Thirteen Days

PG-13

Released Dec 16, 2000

2 hr. 25 min.

History

Drama

List

83%

124 Reviews

Tomatometer

80%

25,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

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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Leaburn O

A surprisingly good re-enactment of the missile crisis, only tainted by the ludicrous embellishment of phoning the spy plane pilot and the resulting displays of unnecessary patriotism. Overall excellent however. Watched this one on Prime.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/12/23

Full Review

Alejandro E

The biggest draw? It is how he spreads the tension that was experienced in those 13 days of yore, in which the threat of a nuclear war became palpable. One of Kevin Costner's most memorable roles.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/02/23

Full Review

Sugah B

Excellent film. A remarkable point in USA history and a huge wake-up call reminder that we must have a strong, vital leader at the helm 24/7. Vote as if your life and country depends upon it. Because it does. Also JFK was on a heavy amount of opioids for severe back pain, but he was no junkie!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/07/23

Full Review

andy f

An entertaining portrayal of the Cuban missile crisis that shows how many were probably saved from death by the obstinacy of the Kennedys.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

Audience Member

A very great and dramatic portrayal of the Cuban Missile Crisis with very few flaws.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/18/23

Full Review

Audience Member

The infamous Cuba missile crisis, insane tense stressful 2 weeks; you can hear yourself holding your breath while time stood still. A great history lesson that nearly brings the world WW3, hope all mankind learnt something here. Outstanding just brilliant filmmaking even for those not into war movies.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/03/23

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

Adlai Stevenson

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

An outstanding movie for families with older kids.

Rated: 5/5

Dec 29, 2010

Full Review

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

Full Review

Globe and Mail

Rated: 3/4

Mar 22, 2002

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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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
Executive Producer: Thomas A. Bliss, Michael De Luca, Ilona Herzberg
Screenwriter: Ernest R. May, Philip D. Zelikow, David Self
Distributor: New Line Cinema, New Line Home Video [us]
Production Co: New Line Cinema, Beacon Communications, Tig Productions
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
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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