The 13th Warrior

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The 13th Warrior

R

Released Aug 27, 1999

1h 43m

Adventure

Action

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

33%

Tomatometer

90 Reviews

66%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

A Muslim ambassador exiled from his homeland, Ahmad ibn Fadlan (Antonio Banderas) finds himself in the company of Vikings. While the behavior of the Norsemen initially offends ibn Fadlan, the more cultured outsider grows to respect the tough, if uncouth, warriors. During their travels together, ibn Fadlan and the Vikings get word of an evil presence closing in, and they must fight the frightening and formidable force, which was previously thought to exist only in legend.

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Critics Consensus

Atmospheric, great sets and costumes, but thin plot.

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Paul Tatara

CNN.com

Akira Kurosawa's brilliant samurai movies -- especially 1957's Throne of Blood -- are a visual influence. But the script lacks the dignity that infuses Kurosawa's equally blood-thirsty characters.

Feb 6, 2018

Full Review

Todd McCarthy

Variety

Michael Crichton's story is underdeveloped and narrow in range, resulting in a tale more curious for its odd confluence of elements than for their edifying deployment.

Jun 17, 2008

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Geoff Andrew

Time Out

At its best, this achieves the beauty and grandeur of a Kurosawa epic -- at its worst, however, it feels like a Python remake of The Vikings.

Feb 9, 2006

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Chuck Klosterman

Akron Beacon Journal

On paper, that description undoubtedly seems ridiculous. But remember -- what The 13th Warrior does best is make the ridiculous seem (for lack of a better word) "cool."

Rated: 3/4

Oct 26, 2023

Full Review

Alistair Lawrence

Common Sense Media

All in all it proved to be a cinematic outing that was definitely unlucky for some.

Rated: 2/5

Jun 21, 2021

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Betty Jo Tucker

ReelTalk Movie Reviews

Exciting battle sequences, intriguing period costumes, fascinating cinematography, and stirring background music contribute to the epic nature of 'The 13th Warrior.'

Jul 10, 2011

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Babawonga L

There is only one real criticism of this film that makes sense and that is that it is too short. It feels like some parts were cut (such as the fast recruitment of the warriors skipping a few), but beyond that the film is a masterpiece. The acting is top notch, with even minor characters with few lines demonstrating unique personalities, something many films can't do with main characters. The scenery is gorgeous, the action intense, and the story a retelling of a classic. What truly makes this movie are the characters and if that is focused on there is no denying it is outstanding. Critics continue to demonstrate why no one should pay them any attention (not that I'm certain anyone does).

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/16/25

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Scott W

A brutal hatchet job. I can't understand how you could turn Crichton's great book into this utter nonsense. The Beowulf myth is deep and rich. This film is a disgrace to that epic tale.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

07/01/25

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Audience Member

The 13th Warrior is an underrated gem. The storyline is gripping, the acting is strong across the board, and the villains are genuinely menacing. The central conflict is engaging, and the pacing kept me enticed from start to finish

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/20/25

Full Review

Deepest Bluest Suede Darius Dick Stinger Apini Emanuel Grouch Nukem III AKA The Rumble AKA Jennyanyany McPoopface Bridgerton AKA The Count of Monte Fisto

Great movie. I really want to find where I can watch the first 12 installments though...

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

05/09/25

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Thomas G

Atmospheric, great plot, excellent costumes and acting.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/22/25

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Laurie N

Clever and fun adaptation of both Michael Crichton's Eaters of the Dead book and the classic Norse saga Beowulf.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/22/25

Full Review

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Michael Crichton

Director

John McTiernan

Director

Antonio Banderas

Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan Ibn Al Abbas Ibn Rashid Ibn Hamad

Diane Venora

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Synopsis

A Muslim ambassador exiled from his homeland, Ahmad ibn Fadlan (Antonio Banderas) finds himself in the company of Vikings. While the behavior of the Norsemen initially offends ibn Fadlan, the more cultured outsider grows to respect the tough, if uncouth, warriors. During their travels together, ibn Fadlan and the Vikings get word of an evil presence closing in, and they must fight the frightening and formidable force, which was previously thought to exist only in legend.

Director: Michael Crichton, John McTiernan
Producer: Ned Dowd, Michael Crichton, John McTiernan
Screenwriter: Michael Crichton, William Wisher Jr., Warren Lewis
Distributor: United Artists
Production Co: Touchstone Pictures
Rating: R
Genre: Adventure, Action
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 27, 1999, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 31, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $32.7M
Runtime: 1h 43m
Sound Mix: Surround

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