Outlander
A stranded space pilot teams with Viking warriors to hunt the alien predator he accidentally unleashed in Iron Age Norway.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Brutal
- pulpy
- gritty
- heroic
- action movie night
- cult sci fi night
What critics said
Critics found the film entertaining in concept, with impressive production design, effects, and monster action, but considered its dialogue, direction, atmosphere, and originality inconsistent.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Kainan's spacecraft, alien technology, and off-world identity are set against a Viking kingdom in 709 A.D.
The film combines Viking warriors, sword fights, space-travel backstory, and a predatory alien monster in a deliberately pulpy register.
Kainan is arrested by Wulfric after being suspected of destroying a village, then must navigate Herot's culture while pursuing the escaped Moorwen.
The Moorwen is an inventive but familiar monster built around stalking, terror, physical menace, and sympathetic motives.
Films like Outlander, and why
Predator
Shared science fiction monster premise, brutal creature action, and pulpy entertainment tone.
The 13th Warrior
Shared collision of extraterrestrial threat with historical warriors, swordplay, and large-scale adventure.
Beowulf
Shared medieval fantasy setting, warrior heroes, monstrous antagonism, and heightened action spectacle.
Season of the Witch
Shared sword-and-sandal atmosphere, grim heroism, and action-driven confrontation with a supernatural creature.
Movie Details
- Director
- Howard McCain
- Release Date
- 2008-04-24
- Runtime
- 115 min
- Rating
- 6.5 / 10 (1479)
Cast
- Jim Caviezel
- Sophia Myles
- Jack Huston
- Ron Perlman
- John Hurt
- Cliff Saunders
- Patrick Stevenson
- Aidan Devine
- Bailey Maughan
- Petra Prazak
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- MovieSphere+ Amazon Channel
- 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 Outlander about?
- A stranded space pilot teams with Viking warriors to hunt the alien predator he accidentally unleashed in Iron Age Norway.
- What is Outlander like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Outlander as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Outlander violent?
- Yes. Ember rates the violence in Outlander as brutal.
- What did critics think of Outlander?
- Critics found the film entertaining in concept, with impressive production design, effects, and monster action, but considered its dialogue, direction, atmosphere, and originality inconsistent.
- Which films are like Outlander?
- Films with a similar feel include Predator, The 13th Warrior, Beowulf, and Season of the Witch.
- How long is Outlander?
- Outlander runs 115 minutes.
- Where can I watch Outlander?
- In United States, Outlander streams on MovieSphere+ Amazon Channel.
