300
Performance & Direction: 300 Review
Last updated: February 15, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is 300 (2007) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and 300 features a noteworthy lineup led by Gerard Butler . Supported by the likes of Lena Headey and Dominic West , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: 300
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2007, 300 is a Action, Adventure, War film directed by Zack Snyder. The narrative delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Gerard Butler.
Story Breakdown
In this high-octane feature, Zack Snyder establishes a narrative structure that follows a classic action blueprint: establishing the protagonist's world, introducing a formidable antagonist, and escalating the stakes. Based on Frank Miller's graphic novel, "300" is very loosely based the 480 B.C. Battle of Thermopylae, where the King of Sparta led his army against the advancing Persians; the battle is said to have inspired all of Greece to band together against the Persians, and helped usher in the world's first democracy. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments for Gerard Butler, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Gerard Butler's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.
Thematic Depth
Beyond the spectacle, the film explores themes of justice, redemption, and the cost of violence. it questions whether the ends justify the means and examines the personal toll of heroism.
What Works & What Doesn't
✅ Strengths
- Solid execution of genre conventions
- Engaging moments that showcase the creators' vision
- Competent performances from the cast
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Some narrative choices that feel predictable
- Occasional pacing lulls in the middle act
Ending Explained: 300
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Zack Snyder, 300 resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to action resolution.
The climactic sequence delivers on the escalating tension involving Gerard Butler, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
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 action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of 300 reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
300 Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
300 uses real-world events as narrative inspiration. As a action, adventure, war film directed by Zack Snyder, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Gerard Butler's character.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: 300 adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch 300?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Gerard Butler or the director
- Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection
Box Office Collection: 300
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $65.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $456.1M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
300 Budget
The estimated production budget for 300 is $65.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: 300
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Where to Watch 300 Online?
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Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTube300 Parents Guide & Age Rating
2007 AdvisoryWondering about 300 age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of 300 is 116 minutes (1h 56m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.2/10, and global performance metrics, 300 is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2007 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 300 worth watching?
300 is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 7.2/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find 300 parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for 300 identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of 300?
The total duration of 300 is 116 minutes, which is approximately 1h 56m long.
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Critic Reviews for 300
300, the 2007 story of the three hundred Spartans who held off a massive Persian offensive in Ancient Greece, proved a disappointing film. In spite of my Classics degree, I won't complain about the divergences from recorded fact. The film is clearly meant to be a fantasy on historical themes instead of a faithful account of the event. Rather, what irked me was the hammy dialogue. There were the tropes of recent Hollywood battle scenes: warriors on the good guys' side defending themselves with little exertion as they trade silly quips about how they've got each other's backs. A queen gives an address to a council that is all melodrama -- are we back in George Lucas' "Star Wars" prequels? Having enjoyed Sin City, a film with a similar green screen approach, I thought that 300 would be enjoyable on the basis of its special effects, but alas it wasn't. For one, the cinematography is claustrophobic. All outdoor scenes but one were filmed with a green screen, and the digital backdrops add no depth. Even when supposedly standing on the Greek coast under a big sky, everyone seems like they are just standing around in a fairly small room. Also, the fight scenes seem more primitive than considering that this film followed years after The Matrix Reloaded. The little I can recommend 300 for is the variety of demonic monsters and exotic costumed assassins that fill the Persian army. As I said, this is a fantasy on historical themes, and the additions are often interesting. Still, I had a hard time sitting through the whole film.
Leather underwear and a cape is honestly such a Look™. _300_ cops a lot of flak for being all style and no substance, and I'm not gonna stand here and lie to you by refuting that. What I will say however, is that style over substance does not inherently make a movie bad. _300_ is a lot of fun, you get what's going on, and there's some genuine rewatch value. Final rating:★★★½ - I really liked it. Would strongly recommend you give it your time.
Only the third time seeing this one, first time was in the theaters and then I think on DVD. Didn't care a whole lot in either viewing. So with the 4K being released, decided enough time had passed to give it another shot and... it was okay, a bit too stylized for my taste (and yes I know that's Snyder's thing) and lacks the emotional impact Snyder was going for, but there are some bad ass moments, including just Gerard Butler's overall performance, but didn't really do much for me otherwise. Probably my least favorite of Snyder's movies, though haven't watched Sucker Punch in a long time. 3.0/5
A mesmerizing visual style to this movie. An epic adventure everyone should watch. A Greek myth on the big screen. Yes thankyou!
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.
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