Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Brutal
- adventurous
- atmospheric
- ominous
- action movie night
- historical epic marathon
What critics said
Critics generally admired the atmospheric sets, costumes, and action but found the plot thin and the storytelling underdeveloped.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Ibn Fadlan begins as a cultured Muslim diplomat among hostile Vikings before gaining their respect and joining their mission.
The Arab diplomatic journey and Viking society are combined with a Beowulf-inspired enemy and supernatural menace.
The film foregrounds Viking camps, kingdoms, caves, armor, weaponry, sets, and practical action staging.
Ibn's perspective connects the medieval Muslim world of Baghdad with the Viking communities of the north.
Films like The 13th Warrior, and why
Beowulf
shared medieval adventure, warrior band, mythic enemy, and large-scale practical action
Gladiator
shared historical epic scale, rugged warriors, stylized combat, and fate-driven conflict
The Northman
shared viking setting, brutal medieval warfare, revenge themes, and atmospheric production design
King Arthur
shared fantasy-tinged historical adventure, warrior fellowship, and encroaching supernatural threat
Movie Details
- Director
- John McTiernan
- Release Date
- 1999-08-13
- Runtime
- 103 min
- Rating
- 6.7 / 10 (2149)
Cast
- Antonio Banderas
- Diane Venora
- Dennis Storhøi
- Vladimir Kulich
- Omar Sharif
- Anders T. Andersen
- Richard Bremmer
- Tony Curran
- Mischa Hausserman
- Neil Maffin
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The 13th Warrior about?
- A cultured emissary from Baghdad becomes the unlikely thirteenth member of a Viking war band defending its homeland from a monstrous invading force.
- What is The 13th Warrior like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The 13th Warrior as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The 13th Warrior violent?
- Yes. Ember rates the violence in The 13th Warrior as brutal.
- What did critics think of The 13th Warrior?
- Critics generally admired the atmospheric sets, costumes, and action but found the plot thin and the storytelling underdeveloped.
- Which films are like The 13th Warrior?
- Films with a similar feel include Beowulf, Gladiator, The Northman, and King Arthur.
- How long is The 13th Warrior?
- The 13th Warrior runs 103 minutes.
- Where can I watch The 13th Warrior?
- In United States, The 13th Warrior is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
