Thirteen Days

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Thirteen Days

PG-13

Released Dec 16, 2000

2h 25m

History

Drama

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Popcornmeter

83%

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124 Reviews

80%

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25,000+ Ratings

For thirteen extraordinary days in October of 1962, the world stood on the brink of an unthinkable catastrophe. Across the globe, people anxiously awaited the outcome of a harrowing political, diplomatic and military confrontation that threatened to end in an apocalyptic nuclear exchange between the United States and the Soviet Union. Thirteen days captures the urgency, suspense and paralyzing chaos of the Cuban Missile Crisis.

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Critics Consensus

Thirteen Days offers a compelling look at the Cuban Missile Crisis, and its talented cast deftly portrays the real-life people who were involved.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

An outstanding movie for families with older kids.

Rated: 5/5

Dec 29, 2010

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Steven D. Greydanus

Decent Films

A fitting dramatic tribute to the deadly brinksmanship that pulled us back from the edge during the most volatile two weeks of the Cold War.

Rated: A-

May 8, 2002

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Globe and Mail

Rated: 3/4

Mar 22, 2002

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Danielle Solzman

Solzy at the Movies

Kennedy fans might appreciate Thirteen Days for what it is but the film could do better in putting the right faces up front.

Rated: 3.5/5

Dec 25, 2020

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Yasser Medina

Cinefilia

I find vertiginous and very palpitating what happens in this political thriller, directed by Roger Donaldson, about one of the most tense moments of the Kennedy administration: the Cuban missile crisis. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 7/10

Jul 21, 2020

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PJ Nabarro

Patrick Nabarro

It really is the Cuban Missile Crisis played out on a grand scale, and, in some respects, this grandiosity is permissible.

Rated: 3/5

Jul 24, 2019

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Jelisije J

A very well done film of the Cuban Missile Crisis of how the USA handled the situation and the aftermath. A must watch for anyone wanting to see how the world almost ended.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

04/16/25

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Michael W

This political movie was really good. Kevin Costner, Bruce Greenwood, Steven Gulp, Dylan Baker, and the rest of the cast did an excellent job in this movie. This true story about the Cuban Missile Crisis was dramatic, suspenseful, and thrilling. It's about making the right decision to prevent a war from ever happening. If you haven't seen this movie yet, check it out sometime. It's a definite must see.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/06/25

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Audience Member

Everyone but Kevin Costner nailed it. His Massachusetts accent stinks.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/30/25

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Chris F

Takes a bit to pick up but good ending

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/05/25

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Arthur B

Having lived through the time I found it especially interesting and quite gripping too -- great film

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/03/25

Full Review

Blu B

A Political Thriller Classic. Really well made all around and pretty easy to follow overall. The things that hold this back are very minor. For one, the Costner scenes feel a bit unneeded and that New England acccent man...And finally, there is A LOT that is in here. It's not that's its hard to follow which is a testament to how well it's made and understands its subject matter. I don't really know how you fix it without dumbing it down or giving it the Michael Bay treatment. It is what it is. What this does right: Bruce Greenwood is the best thing in this and is excellent as JFK. You truly can feel the weight he's carrying. The acting in general is excellent save for Costner. What's impressive is how it very clearly explains a very complex situation visually and very clearly in such a way youdon't have to have lived through the 60's to understand it. It does such a good job making it so easy to understand and besides Greenwoods performance is the biggest accomplishment. It also gives character to everyone involved and never feels dry at all and very intense the entire way. Despite jumping between the main trio it never feels jumpy really just slightly bloated. In terms of theatrical release films this is the best one I've seen about the Cuban Missle Crisis and does a great job covering almost every detail in a interesting and accessible way. Anyone who is interested in learning about this, or fans of thrillers, or any actors in this should check this out.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

12/04/24

Full Review

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Roger Donaldson

Director

Kevin Costner

Kenny O'Donnell

Bruce Greenwood

John F. Kennedy

Steven Culp

Robert F. Kennedy

Dylan Baker

Robert McNamara

Michael Fairman

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Synopsis

For thirteen extraordinary days in October of 1962, the world stood on the brink of an unthinkable catastrophe. Across the globe, people anxiously awaited the outcome of a harrowing political, diplomatic and military confrontation that threatened to end in an apocalyptic nuclear exchange between the United States and the Soviet Union. Thirteen days captures the urgency, suspense and paralyzing chaos of the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Director: Roger Donaldson
Producer: Marc Abraham, Peter O. Almond, Armyan Bernstein, Kevin Costner
Screenwriter: Ernest R. May, Philip D. Zelikow, David Self
Distributor: New Line Home Video [us], New Line Cinema
Production Co: Beacon Communications, New Line Cinema, Tig Productions, Beacon Pictures
Rating: PG-13 (Brief Strong Language)
Genre: History, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 16, 2000, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 24, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $34.6M
Runtime: 2h 25m
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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