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MTDb โ€บ Best of โ€บ 2012 โ€บ Bernie

Bernie poster

Bernie (2012)

โ€œA story so unbelievable it must be true.โ€

6.6/10 ยท 1,071 votes 1h 39m pg-13 ComedyDramaCrime

#105 of 232 films from 2012 #1459 of 2885 in comedy

Directed by Richard Linklater ยท Written by Richard Linklater, Skip Hollandsworth

โ–ถ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

In small-town Texas, affable and popular mortician Bernie Tiede strikes up a friendship with Marjorie Nugent, a wealthy widow well known for her sour attitude. When she becomes controlling and abusive, Bernie goes to great lengths to remove himself from her grasp.

Cast

Jack Blackas Bernie Tiede
Shirley MacLaineas Marjorie Nugent
Matthew McConaugheyas Danny Buck Davidson
Brady Colemanas Scrappy Holmes
Richard Robichauxas Lloyd Hornbuckle
Rick Dialas Don Leggett
Brandon Smithas Sheriff Huckabee
Larry Jack Dotsonas Rev. Woodard
Merrilee McCommasas Molly
Mathew Greeras Carl
Marjorie Domeas Townsperson
Tim Carikeras Townsperson
Fern Lukeras Townsperson
Jack Payneas Townsperson

Facts

Release dateApril 27, 2012
Runtime99 min (1h 39m) โ€” about the same as the 2012 average of 103 min
GenresComedy, Drama, Crime
LanguageEN
Budget$5,000,000
Box office$9,206,470 (1.8ร— budget)
IMDbtt1704573

More from Richard Linklater

Before SunriseBefore Sunrise1995 ยท โ˜… 8.0 ยท 1h 41m Before SunsetBefore Sunset2004 ยท โ˜… 7.8 ยท 1h 20m Waking LifeWaking Life2001 ยท โ˜… 7.5 ยท 1h 41m BoyhoodBoyhood2014 ยท โ˜… 7.5 ยท 2h 45m Before MidnightBefore Midnight2013 ยท โ˜… 7.5 ยท 1h 49m Dazed and ConfusedDazed and Confused1993 ยท โ˜… 7.3 ยท 1h 42m The School of RockThe School of Rock2003 ยท โ˜… 7.1 ยท 1h 50m A Scanner DarklyA Scanner Darkly2006 ยท โ˜… 6.8 ยท 1h 40m

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Questions

How long is Bernie?
Bernie runs 99 minutes (1h 39m).
Is Bernie worth watching?
TMDB users give it 6.6/10 across 1,071 votes, which places it #105 of 232 films released in 2012 in this index (top 55%) and #1459 among 2885 comedy titles.
Who directed Bernie?
Bernie was directed by Richard Linklater. Other well-rated titles by the same director: Before Sunrise (1995), Before Sunset (2004), Waking Life (2001).
Who stars in Bernie?
Jack Black as Bernie Tiede; Shirley MacLaine as Marjorie Nugent; Matthew McConaughey as Danny Buck Davidson; Brady Coleman as Scrappy Holmes; Richard Robichaux as Lloyd Hornbuckle; Rick Dial as Don Leggett.
What is Bernie rated?
It carries a pg-13 certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for Bernie?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/88795.

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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.