Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Drama musical

The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018): Cast, Ratings & Ending

The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018) movie poster

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.

IMDb rating
7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes
89%
award nominations
6
Echo Score
80
Loading streaming availability…
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 13m (133 min)
Directors
Ethan Coen and Joel Coen
Genres
Drama , Mystery , Comedy , Romance
Original language
English
Studio
Netflix
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

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
  • 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
Loading streaming availability…
Cast & crew

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.

Also Starring in The Ballad of Buster Scruggs

· 17 more
Show all 21 cast members
From the directors

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.

Ratings

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).

80 /100

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.

Plot

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

Read the full summary
Awards

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

  • Academy Awards (Oscars) logo
    Oscars 2019 3 nominations
    • Nominated Costume Design
    • Nominated Music (Original Song)
    • Nominated Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
    • Nominated Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture
    • Nominated Big Budget – Comedy
  • British Academy Film Awards logo
    BAFTA 2019 1 nomination
    • Nominated Best Costume Design
Videos

The Ballad of Buster Scruggs Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 behind-the-scenes video.

Official Trailer
  • Behind the Scenes Behind the Score
Quiz

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

  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 is the self-proclaimed nickname of the protagonist Buster Scruggs?

Details

The Ballad of Buster Scruggs Also Known As

29 alternative titles, including “All Gold Canyon” and “Meal Ticket”.

Also known as
  • 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
  • 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?

FAQ

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.

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app