Red Dawn

Red Dawn

Year: 2012

Runtime: 93 min

Language: English

Director: Dan Bradley

Action

When a sudden foreign invasion overwhelms a small American town, a group of teenagers are forced to fight back. Escaping into the wilderness, they become the Wolverines, a determined guerrilla force. Using their resourcefulness and courage, they launch a resistance against the occupying forces, battling to protect their homes and reclaim their freedom in a desperate fight for survival.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Red Dawn yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Red Dawn (2012)

Trace every key event in Red Dawn (2012) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

News Clips and Speeches

The movie opens with a series of news clips and political speeches highlighting the increasing tensions with North Korea. These clips serve to set the stage for the impending conflict that will engulf the characters' lives.

Present Day
2

High School Football Game

In Spokane, Washington, Matt Eckert plays in a high school football game that ends in a loss due to his overconfident gameplay. Instead of following the coach's advice, he attempts risky rushing plays, showcasing his youthful arrogance.

Spokane, Washington
3

Party Time

After the game, Matt is picked up by his girlfriend Erica, and they head to a party with friends. The fun is abruptly interrupted when the power goes out, but the teenagers remain unaware of the grave danger that is approaching.

4

Family Tensions

At home, Matt and his brother Jed are reunited, but their interaction is distant as Tom, their father, leaves to respond to the mysterious power outage. This moment foreshadows the chaos that their family will soon face.

Eckert Household
5

Invasion Begins

The following morning, Matt and Jed wake to ominous rumbling sounds and see large aircraft above them. They witness the shocking sight of soldiers parachuting down, marking the beginning of the invasion by North Korean forces.

Morning Spokane, Washington
6

Seeking Shelter

As chaos erupts, the brothers jump into their truck to find their father, Tom. He instructs them to head for the family mountain cabin for safety while he stays behind to help their community amidst the invasion.

Mountain Cabin
7

Searching for Erica

Upon arriving at the cabin, the brothers attempt to rescue Erica but tragically find that they are too late. They join forces with schoolmates Robert and Daryl to make a collective escape from the increasing dangers.

Mountain Cabin
8

Conflict Among the Group

At the cabin, supplies run low after Pete recklessly shoots at an approaching vehicle, creating tension among the group. Jed demands control of the firearm to ensure everyone's safety, revealing their precarious situation.

Mountain Cabin
9

Rallying the Wolverines

After suffering losses and heartbreak, Jed inspires the group with a passionate speech, uniting them under the name 'Wolverines.' They commit to fighting back using guerrilla warfare tactics against the North Korean invaders.

10

First Raid

The Wolverines execute their first successful raid against the enemy, using deception to gain weapons and supplies. Their bravery begins to attract attention from other civilians eager to join their cause.

Spokane, Washington
11

Rescue Attempt Fails

During a public gathering, Matt spots Erica among the captured civilians and launches a premature attack to rescue her. His reckless decision puts the entire group's safety at risk and creates tension between him and Jed.

Public Gathering
12

Brotherly Confrontation

Following the chaotic events, Jed confronts Matt, expressing his frustrations over his impulsive actions that jeopardized their mission. They engage in heartfelt discussions that ultimately lead to a reconciliation, reaffirming their bond.

13

Devastating Bombing

The Wolverines' hideout is bombed, resulting in significant casualties within their ranks. In the aftermath, the survivors realize they must regroup and strategize for their next mission amid growing despair.

Wolverines Hideout
14

Clash with the Enemy

United with American military personnel, the Wolverines strategize to target Captain Cho's briefcase, essential for the enemy's operations. Their mission culminates in a fierce assault against the North Korean stronghold.

15

Final Stand

As the Wolverines prepare to escape via helicopter, they choose instead to stand and continue the fight for their homeland. Matt leads his friends into battle, embodying their unwavering commitment to freedom as the American flag waves in the wind.

Last Updated: October 25, 2024 at 12:39

Unlock the Full Story of Red Dawn

Don't stop at just watching — explore Red Dawn 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 Red Dawn is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Red Dawn Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Red Dawn, 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.

Red Dawn Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Red Dawn

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Red Dawn. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Red Dawn

More About Red Dawn

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Red Dawn: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Red Dawn

Similar Movies to Red Dawn

Discover movies like Red Dawn that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.