The Magnificent Seven
United Artists | Release Date: October 23, 1960 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
74
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 13 Critic Reviews
Positive:
9
Mixed:
4
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
70
VarietyStaff (Not Credited)
Until the women and children arrive on the scene about two-thirds of the way through, The Magnificent Seven is a rip-roaring rootin' tootin' western with lots of bite and tang and old-fashioned abandon. Read full review
60
The New YorkerPauline Kael
Ragged when it tries for philosophical importance, but it's fun to see so many stars at an early stage in their careers.
100
Philadelphia InquirerDesmond Ryan
The Magnificent Seven has a secure niche among the great westerns. Its action is brilliantly staged. [12 May 2001, p.E01]
89
Austin ChronicleMarjorie Baumgarten
The basic outline was adapted from Kurosawa's classic Seven Samurai and made into an American Western by one of the great innovators of the genre, John Sturges. The film led the way for other all-star cast outings. Read full review
60
Chicago ReaderDave Kehr
What was wonderful in the Kurosawa film—the recruiting and training of the mercenaries—is just dead time here, though the icon-heavy cast helps out: Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, James Coburn, Charles Bronson, and Robert Vaughn. Read full review
50
The Hollywood ReporterStaff (Not Credited)
About two-thirds of the film is good, tough, unromantic period western. About one-third is sentimental nonsense and it bushwhacks the remainder. Read full review
100
TimeStaff (Not Credited)
An expert, sensitive study of the fateful tie that inevitably binds the strong to the weak, this film may well be the best western of 1960. Read full review
70
Time OutStaff (Not Credited)
Sturges' remake of Kurosawa's Seven Samurai is always worth a look, mainly for the performances of McQueen, Bronson, Coburn and Vaughn. Read full review
80
TV Guide MagazineStaff (Not Credited)
Very nearly a classic, this Americanization of Akira Kurosawa's The Seven Samurai does a good job of mirroring the major themes and attitudes of the original while re-creating that monumental film in an occidental setting. Read full review
91
The A.V. ClubKeith Phipps
Well-crafted, star-driven entertainment doesn't come much better. Read full review
100
EmpireKim Newman
Deep down, you know it's not as good as Seven Samurai — but few films are. You also know that next time it's on television, you'll find yourself watching it. Read full review
75
Slant MagazineMichael Nordine
The Magnificent Seven fights an uphill battle in matching the scope and thrills of its source material. Read full review
50
The New York TimesHoward Thompson
A gifted director like Mr. Sturges (who also produced) can't be held entirely responsible for this endless dawdling prologue, since William Roberts' scenario increasingly flattens the action with philosophical talk on all sides and some easy clichés. Read full review
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