The Bad Guys: Haunted Heist – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Bad Guys: Haunted Heist

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2024

48%

WISE Score

A Halloween cash-grab featuring reformed criminals stealing stuff—because nothing says 'character growth' like another heist.

The Bad Guys: Haunted Heist

movie

PG, 2024

48%

WISE Score

A Halloween cash-grab featuring reformed criminals stealing stuff—because nothing says 'character growth' like another heist.

Jump to

Also rated on

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

Look, I'll be straight with you: this is Netflix filling their kids' content quota with a Halloween-themed franchise extension that nobody asked for.

The audience scores tell the real story—52% on Rotten Tomatoes, 5.6 on IMDb, and a rough 2.5/5 on Letterboxd. This isn't 'misunderstood gem' territory; it's 'we had the IP rights and a Halloween slot to fill' territory.

That said, it's not harmful. It's on Netflix Kids, so you won't get jump scares or inappropriate content. Your kids probably won't remember it a week later, but they also won't be traumatized. If you need 45 minutes of Halloween-adjacent content to keep the kids occupied while you prep dinner, this will do the job. Just don't expect the charm or quality of the theatrical original.

The 'bad guys learning to be good' angle has some redemptive value, but by the third heist, we're kind of missing the point of redemption, aren't we?

Age Fit

Best for 7-11 year olds who enjoyed the original Bad Guys film and want more content, though this feels like eating leftover Halloween candy in January—technically fine, but not exciting. Common Sense Media suggests 11+, likely due to heist themes and mild spooky elements.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Halloween heist premise with reformed criminals suggests redemptive themes and teamwork, though the 'bad guys' framing may normalize rule-breaking. Tone appears lighthearted rather than mean-spirited based on franchise context. Pacing likely action-heavy but not chaotic given Netflix Kids availability.

Imaginative

Halloween mansion heist offers some creative premise potential, but appears to be a formulaic spin-off of existing IP rather than genuinely original storytelling. Limited evidence of encouraging creative expression or exploration beyond passive viewing of standard heist tropes.

Safe

Available on Netflix Kids suggests pre-vetted content appropriate for children. Common Sense Media age 11 and franchise context indicate cartoon action without graphic violence, gore, or inappropriate content. Halloween spooky elements are likely mild. No concerning safety signals flagged.

Enriching

Mediocre audience scores (52% RT, 5.6 IMDb, 2.5/5 Letterboxd) suggest limited entertainment value and minimal lasting impact. Heist premise may touch on problem-solving and teamwork, but appears to be a low-effort franchise extension without meaningful character development or ethical depth.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Halloween-themed adventure could be fun seasonal viewing for kids who loved the original Bad Guys movie
Available on Netflix Kids means it's been vetted for age-appropriate content without surprise scares
Heist premise involves teamwork and problem-solving, even if executed in a paint-by-numbers way
Short runtime means it won't overstay its welcome if your kid wants background noise

⚠

What to Watch For

Audience scores are rough (52% on RT, 5.6 on IMDb)—this is not the original film, it's a direct-to-streaming Halloween special that feels like it
Spooky mansion setting may have mild scares for sensitive younger viewers, though likely cartoonish
The 'bad guys as heroes' framing might require conversation about why stealing is still wrong even when cartoon animals do it charmingly

Conversation Starters

"What made the heist plan work? What would you have done differently?"
"The characters used to be 'bad guys'—do you think people can really change?"
"Was it scary or just silly-spooky? What's the difference?"
"If you could plan a Halloween heist (pretend!), what would you try to 'steal' and how?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic