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Assault on Precinct 13

Play trailer Poster for Assault on Precinct 13 R 1976 1h 31m Action Play Trailer Watchlist
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94% Tomatometer 54 Reviews 80% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
When the LAPD kills several members of the South Central gang Street Thunder, the remaining members avenge themselves by way of a bloody war waged against cops and citizens alike. Caught in the crossfire is Lt. Ethan Bishop (Austin Stoker), who's managing a skeleton crew at the local and soon-to-be-closed police precinct. As the gang members close in, Bishop forms an unlikely alliance with a group of prisoners in order to defend the station and the lives of everyone in it.
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Assault on Precinct 13

Assault on Precinct 13

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Critics Consensus

Lean, taut and compellingly gritty, John Carpenter's loose update of Rio Bravo ranks as a cult action classic and one of the filmmaker's best.

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Critics Reviews

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Dave Kehr Chicago Reader May 25, 2011
Hopelessly violent but exceedingly well made. Go to Full Review Variety Staff Variety Jul 6, 2010
Novelty of a gang swearing a blood oath to destroy a precinct station and all inside is sufficiently compelling for the gory-minded to assure acceptance. Go to Full Review Time Out Feb 9, 2006
One of the most effective exploitation movies of the decade. Go to Full Review Kyle Logan Allergic to the 21st Century Feb 12, 2026
5/5
John Carpenter’s Assault on Precinct 13 has become a beloved cult classic, and for good reason. Go to Full Review Tom Milne Observer (UK) Dec 14, 2025
The delight of Assault on Precinct 13 is not just the amazing skill of director John Carpenter, but the fact that he is way ahead of the audience all the time. Go to Full Review George Meyer Tampa Tribune Dec 14, 2025
The movie appears on the surface to be pure trash, but writer-director John Carpenter injects it with some very interesting tension. But more often, the results are just ordinary. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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B P @Bradster69 5 days ago Definitely Recommend It See more Ryan R @Patchwerk88 5 days ago They don't make movies like this anymore. Instant classic! See more thiago S @Thiagostone Jun 21, 2026 Filme fraco, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são fracas, a história é fraca, o elenco é fraco, e ninguém ajuda a melhorar o filme, os personagens são fracos, e o filme deveria ter cenas bem melhores e relevantes, para fazer o filme ser bom See more Circus E. @COS.ENT85 Apr 8, 2026 10/10 flick, I swear they dont make em like this no more See more Michael W @mawilps Mar 15, 2026 This crime movie was really good. Austin Stoker, Darwin Joston, Laurie Zimmer, Tony Burton, and the rest of the cast did an excellent job in this movie. The plot of the movie was intense and thrilling. It's about defending yourselves at all costs and seeking help from unlikely allies. If you haven't seen this movie yet, check it out sometime. It's a definite must see. See more Jessie S @Lakelife0431 Feb 12, 2026 legendary Carpenter material See more Read all reviews
Assault on Precinct 13

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Cast & Crew

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John Carpenter

Director

Austin Stoker

Ethan Bishop

Darwin Joston

Napoleon Wilson

Laurie Zimmer

Leigh

Martin West

Lawson

Tony Burton

Wells

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Assault on Precinct 13

Assault on Precinct 13 (1976) Assault on Precinct 13 (1976) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis When the LAPD kills several members of the South Central gang Street Thunder, the remaining members avenge themselves by way of a bloody war waged against cops and citizens alike. Caught in the crossfire is Lt. Ethan Bishop (Austin Stoker), who's managing a skeleton crew at the local and soon-to-be-closed police precinct. As the gang members close in, Bishop forms an unlikely alliance with a group of prisoners in order to defend the station and the lives of everyone in it.
Director
John Carpenter
Producer
J. Stein Kaplan
Screenwriter
John Carpenter
Production Co
Overseas Film Group
Rating
R
Genre
Action
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 5, 1976, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 19, 2013
Runtime
1h 31m
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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