---
title: "The Thirteenth Year"
year: 1999
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-thirteenth-year-1999"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 83965
imdb_id: "tt0200208"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 95
community_rating: 6.6
vote_count: 257
content_rating: "G"
---

# The Thirteenth Year (1999) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-thirteenth-year-1999

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The Thirteenth Year is a 1999 American fantasy comedy film directed by Duwayne Dunham and starring Chez Starbuck and Courtnee Draper. It premiered on Disney Channel on May 15, 1999, and delves into the fantastical world of mermaids through the story of a teenager who begins to grow fins and slimy scales on his thirteenth birthday.

As a family-friendly TV movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes, it offers an engaging cast and a whimsical narrative exploring teenage transformation. It is categorized under adventure, comedy, family, and fantasy genres.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A teenage boy discovers his birth mother is a mermaid after growing fins on his thirteenth birthday."

### Why Watch
- Features an engaging cast headlined by Chez Starbuck and Courtnee Draper.
- Presents an enchanting and whimsical narrative about the fantastical world of mermaids.
- Directed by Duwayne Dunham as a 1999 Disney Channel Original Movie.

### Caveats & Content Note
- It is a television movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes, which may feel too brief for viewers seeking an epic feature film.
- Tone & Suitability: The tone is whimsical and enchanting, the pacing fits a standard television movie format, and it is suitable for family viewing.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #coming-of-age, #fantasy-comedy, #teenage-transformation, #mermaid-lore, #family-friendly

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Disney Plus | None | Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube |
| **Canada (CA)** | Disney Plus | None | YouTube |
| **Australia (AU)** | Disney Plus | None | None |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Duwayne Dunham
- **Networks / Studios**: Dream City Films, Mike Jacobs Jr. Productions, Walt Disney Television

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Chez Starbuck** as *Cody Griffin*
- **Justin Jon Ross** as *Jess Wheatley*
- **Courtnee Draper** as *Sam*
- **Brent Briscoe** as *Big John*
- **Tim Redwine** as *Sean Marshall*
- **Dave Coulier** as *Whit Griffin*
- **Lisa Stahl** as *Sharon Griffin*
- **Kristen Stewart** as *Girl in Fountain Line (uncredited)*
- **Brian Haley** as *Coach*
- **Karen Maruyama** as *Mrs. Nelson*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where to stream The Thirteenth Year?
You can check current streaming availability on platforms like TMDB and Plex.

### Q: Whether it is worth watching?
Yes, it is worth watching if you enjoy enchanting and whimsical 1999 Disney Channel Original Movies with a strong family-friendly premise.

### Q: Binge duration?
The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes, making it a quick single-sitting watch.

### Q: Essential episodes?
This is a standalone TV movie rather than a series, so there are no episodes.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [The Thirteenth Year — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/83965)
- [The Thirteenth Year (TV Movie 1999) - Full cast & crew - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0200208/fullcredits/)
- [The Thirteenth Year - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Thirteenth_Year)
- [The Thirteenth Year (1999) - Cast & Crew - The Movie Database ...](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/83965-the-thirteenth-year/cast)
- [The Thirteenth Year - Where to Watch Movie](https://www.clicker.com/movie/the-thirteenth-year/)
- [The Thirteenth Year (1999) Full Cast & Crew - Plex](https://watch.plex.tv/movie/the-thirteenth-year/credits)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*