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Windtalkers

Windtalkers

Honor Was Their Code.

2002134 minRMidcredits score: 49th percentile of all films
Director
John Woo
Starring
Nicolas Cage, Adam Beach, Peter Stormare, Noah Emmerich

Joe Enders is a gung-ho Marine assigned to protect a "windtalker" - one of several Navajo Indians who were used to relay messages during World War II because their spoken language was indecipherable to Japanese code breakers.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Windtalkers?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Windtalkers streaming on Pluto TV (free), Prime Video, The Roku Channel (free) and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

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Highlights

What stands out about Windtalkers?

Windtalkers earns 7 badges, led by Not for the squeamish and Award Winner.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content

Reception

Is Windtalkers worth watching?

Windtalkers' Midcredits score is the 49th percentile of all films, from 111K ratings across 6 sources. 42% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

49th percentile

Better received than 49% of films

65th percentile among Action47th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)56th
Approval (how many liked it)41st

63 /100

56th percentile of all films

73rd percentile among Action56th percentile among 2000s

Critics 51 · Audience 64

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.1 — solid but not unanimous.

42% liked it

41st percentile of all films

55th percentile among Action38th percentile among 2000s
42% rated it 7–1058% rated it 1–6

Critics 33% · Audience 50%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 3 wins / 5 noms overall

95th percentile

111K ratings across platforms

90th percentile among Action91st percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 2% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$115M
Opening weekend$15M
Domestic gross$41M
Worldwide gross$78M

Returned 0.7× its budget — 82nd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Fans praised

  • spectacular large-scale battle sequences with intense practical explosions
  • Nicolas Cage's anguished performance as a traumatized sergeant
  • James Horner's stirring orchestral score

Detractors panned

  • Cage's invincible one-man-army action hero clichés break realism
  • focus is on Cage's white sergeant, not on the Navajo code talkers themselves
  • overblown pyrotechnic explosions trivialize the horror of war

What stands out

CinematographyDivisive70

sweeping Hawaiian vistas and lush green landscapes

Effects and spectacleDivisive65

massive practical explosions but criticized as cartoonishly overblown

ActingDivisive60

Cage polarizing — fans cite anguished depth, detractors call phoned-in

TensionDivisive55

Cage's kill-or-protect dilemma provides some stakes

PacingDivisive45

overstuffed with numbing action; director's cut improves character moments

Plot and storyDivisive40

shallow buddy-war narrative that sidelines the code-talker story

CharactersDivisive35

code talkers relegated to supporting roles; clichéd squad stereotypes

Originality30

formulaic buddy-war film grafted onto a unique historical premise

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 18 points higher than users.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men even
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 9 points apart
  • US vs non-US 8 points apart

Watch experience

What is Windtalkers like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Big and sweeping: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want to be swept up in something big.

It is intense and leaves you bittersweet. Skip it when you want an easy night.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Big and sweeping.

Moods
TenseDreadMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Brutal · 7% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays the war drama straight with sincere emotion, but the action is highly stylized with Woo's signature slow-motion and operatic violence, creating a tension between realism and choreographed spectacle.
The rideThe film maintains high tension and dread throughout combat sequences, with a somber, melancholic weight that culminates in the protagonist's death.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically from Enders' recovery through his assignment and the battles on Saipan, following a conventional three-act structure.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

BittersweetHaunting · 14% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's ending, with Enders' death and Yahzee's traditional tribute, leaves a poignant sense of sacrifice and the tragic cost of war, lingering in the viewer's mind.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).QuestMission
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% (this title) · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Mission: Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).

10% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe film follows Marine Joe Enders assigned to protect Navajo code talker Ben Yahzee, with orders to kill him if capture is imminent to protect the code. The core journey is a combat mission on Saipan where the bond between protector and charge is tested.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfLoyaltyBonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4% (this title)
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% (this title) · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Loyalty · 4% of filmsSurvivalSacrifice · 4% of films
Mourns its theme: Grieves its theme, or what has been lost of it.Global stakes: Consequences reach the world.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores loyalty tested under impossible orders, the bond between protector and code talker, and the sacrifices demanded by war.
StanceThe film mourns the cost of war, especially the sacrifice of Navajo code talkers and the moral burden placed on soldiers tasked with killing their own comrades to protect the code.

The world

Mid 20th centuryInstitutionalWildernessRealistic
Orchestral modernFolkSupportive music · original score · James Horner
SettingWorld War II Pacific theater, primarily the island of Saipan, 1944
MusicThe score blends orchestral battle themes with Native American-influenced motifs, notably flute and vocal pieces.

Content guide

Is Windtalkers okay for kids?

R

Windtalkers is rated R: “Rated R for pervasive graphic war violence, and for language” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (100/100), sexual content at minimal (10/100), language at severe (81/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (42/100) and frightening material at severe (81/100). Its drug and alcohol content has too few votes to rank. Overall it is heavier than 87% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 40 other countries
  • UK15
  • Canada18A
  • AustraliaMA15+
  • Germany18
  • France16
  • Ireland15
  • New Zealand16
  • Japan18
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil14
  • AN16
  • Argentina13
  • Austria16
  • Belgium16
  • CO15
  • Czechia12+
  • Denmark15
  • EG16
  • FinlandK-16
  • Greece15
  • Hong KongIIB
  • Hungary16
  • IS16
  • Israel18
  • ItalyT
  • MY18SG
  • Netherlands16
  • Norway15
  • PE14
  • PhilippinesR-13
  • Poland18
  • PortugalM/14
  • RO16
  • Russia16+
  • SingaporePG
  • South Africa18
  • Spain18
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland16
  • UA16
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 92% of all filmsHeavier than 87% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 99%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 5%
Profanity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 75%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
too few votes to rank (8 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 80%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is violence, language, and frightening material. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Windtalkers have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Windtalkers?

Cast

2 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen; 2 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Nicolas Cage
as Joe Enders
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Adam Beach
as Ben Yahzee
Peter Stormare
as Hjelmstad
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Noah Emmerich
as Chick
Mark Ruffalo
as Pappas
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Brian Van Holt
as Harrigan
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Martin Henderson
as Nellie
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Roger Willie
as Charlie Whitehorse
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Frances O'Connor
as Rita
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Christian Slater
as Ox Henderson
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Windtalkers?

Movies like Windtalkers include We Were Soldiers (2002), Red Cliff II (2009) and Dragon Blade (2015). Of the 12 closest matches, all are military films, and several are mission stories.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

All 12 share its world: war epic. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Windtalkers?

813 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: war epic. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.