Braveheart

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2:45

Braveheart

R

1995

2h 57m

History

Drama

Biography

War

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

76%

Tomatometer

131 Reviews

85%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

Tells the story of the legendary thirteenth century Scottish hero named William Wallace (Mel Gibson). Wallace rallies the Scottish against the English monarch and Edward I (Peter Hanly) after he suffers a personal tragedy by English soldiers. Wallace gathers a group of amateur warriors that is stronger than any English army.

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Critics Consensus

Distractingly violent and historically dodgy, Mel Gibson's Braveheart justifies its epic length by delivering enough sweeping action, drama, and romance to match its ambition.

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Harper Barnes

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

It's unclear when Mel Gibson became a combination of Sam Peckinpah and Akira Kurosawa, but there's no question that Braveheart is one of the best epic movies of the '90s... Scene after scene takes your breath away with its sometimes cruel beauty.

Nov 18, 2022

Full Review

Bob Fenster

Arizona Republic

In only his second film behind the camera, Gibson has crafted a historical epic, Braveheart, that stands tall among the biggest and the best: Lawrence of Arabia, Ben-Hur, El Cid.

Nov 18, 2022

Full Review

Ella Taylor

L.A. Weekly

Epic in length only and peppered with sniggering homophobia, the homage to Himself drags on for three hours going on three years.

Nov 18, 2022

Full Review

Marshall Fine

Journal News (Westchester, NY)

An ambitious and satisfying endeavor that establishes Mel Gibson as a director of strength and vision. Though his reach ultimately exceeds his grasp, it's a film that's worth the effort.

Rated: 3/4

Aug 7, 2025

Full Review

Tim Appelo

Oregonian

Gibson learned a thing or two working for geniuses such as George Miller and Peter Weir, but he never grasped how to build suspense by delayed revelation of plot information... He has an eye -- or Toll does -- but not a thought in his head.

Rated: 2.5/4

Aug 7, 2025

Full Review

Ed Bradley

Flint Journal

Braveheart has all the right ingredients for a rip-roaring saga, but Gibson overcooks the mix. The snail's-pace storytelling, overemphasis on scenery and awkward semi-mysticism scream "epic," but this film too often forgets to entertain.

Aug 7, 2025

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Christopher W

Quite literally the best film ever made. Holds up still even 30 years later. Quality sweeping scenic views, amazing James Horner sound track, action, adventure, and a roaring rollercoaster of emotions that hits every vibe from its tales of love, tragedy of loss, moments of anger and vengeance, triumph, vindication, desperation, heart break.... its all there. Many complain about the violence and gore, but it sets the stakes and makes clear the cold dark and gritty nature of the world. Do yourself a favor and watch this masterpiece!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/12/25

Full Review

J D

Braveheart isn’t just a movie — it’s a full-blown cinematic awakening wrapped in bagpipes, bravery, and blue war paint. James Horner’s soundtrack soars higher than the Scottish Highlands and, dare I say it, outshines even his Titanic score. Every frame is a painting — the cinematography alone could make you swear allegiance to freedom. I watched Braveheart eight times in theaters (yes, eight) and probably 300 more times on DVD — and that’s being conservative. Mel Gibson didn’t just act or direct; he delivered a masterclass in epic storytelling. The man gave us tears, chills, and goosebumps — all in one sword swing. And yet... how Chicken Run gets a 93% and Braveheart sits at 85% is one of the great injustices of Rotten Tomatoes history. Absolute cinematic robbery. As a kid, I read everything about William Wallace, met the author of Braveheart, read the book, and proudly had a 7-foot cardboard standee of the man himself guarding my bedroom. This film isn’t just legendary — it’s part of who I am. Mel is the greatest director who ever lived.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/10/25

Full Review

James K

Best movie of all time!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/04/25

Full Review

lanie B.

a complete cinematic masterpiece

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/25/25

Full Review

Harry H.

Its funny that 3+ hour movies like Schindlers List (1993) Braveheart (1995) an Titanic (1997) feel way more watchable an rewatchable then Oppenheimer (2023) Killers of the Flower Moon (2023) and the Brutalist (2024) where those movies to me feel very very unwatchable with no rewatch value.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/17/25

Full Review

Bobby M.

Epic and amazing! Freedom!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/07/25

Full Review

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Mel Gibson

Director

Mel Gibson

William Wallace

Sophie Marceau

Princess Isabelle

Patrick McGoohan

Longshanks - King Edward I

Catherine McCormack

Murron MacClannough

Brendan Gleeson

Hamish Campbell

Braveheart: Official Clip - Freedom!

2:13

Braveheart: Official Clip - The Battle of Stirling

2:12

Braveheart: Official Clip - Revenge in the Night

1:39

Braveheart: Official Clip - Withstanding the Charge

2:00

Braveheart: Official Clip - They Will Never Take Our Freedom

2:12

Braveheart: Official Clip - Rescuing Murron

2:12

Braveheart: Official Clip - The Love of a Princess

2:12

Braveheart: Official Clip - To Really Live

2:10

Braveheart: Official Clip - Beautiful In Any Language

1:25

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Braveheart: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Tells the story of the legendary thirteenth century Scottish hero named William Wallace (Mel Gibson). Wallace rallies the Scottish against the English monarch and Edward I (Peter Hanly) after he suffers a personal tragedy by English soldiers. Wallace gathers a group of amateur warriors that is stronger than any English army.

Director: Mel Gibson
Producer: Bruce Davey, Mel Gibson, Alan Ladd Jr.
Screenwriter: Randall Wallace
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Twentieth Century Fox, Paramount Pictures, B.H. Finance C.V., Ladd Company, Icon Entertainment International
Rating: R (Brutal Medieval Warfare)
Genre: History, Drama, Biography, War
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 24, 1995, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 1, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $75.5M
Runtime: 2h 57m
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, Dolby A, DTS, Surround, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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