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Enter the Warriors Gate

Enter the Warriors Gate

2016108 minPG-13Midcredits score: 30th percentile of all films
Director
Matthias Hoene
Starring
Uriah Shelton, Ni Ni, Dave Bautista, Mark Chao

After a mysterious chest opens a gateway through time, teen gamer Jack is transported to an ancient empire terrorized by a cruel barbarian king. Jack will need all of his gaming skills as he battles to defeat the barbarian, protect a beautiful princess, and somehow find his way back home.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Enter the Warriors Gate?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Enter the Warriors Gate to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Enter the Warriors Gate?

Enter the Warriors Gate earns 2 badges, led by Feel-good and Award Nominee.

  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Enter the Warriors Gate worth watching?

Enter the Warriors Gate's Midcredits score is the 30th percentile of all films, from 10K ratings across 4 sources. 32% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

30th percentile

Better received than 30% of films

45th percentile among Action31st percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)36th
Approval (how many liked it)26th

57 /100

36th percentile of all films

52nd percentile among Action38th percentile among 2010s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 5.7 — solid but not unanimous.

32% liked it

26th percentile of all films

39th percentile among Action25th percentile among 2010s
32% rated it 7–1068% rated it 1–6

Critics 44% · Audience 28%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 1 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

89th percentile

10K ratings across platforms

80th percentile among Action89th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 47% in 30 days

Box office

Budget€20M

In euro, not converted to dollars.

Worldwide gross$3.6M

47th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A French-Chinese fantasy adventure that sends a video-game-obsessed American teen to ancient China to save a princess, with a light comedic tone and martial arts action.

Fans praised

  • Lighthearted family fun with a sense of adventure
  • Well-choreographed action and martial arts sequences
  • Funny dialogue and comedic performances, especially Dave Bautista

Detractors panned

  • Unoriginal rehash of The Forbidden Kingdom and similar films
  • Weak, clichéd script with poor pacing and logic
  • Cheap-looking visual effects and dated production values

What stands out

ActingDivisive45

Dave Bautista praised as entertaining villain; lead criticized as average

HumorDivisive40

Divides audiences; Dave Bautista's lines land but much falls flat

CharactersDivisive35

Underdeveloped side characters; clichéd hero and damsel

Pacing30

Slow stretches; abrupt scene transitions

DialogueDivisive30

Juvenile humor and flat one-liners

Plot and storyDivisive25

Derivative video-game-fantasy premise with gaping logic holes

Effects and spectacleDivisive25

Subpar CGI; feels dated for 2016

Originality15

Blatant knockoff of The Forbidden Kingdom and other transported-hero tales

Preferred by

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

  • Women vs men 9 points apart
  • US vs non-US 2 points apart

Watch experience

What is Enter the Warriors Gate like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Fun ride: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want a fun ride.

It has a few laughs and leaves you feeling good. Skip it when you want something with weight.

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

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Fun ride.

The answer rests on this: Moods
ThrillingJoyfulRomantic
Heaviest: middle
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Adventurous · 11% of filmsPlayful
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film presents its portal fantasy and martial-arts adventure with earnest energy, mixing light humour with sincere character growth.
The rideOverall energetic and uplifting adventure with a romantic subplot; the heaviest action and tension likely climax in the middle rescue.
StructureConventional beginning-middle-end told in order.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

The answer rests on this: Feel-goodFun
Why it leaves you this wayA light-hearted fantasy adventure that leaves you entertained and smiling.
How it ends · evidence
Happy 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).QuestRescue
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% (this title) · Mission 5% · 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. · Rescue: Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).

10% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeAmerican teen Jack enters Ancient China via a magical portal to rescue a princess from a forced marriage, teaming up with a royal bodyguard; the adventure also builds his confidence.

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 filmsSelfComingof age
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% (this title) · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% (this title) · 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% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · 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%

Self

Coming of age · 5% of filmsRomantic love · 15% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeA teenage boy gains confidence and maturity by embarking on an adventure that tests his courage and teamwork.
StanceThe film celebrates personal growth and courage through a fantastical adventure, affirming the value of stepping up.

The world

TimelessRuralInstitutionalAlternate dimensionFantasy
Orchestral modernWorldSupportive music · original score · Klaus Badelt
SettingAncient China and a fantasy realm accessed through a magical portal
MusicEnergetic orchestral score with Asian-inspired elements to match the Ancient China setting.

Content guide

Is Enter the Warriors Gate okay for kids?

PG-13

Enter the Warriors Gate is rated PG-13.

Ratings in 5 other countries
  • Germany12
  • JapanG
  • South Korea12
  • Netherlands12
  • SK15

No detailed content scores for this title yet.

What content warnings does Enter the Warriors Gate have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Enter the Warriors Gate?

Cast

Uriah Shelton
as Jack
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Ni Ni
as Sulin
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Dave Bautista
as Arun
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Mark Chao
as Zhao
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Francis Ng
as Wizard
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Kara Ying Hung Wai
as Mountain Spirit
Sienna Guillory
as Annie
Dakota Daulby
as Travis Leigh
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.
Ron Smoorenburg
as Black Knight
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Eva Day
as Sales Girl
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Enter the Warriors Gate?

Movies like Enter the Warriors Gate include Snake in the Eagle's Shadow (1978), The Twins Effect (2003) and Big Trouble in Little China (1986). Of the 12 closest matches, most are martial-arts films, and most are fantasy films.

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

11 of these 12 share its story type: action comedy. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Enter the Warriors Gate?

252 other films share the rarest tag below, up against: warrior. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.