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The 13th Warrior

Play trailer Poster for The 13th Warrior R Released Aug 27, 1999 1h 43m Adventure Action Play Trailer Watchlist
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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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The 13th Warrior

The 13th Warrior

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Critics Consensus

Atmospheric, great sets and costumes, but thin plot.

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Critics Reviews

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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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (1000+) audience reviews
Kevin F One of the most baffling misses with the box office in history. Great story, cast and direction from McTiernan and Crichton delivers a classic adventure film. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 11/10/24 Full Review James S The professional critics are out of touch. It was a great move! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/26/24 Full Review Steve K The professional critics hate this movie. Let them. This a truly enjoyable movie. The characters are fantastic. The story is an intriguing one. So many great scenes, including when “Ibn” demonstrates his knowledge of the Viking language and instruction of how to write. The interplay between the vastly different cultures of the Norse and the travelling Muslims is fascinating. This movie has a few imperfections, but I found it exciting, fun, and much of it beautifully written and acted. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/06/24 Full Review Ryan K Probably one of Banderas' best, filled with great quotes, suspense, high-tempo action, and the ending befits the build-up. This "stranger in a strange land" epic is WORTH YOUR TIME. I've probably watched it over 100 times. Keeps getting better! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/25/24 Full Review Audience Member It was excellent when I saw it when I was 15. It’s just as meaningful, if not more so, now that I’m 38, and rewatching it. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/23/24 Full Review Joshua R great characters, atmosphere and as entertaining as most major blockbusters, the horror elements add to the tension throughout also. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/20/24 Full Review Read all reviews
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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

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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