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Sci-fi thriller

The Banana Splits Movie (2019): Cast, Ratings & Plot

The Banana Splits Movie (2019) movie poster

The Banana Splits Movie is a 2019 sci-fi thriller directed by Danishka Esterhazy, starring Finlay Wojtak-Hissong as Harley, Steve Lund and Dani Kind. It runs 1 hour 29 minutes. Critics gave it 58% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 5.1/10.

IMDb rating
5.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes
58%
Echo Score
65
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The Banana Splits Movie (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 29m (89 min)
Genres
Sci-Fi , Thriller , Horror , Comedy
Original language
English
After the credits
Yes Extra scene during or after the credits
The story

What Is The Banana Splits Movie About?

The premise of The Banana Splits Movie without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Harley's family anticipates a joyous birthday at a taping of The Banana Splits television show. However, their celebration turns terrifying when a dark force seizes control, triggering a violent rampage across the studio. As the beloved characters descend into chaos, Harley and his family must use their wits to survive the escalating danger and escape the destruction unfolding around them.

The Banana Splits Movie Themes & Keywords

· 31 tags
  • television studio
  • based on tv series
  • gore
  • mental breakdown
  • death of fiance
  • murder of fiance
  • child in jeopardy
  • dark comedy
  • backstage tour
  • gory violence
  • technology gone rogue
  • animatronic
+19 more
  • mascot horror
  • cheating husband
  • abusive stepfather
  • straight to television
  • getting split in half
  • intestines
  • robot
  • set on fire
  • elephant
  • lion
  • legs ripped off
  • red eye
  • guts falling out
  • arms ripped off
  • severed fingers
  • mad scientist
  • fingers cut off
  • animatronic horror
  • blood
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Cast & crew

The Banana Splits Movie Cast & Characters

Finlay Wojtak-Hissong leads the cast as Harley, with Steve Lund as Mitch and Dani Kind as Beth. Directed by Danishka Esterhazy; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in The Banana Splits Movie

· 6 more
From the director

More from Danishka Esterhazy

More films directed by Danishka Esterhazy, best-rated first: Level 16, Slumber Party Massacre, Sniper: The Last Stand and Killer Body Count.

Full filmography
Ratings

The Banana Splits Movie Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Banana Splits Movie 58% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 5.1/10. Our Echo Score gives it 65/100, strongest in sensory experience (80) and weakest in story & flow (45).

65 /100

The Banana Splits Movie Echo Score Breakdown

In terms of its overall impact, The Banana Splits Movie presents a compelling blend of practical gore but struggles to sustain narrative momentum. Critics and viewers alike highlight the effective animatronic kills and practical effects that invigorate key scenes, even as many note flat direction and uneven pacing detract from engagement. The script’s lack of originality and missed opportunities for over-the-top zaniness further limit cohesion. Overall, it delivers sporadic thrills but lacks consistent depth for broad appeal.

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

  • Art & Craft 75

    In terms of art and craft, the film combines uninspired direction with moments of effective practical design. Several critics describe the direction as flat, limiting the potential for twisted visuals, while viewers praise the animatronic character work and gore effects. The nostalgia-driven production design offers occasional visual interest. Overall, the film’s technical craft is uneven, balancing surface-level creativity with restrained directorial vision.

  • Character & Emotion 65

    When it comes to character and emotion, performances are inconsistent and offer limited depth. Reviews note laughable acting in both lead and supporting roles, although some viewers appreciate the voice work behind the animatronics. Emotional resonance is minimal, as character interactions rarely transcend slasher conventions. In sum, the film’s acting and character development remain serviceable but lack lasting impact.

  • Story & Flow 45

    In terms of story and flow, the narrative leans on familiar slasher tropes and often feels predictable. Critics point to script snags and missed opportunities for heightened madness, while user feedback cites writing errors and pacing lulls. Although the premise of killer animatronics intrigues, the plot coherence falters and originality wanes. Overall, the storyline struggles to maintain engagement.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    In terms of sensory experience, the film excels with its practical gore and sound design. Multiple reviews highlight the well-timed kills and effective soundtrack cues that heighten tension. Viewers praise the visceral animatronic violence and nostalgic horror atmosphere. While some humor falls flat, the overall sensory execution delivers consistent thrills. The gore-driven style anchors the film’s appeal.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    When assessing rewatch factor, the movie offers sporadic entertainment but limited lasting appeal. Fans of campy gore and nostalgia may revisit for the practical kills, yet many find the narrative flatness and uninspired direction reduce repeat value. While certain scenes possess a cult charm, the lack of depth and uneven execution makes subsequent viewings less compelling. The film’s rewatch potential is modest.

Plot

The Banana Splits Movie Plot Summary

What happens in The Banana Splits Movie from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

A young boy named Harley is an ardent admirer of The Banana Splits. On his birthday, he attends a live taping of the show at Taft Studios, accompanied by his parents, Beth and Mitch, as well as his older half-brother Austin. Excited, Harley waves at the show’s characters — Fleegle, Bingo, Drooper, and Snorky — as they cruise in one of the Banana Buggies, narrowly avoiding an accident. However, the festive atmosphere takes a dark turn when Andy, the Vice President of programming, discloses to producer Rebecca that the show is slated for cancellation after the taping.

Full summary

The whole story of The Banana Splits Movie, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

The Banana Splits Movie Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 clip.

Official Trailer
  • Clip "Banana Cadabra" Clip
Quiz

How Well Do You Know The Banana Splits Movie?

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 event does Harley celebrate at the beginning of the movie?

Cars

Cars in The Banana Splits Movie

8 cars on screen, including the 1997 Jeep Cherokee and the unknown.

All 8 cars
  • 1997 Jeep Cherokee in The Banana Splits Movie 1997 Jeep Cherokee Important role
  • unknown in The Banana Splits Movie unknown Important role
  • Ford Crown Victoria in The Banana Splits Movie Ford Crown Victoria Minor role
  • 2003 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter T1N in The Banana Splits Movie 2003 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter T1N Minor role
Details

The Banana Splits Movie Also Known As

7 alternative titles, including “La película de los Banana Splits” and “Banana Splits - O Filme”.

Also known as
  • La película de los Banana Splits
  • Banana Splits - O Filme
  • Банана-Сплитс
  • 香蕉劈裂
  • 香蕉船樂團
  • 더 바나나 스플릿 무비
  • バナナ・スプリッツ・ホラー

Seen The Banana Splits Movie?

FAQ

The Banana Splits Movie FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Banana Splits Movie, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Banana Splits Movie?

The Banana Splits Movie runs 1 hour 29 minutes (89 minutes).

When was The Banana Splits Movie released?

The Banana Splits Movie was released on August 13, 2019.

Who directed The Banana Splits Movie?

The Banana Splits Movie was directed by Danishka Esterhazy.

More films by Danishka Esterhazy

Who is in the cast of The Banana Splits Movie?

The Banana Splits Movie stars Finlay Wojtak-Hissong as Harley, Steve Lund as Mitch and Dani Kind as Beth, among 10 credited actors.

How is The Banana Splits Movie rated?

The Banana Splits Movie has 5.1/10 on IMDb, 58% on Rotten Tomatoes, 66% on TMDB and 2.6/5 on Letterboxd.

Does The Banana Splits Movie have a post-credit scene?

Yes. The Banana Splits Movie has an extra scene during or after the credits, so it is worth staying seated.

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