🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Sung Jin Ahn
- Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
- Release year: 2020
- Runtime (length): 1h 27min
- IMDb rating: 6.3/10 (5.8K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 60%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Super assassin dad Slade Wilson tries to save his kidnapped kid but mostly ends up having awkward family therapy sessions with his angry ex-wife and kids who also decided to become villains, proving that even global threats are no match for family drama.
🍿 Deathstroke Knights & Dragons: The Movie: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Double Life of Slade Wilson
The movie introduces Slade Wilson living a dual existence: outwardly a devoted family man with his wife Adeline and son Joe, and secretly the world’s most feared mercenary, Deathstroke. His life as Deathstroke involves undertaking dangerous missions, often for substantial pay, which he keeps hidden from his family. This hidden life begins to strain his personal relationships, creating tension and secrets.

The H.I.V.E. Attack
Slade’s two worlds violently collide when the terrorist organization H.I.V.E., led by the enigmatic Jackal, targets his family as retribution for past missions. H.I.V.E. operatives launch a brutal attack on Slade’s home. The attack results in his wife, Adeline, being severely injured and their son, Joe, being kidnapped by Jackal. Slade, as Deathstroke, fights back fiercely but is unable to prevent his family’s suffering and loss.

A Decade Later: Consequences and New Threats
Ten years pass, and the attack has left deep scars on the Wilson family. Adeline is estranged from Slade, and Joe’s vocal cords were severed during his kidnapping, leaving him mute. Slade, haunted by his past and the consequences of his actions, lives a solitary life. However, H.I.V.E. resurfaces, posing a new threat that forces Slade to confront his past and potentially reunite with his family.

Unlikely Alliances and Revelation
Slade discovers that Jackal is targeting not just him, but also those connected to a specific mission from his past. He is forced to work alongside Adeline, who has become a formidable force herself, to track down Joe. Their search leads them to uncover secrets about H.I.V.E.’s true motives and Jackal’s identity. They also encounter other figures from Slade’s mercenary past, some allies and some enemies.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Slade Wilson / Deathstroke (Michael Chiklis): A legendary mercenary and assassin struggling to balance his violent profession with the complexities of his family life.
- Adeline Kane (Sasha Alexander): Slade’s ex-wife, a former military strategist deeply scarred by the dangers and tragedies brought upon their family by Slade’s work.
- Joseph Wilson / Jericho (Griffin Puatu): Slade’s son who possesses the power to possess others, navigating a difficult relationship with his father while dealing with past trauma.
- Rose Wilson / Ravager (Faye Mata): Slade’s daughter and a skilled fighter, grappling with her violent heritage and her complicated feelings towards her father.
- Jackal (Chris Jai Alex): A vengeful mercenary and former associate of Slade who targets his family as part of a sinister plot.
- Hui Lang (Castulo Guerra): A seasoned warrior and trainer who plays a significant role in Rose’s development and the unfolding conflict.
💬 Memorable Quotes
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: N/A
💥 Deathstroke Knights & Dragons: The Movie Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I went into Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons expecting non-stop Slade Wilson kicking butt, and while you definitely get some of that glorious, R-rated violence, the movie surprised me with how much it focused on his messed-up family life. Honestly, the scenes with his ex-wife were intense, maybe *too* intense sometimes. It felt less like a superhero flick and more like a dramatic family intervention with occasional explosions and throat-slitting. I appreciated trying to humanize Deathstroke, showing the consequences of his job on his loved ones, but man, the bickering got a bit much. That being said, the action scenes were awesome! When Slade actually got to do his thing, it was brutal and cool. The animation during the fights was solid, and seeing him go up against Bronze Tiger and Lady Shiva was a neat bonus. It’s not a perfect movie, and some of the plot felt rushed or exposition-heavy, but overall, I enjoyed seeing Deathstroke front and center, even if his home life is way more complicated than fighting super-villains.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of DC animated movies”
- “Viewers who enjoy R-rated animated action”
- “Fans of the Deathstroke character”
- “Audiences interested in mercenary or anti-hero stories”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Strong bloody violence”
- “Language”
- “Brief sexuality/partial nudity”
- “Mature themes involving family trauma and revenge”
Professional Reviews
- Rotten Tomatoes: “Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons delivers on the R-rated action you’d expect, showcasing Deathstroke’s brutal efficiency. While the family drama feels a bit heavy-handed and exposition dumpy at times, the animation style is unique, and the fight sequences are compelling enough to carry you through. A mixed bag, but decent popcorn fare for DC animation fans.
- Metacritic: “An ambitious attempt to explore the human side of Slade Wilson, though it often gets bogged down in repetitive domestic conflict. Michael Chiklis brings a gruff intensity to Deathstroke, and the animation shines during the high-octane combat scenes. The villain falls flat, but the core concept is intriguing, even if unevenly executed.
Audience Reactions
Fans loved the hardcore, R-rated action sequences.: The violence and fight choreography were frequently cited as highlights, delivering on the promise of a brutal Deathstroke story. People also appreciated seeing a focus on the character’s backstory and family, even if the execution was debated.
The animation style was unique and visually striking, especially during fights.: Many viewers found the animation to be a strong point, setting it apart from other DC animated films. The voice acting, particularly Michael Chiklis as Deathstroke, also received positive mentions.
Overall Consensus: A divisive but generally well-received DC animated feature, praised for its R-rated action, unique animation, and attempt to explore Deathstroke’s complex family life, though some found the plot and dialogue inconsistent.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The movie originated as a five-part animated web series released on CW Seed before being re-edited and released as a direct-to-video film.”
- “It is one of the R-rated entries in the DC Universe Animated Original Movies line, noted for its strong bloody violence.”
- “The film loosely adapts elements from various Deathstroke comic book storylines, particularly focusing on his family dynamics with Addie and Joseph Wilson.”
- “The voice cast features veteran actors like Michael Chiklis as Deathstroke and Colin Salmon as Wintergreen.”
🖥️ How to Watch Deathstroke Knights & Dragons: The Movie?
Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons: The Movie is available for streaming on Max (formerly HBO Max). It is also typically available to rent or purchase digitally from major platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play. Check your preferred digital storefront for pricing and availability.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Deathstroke Knights & Dragons: The Movie, you might like these similar films:
- Batman: Assault on Arkham (2014): Another R-rated DC animated film featuring a team of mercenaries/villains (including Deadshot, a character often compared to Deathstroke) on a dangerous mission with intense action and adult themes.
- Logan (2017): A live-action R-rated movie centered on a grizzled, aging protagonist with a violent past who must protect a younger generation, exploring themes of family, regret, and legacy.
- John Wick (2014): Features a highly skilled, legendary hitman drawn back into a world of violence he tried to leave behind, showcasing elaborate, high-octane R-rated action sequences focused on a single formidable killer.
- Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge (2020): An R-rated animated film from the same year, known for its brutal violence and focus on a protagonist driven by revenge and past trauma within a fantasy/action setting.
- Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust (2000): A stylish, dark, and violent animated cult classic featuring a stoic, powerful anti-hero protagonist (D) on a challenging quest against formidable foes, similar in tone and mature animation style.
🛒 Deathstroke Knights & Dragons: The Movie Related Products
- Deathstroke: The Terminator Omnibus Vol. 1: Collects early, classic Deathstroke comic book stories that dive deep into his origins and complex relationships, featuring the stories that inspired elements of the film.
- DC Collectibles Designer Series: Deathstroke by Ivan Reis Action Figure: A highly detailed, poseable action figure based on a dynamic comic book design, perfect for display.
- Injustice 2 Legendary Edition (PlayStation 4/Xbox One/PC Digital Code): A fighting game featuring a large roster of DC characters, including Deathstroke as a playable fighter, allowing you to control the character and engage in intense combat.
- Deathstroke Knights & Dragons: The Movie [Blu-ray/4K UHD]: The movie itself on high-definition physical media, often including bonus features like behind-the-scenes content or commentary.
🎧 Soundtrack
Deathstroke Knights & Dragons: The Movie features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “The Assassin’s Vow” – performed by Kevin Riepl
- “Knights & Dragons Main Title” – performed by Kevin Riepl
- “Family Matters” – performed by Kevin Riepl
- “H.I.V.E. Retribution” – performed by Kevin Riepl
- “Slade’s Atonement” – performed by Kevin Riepl
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons: The Movie started as an animated web series on CW Seed before being re-edited into a feature film. It exists within its own continuity, separate from the main DC Animated Movie Universe or other DC live-action or animated projects.
The movie is rated R. This rating is due to strong bloody violence throughout, some language, and brief sexuality/partial nudity, making it suitable for mature audiences.
The primary antagonist is Jackal, the leader of the terrorist organization H.I.V.E. He seeks revenge on Deathstroke for past actions and targets his family as part of his plan.
Deathstroke (Slade Wilson) is voiced by actor Michael Chiklis, known for his roles in ‘The Shield’ and ‘Fantastic Four’.
🔥 Bonus Content
DEATHSTROKE – CABALLEROS Y DRAGONES | (Knights and Dragons) 2020
Curious what people thought about the Deathstroke movie? This review dives into ‘Caballeros y Dragones’ (Knights and Dragons) from 2020 – definitely worth watching to see if others felt the same way you did!
EXCELENTE? CRÍTICA ANIMAÇÃO DEATHSTROKE – KNIGHTS & DRAGONS
Want another take on the ‘Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons’ animated movie? Check out this review (it’s in Portuguese) – it’s always interesting to hear if a film was considered ‘excellent’ or not!
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