The Great Wall

Year: 2017

Runtime: 103 min

Language: Chinese

Director: Yimou Zhang

Budget: $150M

ActionAdventureMysteryThrillerFantasy

A mercenary’s search for fortune takes a dramatic turn when he is captured within the legendary Great Wall of China. He soon finds himself embroiled in a desperate battle as a monstrous army threatens the ancient structure and the land beyond. Joining forces with a group of elite warriors, he must overcome his personal ambitions and embrace a heroic calling to defend against an overwhelming and terrifying force.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Great Wall 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 & Setting – The Great Wall (2017)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Great Wall (2017). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:53

Main Characters – The Great Wall (2017)

Meet the key characters of The Great Wall (2017), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:53

Major Themes – The Great Wall (2017)

Explore the central themes of The Great Wall (2017), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:53

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Explore Movie Threads

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.

Epic Monster Siege Movies Like The Great Wall

Desperate last stands against terrifying, non-stop monstrous hordes.If you enjoyed the relentless monster attacks and heroic defense in The Great Wall, explore these films featuring desperate last stands against overwhelming creatures. These movies deliver similar high-intensity action, grand battle sequences, and themes of teamwork and survival against impossible odds.

epictensedesperatethrillingheroicanxiousgrandiosesurvival

Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow a clear, escalating structure: a monstrous threat is discovered, its overwhelming nature becomes apparent, and a group of defenders must use strategy, courage, and sacrifice to mount a desperate last stand. The narrative is driven by the constant pressure of the siege and the race to find a weakness in the enemy.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on large-scale monster conflicts, a tense and desperate tone, fast-paced action sequences, and the central theme of unity in the face of an apocalyptic threat. They deliver a specific kind of spectacle centered around siege warfare.

Redemption Arc Action Movies Similar to The Great Wall

Selfish outsiders find purpose by joining a cause greater than themselves.Fans of Matt Damon's journey from mercenary to hero in The Great Wall will appreciate these films about cynical outsiders finding redemption. These stories explore similar character growth, where personal ambition is replaced by heroic sacrifice and teamwork for a greater good.

redemptiveheroicbittersweettensecharacter-driventeamworkself-sacrificehopeful

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern follows an outsider, often a mercenary or rogue, who is initially motivated by personal gain. Through exposure to a grave threat and the integrity of a disciplined group, they experience a moral awakening. Their arc culminates in a choice to sacrifice their own interests for the survival of others, achieving a bittersweet redemption.

Why These Movies?

These movies are united by a specific character arc—the redemption of a self-interested individual—set against a backdrop of high-stakes conflict. They blend action with character development, focusing on themes of honor, duty, and finding one's place in a larger struggle, often ending on a bittersweet note.

Unlock the Full Story of The Great Wall

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

The Great Wall Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Great Wall, 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.

The Great Wall Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Great Wall with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Great Wall Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Great Wall that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

More About The Great Wall

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

Similar Movies to The Great Wall

Discover movies like The Great Wall 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.