Michael Bay's Forgotten "Fast-Paced" Action Epic Is Making a Comeback on Streaming Actorsvaultpro

If there’s one thing that fans love Michael Bay movies for, it’s the countless explosion-filled action scenes. The likes of Transformers, The Island, and Bad Boys are all fan favorite action movies, with the latter two sprinkling in a healthy dose of sci-fi in the process. But it’s Michael Bay’s forgotten war movie that’s making an unexpected comeback on streaming, nine years after it was released in theaters. The film features a great cast, including Daven Denman, James Badge Dale, Pable Schreiber, Dominic Fumusa, and John Krasinski. If that didn’t give it away, the film in question is 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi.

13 Hours is currently streaming on Paramount+, and the film has made a comeback on the streaming charts. 13 Hours is currently the fourth most popular movie on Paramount+, behind Vicious in first, Tom Cruise’s Top Gun: Maverick in second, and the wacky action-comedy, Novacaine in third. Released in 2016, 13 Hours went under the radar, at least in comparison to Michael Bay’s big franchise hits and his other blockbusters.

The film is based on the true story of the attack on the US State Compound and CIA station in Libya on September 11, 2012, and the soldiers who fought back the attack. Bay directed the film from a screenplay written by Chuck Hogan, which was based on the non-fiction book by Mitchell Zuckoff. The official synopsis reads:

“On Sept. 11, 2012, Islamic militants attack the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, killing Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and Sean Smith, an officer for the Foreign Service. Stationed less than one mile away are members (James Badge Dale, John Krasinski, Max Martini) of the Annex Security Team, former soldiers assigned to protect operatives and diplomats in the city. As the assault rages on, the six men engage the combatants in a fierce firefight to save the lives of the remaining Americans.”

’13 Hours’ Divided Audiences and Critics

Paramount Pictures

Critics and general audiences are rarely on the same proverbial page. But 13 Hours completely divided the two groups. Critics, who had likely grown tired of Michael Bay’s usual tropes and clichés, gave the film a 51% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many of the reviews completely slating the film. However, audiences absolutely adored the movie. From over 25,000 ratings, 13 Hours boasts a strong 83% user rating on RT.

“Very underrated movie,” read one user review, which continued, “Fast-paced, excellent effects/sound, solid cast, and tells the gripping story from the perspective of the GRS soldiers. At the end of this ride, it will leave you questioning some of your beliefs.” Other viewers held very similar opinions, as it was given a lot of five-star ratings by audiences. “’13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi’ delivers phenomenal acting and incredible intensity, with action that keeps you on the edge of your seat,” read another user.