Jack the Giant Slayer
"Prepare for a giant adventure"
A farmhand named Jack stumbles into a world-changing mistake when he activates a long-dormant gateway that links his rural life to a realm inhabited by massive, fearsome giants. As those giants return to reclaim territory they once held, a nearby kingdom finds itself under direct threat. Jack is... Read more
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Streaming availability last verified: February 02, 2026
About Jack the Giant Slayer
A farmhand named Jack stumbles into a world-changing mistake when he activates a long-dormant gateway that links his rural life to a realm inhabited by massive, fearsome giants. As those giants return to reclaim territory they once held, a nearby kingdom finds itself under direct threat. Jack is pulled out of obscurity and into large-scale battles, forging uneasy partnerships with soldiers and a resolute princess as he tries to protect ordinary people. The film focuses on escalating conflicts and Jack's personal growth, showing how a simple young man copes with moral choices, loyalty and the burden of sudden responsibility without revealing the story's key twists.
Released in 2013 and directed by Bryan Singer, the movie adapts the Jack and the Beanstalk legend with a screenplay credited to Darren Lemke, Christopher McQuarrie and Dan Studney, and features Nicholas Hoult, Eleanor Tomlinson and Ewan McGregor in leading roles.
The picture opened as a major studio tentpole but performed modestly at the global box office, failing to turn into a breakout summer phenomenon despite extensive marketing and large production values.
Though it didn't redefine fantasy cinema, the film left an impression with its giant designs and sprawling castle sequences, images that circulated widely in trailers and promotional material and helped fuel discussions about modern takes on classic fairy tales.
Critical and audience reaction was mixed, reflected in an average user rating near 5.9 out of 10. Reviewers tended to praise the visual effects and scale of the action while noting uneven pacing and shallower character work. Thematically, the movie touches on bravery, class tensions and what it means to grow up under extraordinary pressure.
What Viewers Are Saying
Viewers are divided on "Jack the Giant Slayer," with many appreciating its family-friendly take on the classic fairy tale, decent CGI, and likable cast performances. The story and pacing receive mixed feedback, with some finding it slow or unremarkable, while others enjoy it as an entertaining fantasy adventure. Criticism mainly focuses on the film's animation quality and a perceived lack of originality or depth compared to other adaptations. Overall, audiences see it as a watchable but not exceptional movie.
Details
- Release Date
- February 27, 2013
- Runtime
- 1h 54m
- Rating
- PG-13
- User Ratings
- 5,129 votes
- Type
- Movie
- Genres
- Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Drama
- Country
- United States
- Studio
- New Line Cinema +4 more
- Budget
- $195,000,000
- Box Office
- $197,700,000
- External Links
- View on IMDB
Official Trailer
Cast
Nicholas Hoult
Jack
Eleanor Tomlinson
Princess Isabelle
Ewan McGregor
Elmont
Stanley Tucci
Roderick
Ian McShane
King Brahmwell
Bill Nighy
General Fallon
Eddie Marsan
Crawe
Ewen Bremner
Wicke
Warwick Davis
Old Hamm
Ralph Brown
General Entin
Director: Bryan Singer
Written by: Darren Lemke, Christopher McQuarrie, Dan Studney