13th
Performance & Direction: 13th Review
Last updated: February 18, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is 13th (2016) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Documentary.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Documentary is often anchored by its ensemble, and 13th features a noteworthy lineup led by Jelani Cobb . Supported by the likes of Angela Davis and Henry Louis Gates, Jr. , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: The lead actors exhibit a remarkable range, navigating the emotional peaks and valleys of their respective characters with a precision that makes every motivation feel earned.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: 13th
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2016, 13th is a Documentary film directed by Ava DuVernay. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Jelani Cobb.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. An in-depth look at the prison system in the United States and how it reveals the nation's history of racial inequality. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The protagonist, portrayed by Jelani Cobb, undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: 13th
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Ava DuVernay, 13th resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to documentary resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions involving Jelani Cobb, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the documentary themes in a way that feels organic to the story.
The final moments of 13th demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch 13th?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Documentaries cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate well-executed genre storytelling
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Top Cast: 13th
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch 13th Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Netflix13th Parents Guide & Age Rating
2016 AdvisoryWondering about 13th age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of 13th is 100 minutes (1h 40m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.9/10, and global performance metrics, 13th is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2016 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 13th worth watching?
13th is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Documentary movies. It has a verified rating of 7.9/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find 13th parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for 13th identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of 13th?
The total duration of 13th is 100 minutes, which is approximately 1h 40m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked 13th
How 13th Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for 13th
No reviews found for this filter.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
