoga wagon
- dog barks
- wagonmaster
- trail boss
- boarding house
- brother sister relationship
- singer
- song
- dancer
- dancing
- gold
- owl
- deer
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs Cast & Characters
Tim Blake Nelson leads the cast as Buster Scruggs (segment "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs"), with James Franco as Cowboy (segment "Near Algodones") and Clancy Brown as Surly Joe (segment "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs"). Directed by Ethan Coen and Joel Coen; 21 actors are credited in all.
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Co-director Ethan Coen -
Co-director Joel Coen
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Tim Blake Nelson as Buster Scruggs (segment "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs") -
James Franco as Cowboy (segment "Near Algodones") -
Clancy Brown as Surly Joe (segment "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs") -
David Krumholtz as Frenchman (segment "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs")
Also Starring in The Ballad of Buster Scruggs
· 17 more- Danny McCarthy Curly Joe's Brother (segment "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs")
- Willie Watson The Kid (segment "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs")
- Stephen Root Teller (segment "Near Algodones")
- Liam Neeson
- Harry Melling
- Tom Waits
- Zoe Kazan
- Brendan Gleeson
- Tyne Daly
- Ralph Ineson Posse Leader (segment "Near Algodones")
- Alejandro Patiño Cantina Bartender (segment "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs")
- Tom Proctor Cantina Bad Man (segment "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs")
- Matthew Willig Cantina Scum (segment "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs")
- Katy Bodenhamer
- E.E. Bell Piano Player (segment "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs")
- Tim De Zarn
Show all 21 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Thomas Wingate Gun Check Man (segment "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs")
More from Ethan Coen and Joel Coen
More films directed by Ethan Coen and Joel Coen, best-rated first: No Country for Old Men, Fargo, Inside Llewyn Davis and Blood Simple.
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave The Ballad of Buster Scruggs 89% on Rotten Tomatoes and 79 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 80/100, strongest in art & craft (88) and weakest in rewatch factor (65).
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs Echo Score Breakdown
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs demonstrates a blend of striking visual ambition and episodic storytelling that yields both memorable imagery and uneven momentum. Critics and viewers acclaim its thematic exploration of American myths and its standout segments while often remarking on inconsistent pacing and tonal shifts across the anthology. The film’s rich craftsmanship and moments of incisive satire provide significant merit, though its fragmented structure can limit overall cohesion and emotional continuity.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 88
In terms of visual craft, the film excels through carefully framed compositions and polished production design. Reviews highlight Bruno Delbonnel’s cinematography and the use of color to underscore thematic contrasts, while users praise the film’s photography and deliberate framing. These elements combine to deliver a cohesive aesthetic identity, reinforcing the film’s artistic ambition and refined visual language.
- Character & Emotion 78
When it comes to character and emotion, performances are generally commended for their precision and tailored strengths. Observers note nuanced portrayals by lead and supporting actors, and several segments achieve genuine emotional resonance through sharp dialogue. However, occasional tonal shifts and varying depth across vignettes can reduce consistent empathy. Overall, the character work balances strong individual moments with some uneven emotional continuity.
- Story & Flow 70
In terms of story and flow, the anthology format offers originality through distinct narrative twists but also introduces uneven pacing. Some vignettes engage with sharp satire and thematic depth, while others feel underdeveloped or overly deliberate. Critics and viewers cite both undercooked segments and compelling material side by side. Consequently, the narrative engagement varies across chapters, resulting in a mixed but occasionally rewarding progression.
- Sensory Experience 82
When it comes to sensory experience, the film delivers a richly textured soundscape and cohesive visual style. Reviews praise subtle sound design and an evocative score, while the editing supports a rhythmic immersion. Users also commend the balance of atmospheric noise and musical themes, even noting occasional unevenness in song selection. Overall, the sensory palette enhances immersion and underscores the film’s tonal complexity.
- Rewatch Factor 65
When considering rewatch factor, responses indicate variable replay value influenced by the anthology’s structure. Some viewers highlight rewarding details and thematic richness that benefit from repeat viewings, while others find the uneven pacing and tonal shifts diminish subsequent enjoyment. Critics acknowledge its layered symbolism but observe that structural fragmentation can limit enduring appeal. As a result, the film offers rewatch potential for those invested in its stylistic and thematic subtleties.
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IMDb 7.2 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 89% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 78%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 79 Metascore
User score 7.4
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 71% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.7 /5
872 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 2.5 /5
See on Movie Insider
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What happens in The Ballad of Buster Scruggs from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
We begin our journey with a captivating leather-bound novel titled ‘BUSTER SCRUGGS & OTHER TALES OF THE AMERICAN FRONTIER’, resting atop a table. This film unfolds as an enthralling anthology showcasing six distinct tales, each adorned with vibrant color illustrations.
Story 1: THE BALLAD OF BUSTER SCRUGGS
The opening tale transports us to the picturesque Monument Valley, Colorado, where we meet the whimsically dressed protagonist, Buster Scruggs, played by Tim Blake Nelson. His appearance, reminiscent of Glen Campbell’s Rhinestone Cowboy, is complemented by his trusty white stallion, Dan, and his joyful musical interlude of ‘Cool, Clear Water’. Buster, with charm and bravado, addresses the audience directly, stating his dubious claim to an “outlaw” title.
Full summary
The whole story of The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, scene by scene, with the ending explained
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs Awards & Nominations
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs was nominated for 3 Oscars. The 6 nominations come from 4 ceremonies, the most at the Oscars 2019.
6 nominations4 ceremonies
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Oscars 2019 3 nominations- Nominated Costume Design
- Nominated Music (Original Song)
- Nominated Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
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Actor Awards (SAG) 2019 1 nomination- Nominated Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture
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Artios Awards 2019 1 nomination- Nominated Big Budget – Comedy
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BAFTA 2019 1 nomination- Nominated Best Costume Design
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs Trailers & Videos
2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 behind-the-scenes video.
- Behind the Scenes Behind the Score
How Well Do You Know The Ballad of Buster Scruggs?
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
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
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- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is the self-proclaimed nickname of the protagonist Buster Scruggs?
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs Also Known As
29 alternative titles, including “All Gold Canyon” and “Meal Ticket”.
- Also known as
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- All Gold Canyon
- Meal Ticket
- Near Algodones
- The Gal Who Got Rattled
- The Mortal Remains
- バスターのバラード:2018
- Batı Vahşi Hikâyeleri
- La Balada de Buster Scruggs
- Баллада Бастера Скраггса
- 카우보이의 노래
- La Ballade de Buster Scruggs
- A Balada de Buster Scruggs
+17 more Show fewer
- La ballata di Buster Scruggs
- Balada o Busteru Scruggsovi
- Ballada o Busterze Scruggsie
- Η Μπαλάντα του Μπάστερ Σκραγκς
- 巴斯特·斯克鲁格斯的歌谣
- 西部老巴的故事
- Балада за Бъстър Скръгс
- הבלדה על באסטר סקראגס
- Buster Scruggs balladája
- Балада про Бастера Скраґґса
- 細說當年話西部
- Balada Busterja Scruggsa
- バスターのバラード, ბასტერ სკრაგზის ბალადა
- ลำนำของบัสเตอร์ สกรั๊กส์
- Balada Bustera Scruggsa
- Biên Niên Sử Miền Viễn Tây
- Balada o Busterovi Scruggsovi
Seen The Ballad of Buster Scruggs?
Movies Like The Ballad of Buster Scruggs
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Ballad of a Gunfighter, The Ballad of Lefty Brown and The Ballad of Cable Hogue.
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The Ballad of a Gunfighter 1964 -
The Ballad of Lefty Brown 2017 -
The Ballad of Cable Hogue 1970 -
The Ball Player and the Bandit 1912 -
Cat Ballou 1965 -
Ballad of a Gunman 1967 -
The Ballad of Josie 1968 -
Go West 1925 -
Appaloosa 2008 -
The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez 1982 -
The Wild Bunch 1969 -
The Ballad of the Sad Cafe 1991
Articles About The Ballad of Buster Scruggs
Our article about The Ballad of Buster Scruggs: “Comedy in Cinema: How Humor Evolves Across Cultures”.
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History
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs FAQ: Cast & Awards
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Ballad of Buster Scruggs?
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs runs 2 hours 13 minutes (133 minutes).
When was The Ballad of Buster Scruggs released?
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs was released on November 9, 2018.
Who directed The Ballad of Buster Scruggs?
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs was directed by Ethan Coen and Joel Coen.
More films by Ethan Coen Who is in the cast of The Ballad of Buster Scruggs?
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs stars Tim Blake Nelson as Buster Scruggs (segment "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs"), James Franco as Cowboy (segment "Near Algodones") and Clancy Brown as Surly Joe (segment "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs"), among 21 credited actors.
How is The Ballad of Buster Scruggs rated?
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs has 7.2/10 on IMDb, 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, 79 on Metacritic and 71% on TMDB.
Was The Ballad of Buster Scruggs nominated for any awards?
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs received 6 nominations across 4 ceremonies.
Does The Ballad of Buster Scruggs have a post-credit scene?
No. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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