Year: 1976
Runtime: 91 min
Language: English
Director: John Carpenter
During a severe winter storm, a transport bus carrying convicts crashes near Detroit’s Precinct 13, forcing them to seek shelter within the station. Cut off from the outside world and with communication lines down, Sergeant Jake (Ethan Hawke) finds himself in a tense situation. He must work together with the very criminals he's supposed to guard to defend the precinct from a relentless and escalating attack by a dangerous gang.
Get a spoiler-free look at Assault on Precinct 13 (1976) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In the heart of a wintry Detroit, a sudden storm isolates a modest police outpost, Precinct 13, from the world beyond its battered walls. A battered transport bus carrying a handful of convicts crashes nearby, forcing the inmates to seek shelter inside the station just as communication lines go dead. The relentless howling wind and blinding snow create a claustrophobic backdrop where the line between safety and danger blurs, and every creaking door hints at something unseen waiting just outside.
Sergeant Jake is tasked with keeping order amid the chaos, yet the circumstances force him into an uneasy partnership with the very prisoners he is meant to guard. As tensions rise, the precinct becomes a pressure cooker of conflicting personalities: hardened law‑enforcement instincts clash with raw, desperate survival urges. The atmosphere crackles with gritty realism, punctuated by moments of dark humor and sudden, stark vulnerability. The building itself, dimly lit and echoing with distant sirens, feels both a sanctuary and a trap, amplifying the sense that something larger is closing in.
Beyond the snow‑shrouded walls, a dangerous gang lurks, its presence hinted at by distant gunfire and the uneasy feeling that the storm is merely a cover for a looming assault. The film’s tone balances taut suspense with a gritty, almost noir‑like portrait of a city under siege, where alliances are forged in the most unlikely of circumstances. As the night deepens, the characters must confront not only the external threat but also their own preconceptions, setting the stage for a tense, pulse‑pounding stand‑off that will test loyalty, courage, and the thin line between order and chaos.
Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 14:15
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Trapped characters must unite against an overwhelming outside threat to survive the night.If you liked the relentless pressure and desperate survival of Assault on Precinct 13, you'll find similar tension in these movies. This thread gathers films featuring confined locations, overwhelming threats, and high-stakes battles for survival against impossible odds.
Stories in this thread typically begin with an isolated group facing a sudden, coordinated attack. The narrative focuses on the logistical and psychological challenges of defending a single location, often forcing enemies to become temporary allies. The plot unfolds in real-time or over a single night, with escalating assaults testing the characters' resolve and resourcefulness.
Movies are grouped here for their shared core premise of a contained siege, their high-intensity pacing, and their relentless, tense atmosphere. They all explore themes of survival under extreme duress and the fragile bonds formed in life-or-death situations.
Stories set against a backdrop of urban violence, moral ambiguity, and collapsing order.Fans of the gritty, violent world and themes of social decay in Assault on Precinct 13 will appreciate these movies. This thread collects thrillers and crime dramas set in bleak urban environments, exploring violence, survival, and moral complexity.
The narrative pattern often follows characters—whether law enforcement, criminals, or civilians—navigating a hostile city where traditional rules have broken down. Conflicts arise from gang violence, revenge, and the struggle for power in a lawless environment. The journey is typically straightforward and direct, leading to a resolution that underscores the high cost of survival in a broken world.
These movies share a common vibe defined by a gritty, decaying urban setting, a heavy emotional weight, and a focus on brutal violence and survival. They are united by their bleak tone and exploration of themes like revenge, social breakdown, and unlikely alliances forged in crisis.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Assault on Precinct 13 in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Assault on Precinct 13 is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Assault on Precinct 13, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of Assault on Precinct 13 with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Assault on Precinct 13. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Assault on Precinct 13: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
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