Thirteen Days

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Thirteen Days

PG-13

Released Dec 16, 2000

2h 25m

History

Drama

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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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Mick LaSalle

San Francisco Chronicle

Thirteen Days is a good movie about a profound moment in world history.

Rated: 4/4

Jan 12, 2001

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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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Stephen C

Success in 2 hours and 25 minutes. Rated PG-13 for Brief Strong Language!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/02/25

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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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

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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 Cinema, New Line Home Video [us]
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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