Is Beowulf Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Beowulf is likely a skip if you enjoy Adventure movies.
It features a runtime of 95 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Beowulf Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1999, Beowulf emerges as a significant entry in the Adventure, Fantasy, Action, Horror domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Beowulf is a wanderer who learns about a man-eating creature called Grendel, which comes in the night to devour warriors trapped at the Outpost. Unlike standard genre fare, Beowulf attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Adventure is often anchored by its ensemble, and Beowulf features a noteworthy lineup led by Christopher Lambert . Supported by the likes of Rhona Mitra and Oliver Cotton , 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?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Beowulf (1999) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Beowulf Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Beowulf is a Adventure, Fantasy, Action, Horror film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Beowulf Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Beowulf attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to adventure resolution.
The climactic sequence delivers on the escalating tension, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the adventure themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Beowulf reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Beowulf?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Adventure films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Beowulf Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $20.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $1.5M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Beowulf Budget
The estimated production budget for Beowulf is $20.0M. 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.
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of Beowulf
- Christopher Lambert – Beowulf
- Rhona Mitra – Kyra
- Oliver Cotton – Hrothgar
- Götz Otto – Roland
- Vincent Hammond – Grendel
Top Highlights
Christopher LambertBeowulf
Rhona MitraKyra
Oliver CottonHrothgar
Götz OttoRoland
Vincent HammondGrendel
Charles RobinsonWeaponsmaster
Brent Jefferson LoweWill
Roger SlomanKarl
Layla RobertsGrendel's Mother
Patricia VelásquezPendra
Where to Watch Beowulf Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Beowulf is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, violence, action sequences. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.3/10, and global collection metrics, Beowulf stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1999 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Beowulf movie hit or flop?
Beowulf is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.3/10 and lower collections.
Is Beowulf worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.3/10, Beowulf may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Beowulf online?
Beowulf may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Beowulf
How Beowulf Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Beowulf
What could have possessed the "Highlander" himself to participate in this nonsense? Based (very) loosely on the old poem, this tries to modernise the story (it even features tannoy speakers) and give it a contemporary feel - though still using the costumes and weapons of the original time. Our eponymous hero rescues a maiden then takes refuge with Oliver Cotton's "Hrothgar" in his fortress - only for them all to be attacked and brutally picked off by the shape-shifting "Grendel" - a sort of "Puff" the magic dragon type effect with a gravelly voice.... The production and visuals aren't the worst, but the very heavily made-up Lambert - sporting a peroxide coiffure, and the terribly wooden Rhona Mitra ("Kyra") ensure that this film positively groans as it lumbers along. The soundtrack appears to have found a mind of it's own - and what dialogue there is adds virtually nothing to the "we all do what we have to do" style storyline. Whatever you do, stick around for the end - it's hilarious! This film is a shocking waste of good source material that really isn't anyone's finest work.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
