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A Night to Remember

A Night to Remember

Titanic... the greatest sea drama in living memory.

1958123 minNot RatedMidcredits score: 97th percentile of all films
Director
Roy Ward Baker
Starring
Kenneth More, Ronald Allen, Robert Ayres, Honor Blackman

The sinking of the Titanic is presented in a highly realistic fashion in this tense British drama. The disaster is portrayed largely from the perspective of the ocean liner's second officer, Charles Lightoller. Despite numerous warnings about ice, the ship sails on, with Capt. Edward John Smith keeping it going at a steady clip. When the doomed vessel finally hits an iceberg, the crew and passengers discover that they lack enough lifeboats, and tragedy follows.

Where to watch

Where can I watch A Night to Remember?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists A Night to Remember streaming on Pluto TV (free), The Criterion Channel, The Roku Channel (free) and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Highlights

What stands out about A Night to Remember?

A Night to Remember earns 7 badges, led by Stood the test of time and Top 5% of films.

  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is A Night to Remember worth watching?

A Night to Remember's Midcredits score is the 97th percentile of all films, from 37K ratings across 4 sources. 88% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

97th percentile

Better received than 97% of films

98th percentile among Drama97th percentile among 1950s
Acclaim (how much people like it)95th
Approval (how many liked it)97th

78 /100

95th percentile of all films

96th percentile among Drama96th percentile among 1950s

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

88% liked it

97th percentile of all films

97th percentile among Drama98th percentile among 1950s
88% rated it 7–1012% rated it 1–6

Critics 100% · Audience 91%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 2 wins / 3 noms overall

  • WonGolden Globes· Best English-Language Foreign Film
  • NominatedBAFTA Awards· Best British Screenplay

88th percentile

37K ratings across platforms

90th percentile among Drama95th percentile among 1950s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 18% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$1.7M
Worldwide gross$1.1K

Returned 0.0× its budget — 3rd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree that the film is a historically faithful, docudrama-style retelling of the Titanic sinking that prioritizes factual accuracy over Hollywood spectacle.

Fans praised

  • historical accuracy and fidelity to Walter Lord's book
  • documentary-style, unglamorous realism
  • emotional power without a fabricated love story

Detractors panned

  • outdated special effects and model shots
  • large ensemble makes characters hard to distinguish
  • dense, sometimes confusing historical detail

What stands out

Plot and story80

faithful, well-structured account of the disaster

Emotional impactDivisive80

moving and powerful without romantic subplot

Tension80

mounting dread and suspense despite known outcome

Acting75

realistic performances, Kenneth More's standout as Lightoller

Atmosphere70

immersive historical setting and grim realism

CharactersDivisive60

ensemble defined by roles like the card sharp, some critics find them hard to distinguish

Pacing60

deliberate start, but gripping real-time second half

Effects and spectacleDivisive30

primitive model work, less impressive than Cameron's effects

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 6 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 8 points apart
  • Critics vs users 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is A Night to Remember like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Harrowing: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for a hard story that does not look away.

It is intense, takes its time and leaves you haunted. Skip it when you want an easy night or you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings and patience.

What it feels like

Harrowing.

Moods
TenseDreadMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Tender · 13% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its tragic subject with unwavering gravity and respect, never undercutting the emotional weight.
The rideThe mood builds from calm foreboding to intense, tragic tension as the ship sinks, with the heaviest emotional impact in the final acts.
StructureTold in a straightforward chronological three-act structure from departure through collision to sinking.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Haunted.

The answer rests on this: Haunting · 14% of filmsDevastating · 3% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's unflinching depiction of the disaster leaves a deep, lasting solemnity.
How it ends · evidence
Tragic ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).TragedyHubris
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9% (this title): Hubris 1% (this title) · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Tragedy: A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin. · Hubris: Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).

9% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe story follows the real-life disaster of the Titanic's sinking, driven by tragic hubris rather than a genre plot type.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFateIdeas
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5% (this title): Fate 1% (this title) · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Ideas

Fate · 1% of films
Mourns its theme: Grieves its theme, or what has been lost of it.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on the inescapable, tragic fate of the Titanic and its passengers, while also exploring the rigid class divisions and acts of heroism that emerge in the disaster.
StanceThe film mourns the loss of lives and the failure of human hubris, presenting the disaster as a profound tragedy.

The world

Early 20th centuryIn transitRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score · William Alwyn
SettingThe RMS Titanic on its maiden voyage across the North Atlantic in 1912
MusicAlwyn's score underscores the escalating tension and tragedy without overwhelming the realism.

Content guide

Is A Night to Remember okay for kids?

Not Rated

A Night to Remember is not rated. As of September 28, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (28/100), sexual content at minimal (5/100), language at mild (24/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at intense (62/100). Overall it is heavier than 29% of unrated films.

Ratings in 4 other countries
  • UKPG
  • Germany16
  • FranceU
  • IrelandPG
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 25% of all filmsHeavier than 29% of unrated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
light for an unrated film
heavier than 18%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for an unrated film
heavier than 6%
Profanity
Mild
typical for an unrated film
heavier than 30%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for an unrated film
heavier than 36%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
typical for an unrated film
heavier than 58%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is frightening material. Everything else sits at or below what unrated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does A Night to Remember have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in A Night to Remember?

Cast

5 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen.

Kenneth More
as Second Officer Charles Herbert Lightoller
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.
Ronald Allen
as Mr. Clarke
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Robert Ayres
as Maj. Arthur Peuchen
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Honor Blackman
as Mrs. Liz Lucas
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Anthony Bushell
as Capt. Arthur Rostron
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
John Cairney
as Mr. Murphy
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Jill Dixon
as Mrs. Clarke
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Jane Downs
as Mrs. Sylvia Lightoller
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
James Dyrenforth
as Col. Archibald Gracie
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Michael Goodliffe
as Thomas Andrews

Crew

More like this

What are movies like A Night to Remember?

Movies like A Night to Remember include Titanic (1953), Titanic (1997) and A Bridge Too Far (1977). Of the 9 closest matches, most are disaster survival stories, and most are films about fate.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

7 of these 9 share its world: at sea. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with A Night to Remember?

545 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: disaster survival. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.