The Barbarians
The Barbarians Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Movie Overview: The Barbarians
| Movie | The Barbarians |
| Release Year | 1987 |
| Director | Ruggero Deodato |
| Genre | Adventure / Fantasy / Action |
| Runtime | 87 minutes (1h 27m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Barbarians (1987) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Adventure.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Barbarians are led by Peter Paul . The supporting cast, including David Paul and Richard Lynch , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Barbarians does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Adventure films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Barbarians has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Adventure fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Barbarians
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1987, The Barbarians is a Adventure, Fantasy, Action film directed by Ruggero Deodato, written by James R. Silke. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Peter Paul as Kutchek.
Ending Explained: The Barbarians
The Barbarians Ending Explained: Orphaned brothers Kutchek and Gore are adopted by a tribe led by Canary the owner of a powerful jewel. Directed by Ruggero Deodato, this 1987 adventure film stars Peter Paul (Kutchek), alongside David Paul as Gore, Richard Lynch as Kadar, Eva LaRue as Kara/Ismene. Rated 5.4/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The Barbarians?
Orphaned brothers Kutchek and Gore are adopted by a tribe led by Canary the owner of a powerful jewel. The evil Kadar wants both Canary and the jewel. Attacking the tribe he kidnaps Canary but the stone eludes him. The brothers are taken to be trained as gladiators and years later have grown to be VERY big. They escape and set off on a quest to find the jewel and rescue Canary.
Ruggero Deodato's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Peter Paul (Kutchek)'s journey. The evil Kadar wants both Canary and the jewel.
How Does Peter Paul (Kutchek)'s Story End?
- Peter Paul: Peter Paul's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- David Paul (Gore): David Paul's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Richard Lynch (Kadar): Richard Lynch's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Barbarians Mean?
The ending of The Barbarians brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Peter Paul's story may not satisfy all audiences.
The Barbarians Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Barbarians Based on a True Story?
No, The Barbarians is a work of fiction. While the adventure, fantasy, action film directed by Ruggero Deodato and starring Peter Paul may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Barbarians?
Age Advisory: Rated R — not suitable for younger viewers.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Adventure films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
At just 87 minutes, it's a quick watch.
Box Office Collection: The Barbarians
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $4.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $800.0K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Barbarians Budget
The estimated production budget for The Barbarians is $4.0M. 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.
Where to Watch The Barbarians Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
fuboTV
MGM+ Amazon Channel
MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel
MGM Plus
PhiloThe Barbarians Parents Guide & Age Rating
1987 AdvisoryWondering about The Barbarians age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Barbarians (1987) is 87 minutes (1h 27m). Directed by Ruggero Deodato, the film runs for 87 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.4/10, and global performance metrics, The Barbarians is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1987 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Barbarians worth watching?
The Barbarians is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Adventure movies. It has a verified rating of 5.4/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Barbarians parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Barbarians identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Barbarians (1987)?
The runtime of The Barbarians (1987) is 87 minutes (approximately 1h 27m).
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.
