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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

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Hughe J The 13th Warrior was released in theatres in 1999 and stars Antonio Banderas and a bunch of unknown actors who all turn in surprisingly decent performances. During the dark ages Banderas is sent on a diplomatic mission and ends up the lands controlled by Vikings. He soon becomes involved in a battle to save a village from mysterious invaders who turn out to be a large horde of cannibals. Large fight scenes ensue as Banderas learns more about his comrades and the Viking people. The movie had a lot of issues on release with an out of control budget, fired directors, interfering film studios, bad critic reviews, and apathetic audiences. But for me this is a pretty fun movie. It's based on a novel by Michael Creighton, which I've since read and enjoyed, was originally directed by John McTiernan who is very talented, and the score was done by Jerry Goldsmith who turns in another decent soundtrack. The acting is good, the fight scenes were fun, the plot meanders but gets you there, and I liked the ending. This is just an entertaining movie overall and certainly worth a watch. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/27/25 Full Review Alex S One of the greatest movies of all time. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/26/25 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Read all reviews
The 13th Warrior

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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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