Overview
Two outlaws on the run find friendship and adventure in the wild west, but civilization is closing in.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- witty
- breezy
- romantic
- classic movie night
- western marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly recognized the film's humor, star chemistry, and memorable performances, while remaining divided over its uneven pacing, anachronistic style, and resolution.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Butch and Sundance are presented as witty, personable outlaws whose romantic legend collides with modernization and relentless pursuit.
The partnership between Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid drives the film, with contrasting ingenuity and gun skill sustaining their escape.
The Hole-in-the-Wall Gang faces a more organized posse and a West becoming increasingly civilized.
The contemporary comic dialogue, lyrical bicycle sequence, and Burt Bacharach score contrast sharply with the period outlaw setting.
Films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and why
The Sting
shared western setting, outlaw protagonists, comic tone, and male friendship
The Wild Bunch
shared revisionist western style, charismatic outlaw leads, and bittersweet nostalgia
The Professionals
shared buddy dynamic, witty banter, historical outlaw subject, and romantic adventure
The Missouri Breaks
shared comic western energy, charismatic performers, and elegiac treatment of a fading frontier
Movie Details
- Director
- George Roy Hill
- Release Date
- 1969-09-23
- Runtime
- 111 min
- Rating
- 7.6 / 10 (2561)
Cast
- Paul Newman
- Robert Redford
- Katharine Ross
- Strother Martin
- Henry Jones
- Jeff Corey
- George Furth
- Cloris Leachman
- Ted Cassidy
- Kenneth Mars
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Philo, A&E Crime Central Apple TV channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid about?
- Two charming outlaws confront the end of the frontier while improvising one last escape from an unstoppable posse.
- What is Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid as moderate.
- What did critics think of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid?
- Critics broadly recognized the film's humor, star chemistry, and memorable performances, while remaining divided over its uneven pacing, anachronistic style, and resolution.
- Which films are like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid?
- Films with a similar feel include The Sting, The Wild Bunch, The Professionals, and The Missouri Breaks.
- How long is Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid?
- Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid runs 111 minutes.
- Where can I watch Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid?
- In United States, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid streams on Philo, A&E Crime Central Apple TV channel.
