The 13th Warrior

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The 13th Warrior

R

1999

1h 43m

Adventure

Action

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

34%

Tomatometer

89 Reviews

66%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

A Muslim ambassador exiled from his homeland, Ahmad ibn Fadlan 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

Feb 6, 2018

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.

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Todd McCarthy

Variety

Jun 17, 2008

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.

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Geoff Andrew

Time Out

Feb 9, 2006

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.

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Chuck Klosterman

Akron Beacon Journal

Oct 26, 2023

3/4

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."

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Alistair Lawrence

Common Sense Media

Jun 21, 2021

2/5

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

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Betty Jo Tucker

ReelTalk Movie Reviews

Jul 10, 2011

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

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Anand H

@Staranand Aug 16, 2026

A clash of cultures and times. Vestiges of Neanderthal culture trying to survive by destroying those who are destined to supplant them. A team of Vikings must find the key to turning them back.

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Joseph C

@RT43471073 Aug 10, 2026

This movie was terrible. I honestly can't believe someone seriously invested all the time and energy to make it. Antonio Banderas playing an Arab man who joins a fight he has zero investment in against a faceless enemy makes no sense, and the fight scenes are gratuitously graphic with no real suspense. You don't care about what happens to any of the characters because there is no development or motive provided whatsoever. Things just happen and you witness them. I'm honestly shocked anyone liked this movie.

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JM H

@JMH9999 Jun 7, 2026

I think that, if this had come out during or after Game of Thrones, it would have been a box office hit. Sadly, it was plagued with rewrites and reworks that busted the budget. Good story, fine acting.

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Deckard B

@B26354 Jun 6, 2026

I really appreciate how this film approaches Norse language and mythology, it has a grounded reality and some great set pieces, good pacing. It’s not amazing, but it’s got real intelligence behind it.

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Jason J

@RT50811193 Jun 6, 2026

It’s not perfect, but it’s fun to watch. It has some interesting moments. The sets are very well done. It’s well shot. It is a good adventure.

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Kody K

@RT58711694 May 27, 2026

A fantastic romp through a fictional historical story. Is it deep? No. But it doesn't have to be to work. Barbarians are attacking, defend. The costumes and set pieces are amazing. Good battle scenes. A tale of comradery, and honor. Definitely Worth A watch

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Michael Crichton

Director

John McTiernan

Director

Antonio Banderas

Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan Ibn Al Abbas Ibn Rashid Ibn Hamad

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Synopsis

A Muslim ambassador exiled from his homeland, Ahmad ibn Fadlan 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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