---
title: "World War Z"
year: 2013
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/world-war-z-2013"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 72190
imdb_id: "tt0816711"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 116
community_rating: 6.8
vote_count: 16735
content_rating: "PG-13"
---

# World War Z (2013) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/world-war-z-2013

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

World War Z is a 2013 American action horror film directed by Marc Forster. The film stars Brad Pitt as Gerry Lane, a former United Nations investigator who embarks on a dangerous global mission during a zombie pandemic. The story begins when Lane and his family are caught in the chaos of a sudden outbreak that turns humans into aggressive, mindless zombies. After narrowly escaping the initial attack, Lane is recruited to investigate the source of the infection. His journey takes him across the world as he attempts to uncover how the disease spreads and how it might be stopped. The film focuses on his efforts to locate a solution before the outbreak leads to the collapse of human civilization. It features Pitt alongside actors including Mireille Enos, Daniella Kertesz, and James Badge Dale. The movie presents a fast-paced narrative centered on survival and global crisis response. It was released to international audiences and later became available on streaming platforms. The plot emphasizes large-scale peril and the protagonist's race against time.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A former investigator traverses the globe to stop a pandemic turning humans into rampaging zombies."

### Why Watch
- high-stakes global scope
- fast-paced action

### Caveats & Content Note
- intense sequences of peril
- grim subject matter
- Tone & Suitability: The film contains intense depictions of chaotic violence and frightening infected creatures.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: intense, urgent, perilous, apocalyptic

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Amazon Prime Video, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Essential, Starz Apple TV Channel, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Kanopy, Hoopla | JustWatch TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Paramount Plus, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Basic with Ads | None | JustWatch TV, Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV |
| **Canada (CA)** | Paramount Plus, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Basic with Ads | None | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo |
| **Australia (AU)** | Paramount Plus, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, Stan, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Basic with Ads | ABC iview | JustWatch TV, Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Marc Forster
- **Networks / Studios**: GK Films, Paramount Pictures, Hemisphere Media Capital

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Brad Pitt** as *Gerry Lane*
- **Mireille Enos** as *Karen Lane*
- **Daniella Kertesz** as *Segen*
- **James Badge Dale** as *Captain Speke*
- **Ludi Boeken** as *Jurgen Warmbrunn*
- **Matthew Fox** as *Parajumper*
- **Fana Mokoena** as *Thierry Umutoni*
- **David Morse** as *Ex-CIA Agent*
- **Elyes Gabel** as *Andrew Fassbach*
- **Sterling Jerins** as *Constance Lane*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is the film about?
A former investigator attempts to find the source of a mysterious infection that turns people into zombies.

### Q: Who is the main character?
The story follows Gerry Lane, a former United Nations investigator.

### Q: What happens to the world?
The world is plagued by a mysterious infection that is turning human populations into rampaging zombies.

### Q: What is the protagonist's mission?
He is tasked with investigating the disease to prevent the collapse of human civilization.

### Q: Is the film action-oriented?
Yes, the protagonist must brave horrific dangers and perilous situations throughout his global trek.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [World | Latest News & Updates | BBC News](https://www.bbc.com/news/world)
- [World War Z (film) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_Z_(film))
- [World news - breaking news, video, headlines and opinion | CNN](https://www.cnn.com/world)
- [World War Z (2013) - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0816711/)
- [World News - The New York Times International](https://www.nytimes.com/international/section/world)
- [Watch World War Z | Netflix](https://www.netflix.com/title/70262639)

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