12 Years a Slave

2013 · directed by Steve McQueen

Rating

90/100

Hit

yes

Prestige lists

Oscar Winner

In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty as well as unexpected kindnesses Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon’s chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist will forever alter his life.

12 Years a Slave (2013), directed by Steve McQueen, rates 90/100 — a hit. See how its director, cast and crew rate across their careers.

Cast

• Chiwetel Ejiofor
• Michael Fassbender
• Lupita Nyong'o
• Benedict Cumberbatch
• Paul Dano
• Sarah Paulson
• Adepero Oduye
• Scoot McNairy
• Paul Giamatti
• Brad Pitt

Crew

• Sean Bobbitt — Director of Photography
• Joe Walker — Editor
• Hans Zimmer — Original Music Composer
• John Ridley — Screenplay

More from Steve McQueen

1. Hunger (2008) — 79/100
2. Widows (2018) — 75/100
3. Shame (2011) — 73/100
4. Blitz (2024) — 67/100

How these numbers work: Methodology