Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Thrilling epilogue to iconic TV series; violence, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie
What's the Story?
Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) is desperate in EL CAMINO: A BREAKING BAD MOVIE. On the run in New Mexico, disoriented, and completely alone after a fight to the death between drug traffickers and white supremacists (revealed in fragments throughout the film), Jesse must find a way to escape. His quest for money, resources, and a way out of Albuquerque finds him at the mercy of old friends, old enemies, and his own frailties. As his mind races between the present and the past, key moments reveal both the danger he's in now and the devastating events that led him to this moment. It's a painful and violent odyssey, and he has only the slimmest hope for a positive outcome.
Is It Any Good?
Vince Gilligan has done a masterful job of providing a final chapter for a series noted for its remarkable characters, great acting, vibrant story, and insightful take on good and evil. It's a seamless transition. Aaron Paul (with five Emmy nominations and three wins for the role) astonishes once again with his compelling and nuanced performance. It's satisfying to spend a little time with Bryan Cranston's Walter White, Krysten Ritter's Jane Margolis, and Jonathan Banks's Mike Ehrmentraut, and doubly pleasing to see Jesse Plemons and Robert Forster return in substantial roles that impact both the plot and Jesse Pinkham's evolution as a man who is deserving of our admiration. (Sadly, Forster passed away on the day of El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie's Netflix release.) Recommended, especially for fans of the original.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie. Was it integral to the story or intended mostly to provide thrills? What are some cues that help clarify the filmmakers' intentions? Why is it important to be aware of the impact of violence on kids?
What is the meaning of the literary term "antihero?" In what ways is Jesse Pinkman an antihero? Were you rooting for him in spite of his earlier behavior? Do you believe that the character is redeemable by the end of the movie?
In spite of his past, what character strengths did Jesse Pinkman call upon to achieve his goals?
If you are a Breaking Bad fan, did this movie meet your expectations? What are some of the key elements (for example, characterizations, settings) that writer-director Vince Gilligan retained from the series to maintain its integrity?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 13, 2020
- Cast : Aaron Paul , Jesse Plemons , Robert Forster
- Director : Vince Gilligan
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Adventures
- Run time : 122 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate