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Last updated: May 13, 2026

Bad Words

Netflix🗓️ 2013🎬 Comedy

Bad Words (2013) is a comedy-drama starring Jason Bateman as a middle-aged dropout who exploits a loophole to compete in a national spelling bee for revenge. Directed by Jason Bateman, the film also features Kathryn Hahn and Allison Janney. With an IMDb rating of 6.7/10, this R-rated comedy offers a sharp, irreverent take on ambition and second chances.

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Is Bad Words currently on Netflix?

Unfortunately not at the moment. Bad Words is not currently available on Netflix in any region. However, it was previously available and may return in the future.

Movie Details

About Bad Words

Released

Movie Overview

Bad Words, released in 2013, is a comedy-drama directed by and starring Jason Bateman. The film follows Guy Trilby, a middle-aged dropout who discovers a loophole in the rules of a national spelling bee and enters the competition as an adult, driven by a mission for revenge. As Guy bulldozes his way through the contest, he clashes with organizers, befriends a young competitor, and uncovers deeper motivations behind his scheme. The plot balances dark humor with heartfelt moments, exploring themes of redemption, underdog triumph, and the consequences of past failures.

Jason Bateman leads the cast as Guy Trilby, delivering a performance that blends sharp wit with vulnerability. Kathryn Hahn plays a reporter covering the spelling bee, while Allison Janney portrays a stern official. Bateman, making his directorial debut, brings a distinctive tone to the film, mixing irreverent comedy with dramatic undertones. The movie was shot in the United States and runs 89 minutes.

Bad Words received mixed to positive reviews, with an IMDb rating of 6.7/10, a Rotten Tomatoes score of 66%, and a Metacritic rating of 57/100. It earned 2 wins and 4 nominations total, highlighting its recognition in the comedy genre. The film's R rating reflects its adult language and situations, making it suitable for mature audiences.

For those looking to watch Bad Words online, it is available on Netflix. With its unique premise and strong performances, this comedy-drama offers a compelling watch for fans of dark humor and character-driven stories. Stream Bad Words today to see Jason Bateman's directorial debut and a clever twist on the spelling bee competition.

View on IMDb

Ratings & Reviews

6.7/10IMDb
66%Rotten Tomatoes
57/100Metacritic

Awards & Recognition

2 wins & 4 nominations total

Not Available in Any Country

Bad Words is not currently streaming on Netflix in any region we track. This content may return to Netflix in the future as licensing agreements change.

Last updated: May 13, 2026

Previously on Netflix

This movie was previously available on Netflix

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Bad Words is not currently available on Netflix in these regions. It is available in: .

Europe

17 countries
AndorraAlbaniaBelgiumEstoniaGeorgiaHungaryIrelandIcelandLithuaniaLuxembourgLatviaMoldovaMontenegroMaltaNetherlandsNorwaySerbia

North America

2 countries
MexicoUnited States
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about watching this title on Netflix from anywhere.

Is Bad Words on Netflix in United States?

Bad Words is not currently available on Netflix in United States. It is available in: .

Is Bad Words on Netflix in Brazil?

Bad Words is not currently available on Netflix in Brazil. It is available in: .

Did Bad Words win any awards?

2 wins & 4 nominations total

Who directed Bad Words?

Bad Words was directed by Jason Bateman.

How long is Bad Words?

Bad Words has a runtime of 89 min.