The Warriors (film)

The Warriors is a 1979 American action thriller film directed by Walter Hill from a screenplay by Hill and David Shaber and based on the 1965 novel of the same name by Sol Yurick, in-turn inspired by Xenophon's Anabasis. The film features an ensemble cast which includes Michael Beck, James Remar, Deborah Van Valkenburgh, Marcelino Sánchez, David Harris, Tom McKitterick, Brian Tyler, Dorsey Wright, Terry Michos, David Patrick Kelly, Roger Hill, Edward Sewer, and Lynne Thigpen. In the film, a street gang must escape from the Bronx back to their home turf on Coney Island after being framed for the murder of a respected gang leader.

Development on The Warriors initially began in 1969 after American International Pictures purchased the film rights to Yurick's novel, but production stalled until producer Lawrence Gordon obtained the rights and commissioned Shaber and Hill to work on the screenplay. Originally envisioned as a western, the novel was ultimately adapted as a stylized action thriller. Casting was extensive and production was troubled, with Hill clashing with some of the actors and going over budget. Principal photography took place in 1978 on location across New York City, including at Astoria Studios.

The Warriors was theatrically released in the United States on February 9, 1979, by Paramount Pictures. It grossed $22.5 million worldwide and received negative reviews from critics for its lack of realism and dialogue. Initial screenings of the film were linked to vandalism and murders, prompting Paramount to halt advertising or release theaters from their obligation to screen the film. The Warriors has been reappraised by critics and is considered a cult film. It has since launched a franchise which spawned several spinoffs, including video games and a comic book series.