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All Is Lost

All Is Lost

Never give up.

2013106 minPG-13Midcredits score: 78th percentile of all films
Director
J.C. Chandor
Starring
Robert Redford

During a solo voyage in the Indian Ocean, a veteran mariner awakes to find his vessel taking on water after a collision with a stray shipping container. With his radio and navigation equipment disabled, he sails unknowingly into a violent storm and barely escapes with his life. With any luck, the ocean currents may carry him into a shipping lane -- but, with supplies dwindling and the sharks circling, the sailor is forced to face his own mortality.

Where to watch

Where can I watch All Is Lost?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists All Is Lost streaming on Howdy via Prime Video, Lionsgate+ via Prime Video, STARZ and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about All Is Lost?

All Is Lost earns 10 badges, led by Standout acting and Critics' darling.

Show 2 more
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content

Reception

Is All Is Lost worth watching?

All Is Lost's Midcredits score is the 78th percentile of all films, from 143K ratings across 6 sources. 66% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

78th percentile

Better received than 78% of films

88th percentile among Action78th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)79th
Approval (how many liked it)74th

70 /100

79th percentile of all films

90th percentile among Action78th percentile among 2010s

Critics 87 · Audience 68

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.8 — solid but not unanimous.

66% liked it

74th percentile of all films

83rd percentile among Action74th percentile among 2010s
66% rated it 7–1034% rated it 1–6

Critics 95% · Audience 64%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 1 Oscar noms · 2 wins / 47 noms overall

  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Achievement in Sound Editing
  • WonGolden Globes· Best Original Score - Motion Picture

96th percentile

143K ratings across platforms

92nd percentile among Action96th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 29% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$9M
Opening weekend$94K
Domestic gross$6.3M
Worldwide gross$14M

Returned 1.5× its budget — 62nd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Any viewer will see a near-solo performance by an aging legend, a sparse narrative built on problem-solving, and a constant focus on the protagonist's resourcefulness.

Fans praised

  • Redford's commanding physical performance with minimal dialogue
  • immersive realism and tension despite sparse setting
  • masterful sound design and claustrophobic cinematography

Detractors panned

  • gross technical inaccuracies in sailing procedures
  • protagonist's own poor seamanship undermines credibility

What stands out

Acting88

Redford's expressive face and physical endurance carry the film with virtually no dialogue

AtmosphereDivisive85

palpable sense of isolation and peril; detractors found it unconvincing

Cinematography85

underwater shots and claustrophobic framing create vivid ocean immersion

TensionDivisive80

edge-of-your-seat moments for fans; detractors saw predictable set pieces

OriginalityDivisive75

minimalist one-man survival story without exposition is unusual

Emotional impactDivisive65

root for his survival, but hampered by lack of character backstory

Plot and storyDivisive45

series of escalating setbacks feels episodic and contrived to detractors

Characters30

nameless protagonist lacks backstory or emotional depth

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 22 points higher than women.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 21 points higher than users.

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

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 2 points apart
  • US vs non-US 5 points apart

Watch experience

What is All Is Lost like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark and unsettling: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you can give it your full attention, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It is intense, takes its time and leaves you haunted. Skip it when you can only half-watch or you want things to move fast.

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

What it asks of you

Your full attention and patience.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseContemplativeDread
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Bleak · 8% of filmsSolemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe material is played with unflinching seriousness, never undercutting the protagonist's ordeal.
The rideThe film sustains a constant tension and dread from start to finish, with quiet contemplative moments woven in.
StructureThe story progresses linearly from the collision through the storm, life raft, and eventual rescue attempt, with an opening log serving as a framing device.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Haunted.

The answer rests on this: Haunting · 14% of filmsBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe viewer carries the weight of a solitary struggle against the indifference of the sea, with an ending that leaves both hope and sorrow.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous 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).Voyage
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% (this title): Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% (this title) · 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%: Hubris 1% · 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%

Voyage and return: Into a strange world and back again, changed. · Survival ordeal: Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).

4% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeA sailor's solo voyage becomes a desperate struggle for survival after a shipping container damages his yacht, forcing him to rely on his wits against the sea.

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 filmsSelfSurvival
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% (this title): Survival 17% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% (this title) · 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%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% (this title) · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Survival

SurvivalMortality · 2% of filmsHope · 5% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film is centrally about fighting for physical survival against the sea, while confronting one's own mortality.
StanceThe film closely observes one man's struggle against the sea, interrogating what survival means when facing mortality.

The world

ContemporaryIn transitRealistic
Orchestral modernAmbientSupportive music · original score · Alex Ebert
SettingA sailboat adrift on the Indian Ocean
MusicAlex Ebert's sparse, ambient score underlines the isolation and tension of the open sea.

Content guide

Is All Is Lost okay for kids?

PG-13

All Is Lost is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for brief strong language” (MPAA). As of September 28, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (16/100), sexual content at minimal (0/100), language at mild (31/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (18/100) and frightening material at moderate (41/100). Overall it is heavier than 7% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 24 other countries
  • UK12
  • CanadaPG
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany6
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland12A
  • JapanG
  • South Korea12
  • Brazil12
  • Belgium14
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-16
  • GreeceΚ
  • Hungary12
  • ItalyT
  • Netherlands12
  • Norway12
  • Poland12
  • PortugalM/12
  • RO12
  • SK12
  • Spain7
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland10
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 9% of all filmsHeavier than 7% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 13%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 1%
Profanity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 23%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 17%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 44%

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

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is frightening material, heavier than 44% of PG-13-rated films.

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 All Is Lost have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in All Is Lost?

Cast

1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Robert Redford
as Our Man
Globe nominee: Golden Globe nomination — Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama

Crew

More like this

What are movies like All Is Lost?

Movies like All Is Lost include Pressure (2015), The Perfect Storm (2000) and The Reef (2010). Of the 12 closest matches, most are survival ordeal stories, and most are films set on the road.

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

7 of these 12 share its world: at sea. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with All Is Lost?

770 other films share the rarest tag below, premise: castaway. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.