13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi

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13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi

R

2016

2h 24m

War

Mystery & Thriller

Drama

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Popcornmeter

51%

Tomatometer

224 Reviews

83%

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25,000+ Ratings

On Sept. 11, 2012, Islamic militants attack the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, killing Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and Sean Smith, an officer for the Foreign Service. Stationed less than one mile away are members (James Badge Dale, John Krasinski, Max Martini) of the Annex Security Team, former soldiers assigned to protect operatives and diplomats in the city. As the assault rages on, the six men engage the combatants in a fierce firefight to save the lives of the remaining Americans.

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Critics Consensus

13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi is a comparatively mature and restrained effort from Michael Bay, albeit one that can't quite boast the impact its fact-based story deserves.

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Sara Michelle Fetters

MovieFreak.com

The emotional component is cheapened, at least partially, inserting a level of bad taste into the proceedings I found difficult to get past.

Rated: 2/4

Aug 16, 2016

Full Review

Max Weiss

Baltimore Magazine

Makes American Sniper look positively pacifist by comparison.

Rated: 2/4

Jun 12, 2016

Full Review

Jason Bailey

Flavorwire

Punishingly paced, flimsily constructed, and tackily executed, with the subtlety and panache of a third-rate 1930s melodrama.

Apr 27, 2016

Full Review

Brendan Cassidy

InSession Film

13 Hours is proof that if Michael Bay wants to take something seriously, he does have the skill to do so.

Rated: B

Jun 17, 2024

Full Review

Don Shanahan

Every Movie Has a Lesson

Michael Bay's film cannot help itself from taking brotherhood-fueled sides and blow everything up.

Rated: 1/5

Sep 4, 2023

Full Review

Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

Despite its flaws, I still found myself glued to the story...

Rated: 3.5/5

Aug 25, 2022

Full Review

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Rich W

Very underrated movie. Fast paced, excellent effects/sound, solid cast, and tells the griping story from the perspective of the GRS soldiers. At the end of this ride, it will leave you questioning some of your beliefs.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/19/25

Full Review

Luke B

“13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi” delivers phenomenal acting and incredible intensity, with action that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The score heightens the experience, and the true story is told in a powerful, compelling way. Overall, it stands out as a favorite and a masterpiece. At its core, the film carries a meaningful message about fulfilling your call to be a warrior until the end—an enriching and transformative reminder of courage and sacrifice.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/23/25

Full Review

Raymond C

Going into 13 Hours, I wasn’t expecting more than a run-of-the-mill war/action movie. However, I was pleasantly surprised and ended up really enjoying this film. What really helps this movie stand out is its core group of protagonists. They’re lively, entertaining, and you genuinely want to see them make it through the ordeal. Michael Bay knows how to shoot action scenes—he always has, even during his Transformers days—and he really gets a chance to shine here. The film may lose points for those who care about historical accuracy. Personally, that kind of thing doesn’t bother me, but I understand it could be a dealbreaker for some viewers. I also recognize that action movies aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. If you're not into this genre, 13 Hours probably won’t change your mind. But if you enjoy action films, you’ll absolutely love this one.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/29/25

Full Review

Jason D

Fantastic movie with at least three of the main characters in real life actually acting as consultant.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/26/25

Full Review

Brayden G

Great and amazing film that keeps you on the edge Of your seat

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/18/25

Full Review

Josh D.

Started slow but got really good and moving by then end. Made me angry at Hillary Clinton.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/03/25

Full Review

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Michael Bay

Director

James Badge Dale

Tyrone "Rone" Woods

John Krasinski

Jack Silva

Max Martini

Mark "Oz" Geist

Pablo Schreiber

Kris "Tanto" Paronto

Toby Stephens

Glen "Bub" Doherty

13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: Official Clip - Mortar Storm

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13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: Official Clip - Attack on the U.S. Consulate

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13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: Official Clip - Holding Off Hostiles

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13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: Official Clip - The First Wave

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13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: Official Clip - Fallen Soldiers

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13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: Official Clip - They're With Us

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13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: Official Clip - Welcome to Benghazi

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13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: Official Clip - Wrong Turn

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13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: Official Clip - Escaping the Compound

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13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: Official Clip - Take Out the Technical

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13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: Blu-Ray Trailer 1

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13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: International Trailer 1

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13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: Red Band Trailer 2

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13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: Trailer 2

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13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: Trailer 1

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13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

On Sept. 11, 2012, Islamic militants attack the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, killing Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and Sean Smith, an officer for the Foreign Service. Stationed less than one mile away are members (James Badge Dale, John Krasinski, Max Martini) of the Annex Security Team, former soldiers assigned to protect operatives and diplomats in the city. As the assault rages on, the six men engage the combatants in a fierce firefight to save the lives of the remaining Americans.

Director: Michael Bay
Producer: Erwin Stoff, Michael Bay
Screenwriter: Chuck Hogan
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: 3 Arts Entertainment, Bay Films
Rating: R (Language|Bloody Images|Strong Combat Violence)
Genre: War, Mystery & Thriller, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 15, 2016, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): May 24, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $52.8M
Runtime: 2h 24m
Sound Mix: Datasat, Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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