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Captain Phillips

Captain Phillips

Out here survival is everything.

2013134 minPG-13Midcredits score: 98th percentile of all films
Director
Paul Greengrass
Starring
Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi, Barkhad Abdirahman, Faysal Ahmed

The true story of Captain Richard Phillips and the 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates of the US-flagged MV Maersk Alabama, the first American cargo ship to be hijacked in two hundred years.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Captain Phillips?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Captain Phillips to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Captain Phillips?

Captain Phillips earns 12 badges, led by Top 1% in Action and Modern classic.

Show 4 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content
  • Cast

Reception

Is Captain Phillips worth watching?

Captain Phillips' Midcredits score is the 98th percentile of all films, from 948K ratings across 6 sources. 90% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

98th percentile

Better received than 98% of films

99th percentile among Action98th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)95th
Approval (how many liked it)98th

78 /100

95th percentile of all films

98th percentile among Action95th percentile among 2010s

Critics 82 · Audience 77

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

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

90% liked it

98th percentile of all films

98th percentile among Action98th percentile among 2010s
90% rated it 7–1010% rated it 1–6

Critics 93% · Audience 89%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 6 Oscar noms · 11 wins / 84 noms overall

  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Achievement in Film Editing
  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Achievement in Sound Editing

98th percentile

947K ratings across platforms

97th percentile among Action98th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Down 12% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$55M
Opening weekend$26M
Domestic gross$107M
Worldwide gross$219M

Returned 4.0× its budget — 92nd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A tense, realistic thriller about a 2009 Somali pirate hijacking, anchored by strong performances from Tom Hanks and first-time actor Barkhad Abdi.

Fans praised

  • Tom Hanks' soul-baring, emotionally raw performance as a terrified everyman
  • Barkhad Abdi's layered, humanizing portrayal of pirate leader Muse
  • Gripping, claustrophobic tension that builds to an unbearable final act

Detractors panned

  • One-sided pro-American propaganda that reduces Somalis to stereotypes
  • Overlong runtime with slow stretches and thin character development for the crew and pirates
  • Shaky-cam cinematography feels excessive and causes motion sickness

What stands out

Acting90

Hanks delivers one of his finest, most emotionally raw performances; Abdi is equally compelling as the layered pirate leader

Tension90

Relentless, nerve-shredding suspense from first approach through hostage standoff

Atmosphere80

Immersive, sweat-soaked realism makes you feel trapped aboard ship and lifeboat

Emotional impactDivisive80

Hanks' cathartic post-rescue breakdown is devastating

EndingDivisive75

Emotionally overwhelming final scene divides viewers on its earnedness

Plot and story70

Straightforward, well-structured true-story procedural

CinematographyDivisive65

Greengrass' signature shaky-cam heightens realism but is divisive

CharactersDivisive60

Phillips and Muse are well-drawn but crew and pirate henchmen lack depth

Preferred by

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

  • Women vs men 3 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 1 point apart
  • Critics vs users 3 points apart
  • US vs non-US 2 points apart

Watch experience

What is Captain Phillips like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark and unsettling: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready to pay close attention and feel heavy feelings, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It is intense and leaves you devastated. Skip it when you want an easy night or you can only half-watch.

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

What it asks of you

Your full attention and room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseDreadCathartic
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Brutal · 7% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its true-life material with grave seriousness, never undercutting the danger or the emotions.
The rideThe film maintains a high level of tension and foreboding from the moment the pirates appear, with a release at the end.
StructureThe film unfolds chronologically from the pirates' approach through the hijacking and hostage standoff to the rescue.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Devastated.

The answer rests on this: Devastating · 3% of filmsHaunting · 14% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves a powerful emotional weight from the extreme tension and the final release, with a lingering sense of the human cost on both sides.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet 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).MonsterPredator
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% (this title) · 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%: 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%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Predator: A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe story follows Captain Phillips as his ship is invaded by Somali pirates who take him hostage, and he must survive until rescue.

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 filmsSelfPurposeSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4% (this title)
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% (this title) · 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% (this title) · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Purpose · 9% of filmsPrejudice · 3% of filmsLoyalty · 4% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores Captain Phillips' and the pirates' different purposes and how they collide, while also examining the prejudice and misconceptions that shape their confrontation and the loyalty that binds the crew together.
StanceThe film focuses on the personal drama of Captain Phillips and the pirates, and ultimately celebrates human resilience and survival.

The world

ContemporaryIn transitRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Henry Jackman
SettingThe MV Maersk Alabama cargo ship and the surrounding Indian Ocean, with brief scenes in the US and Somalia.
MusicThe score enhances the suspense without overpowering the realistic tone.

Content guide

Is Captain Phillips okay for kids?

PG-13

Captain Phillips is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for sustained intense sequences of menace, some violence with bloody images, and for substance use” (MPAA). As of September 28, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (70/100), sexual content at minimal (6/100), language at moderate (39/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at severe (88/100). Overall it is heavier than 97% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 27 other countries
  • UK12A
  • CanadaPG
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • Ireland12A
  • New ZealandM
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil14
  • Belgium14
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-16
  • GreeceΚ-15
  • Hong KongIIB
  • HR12
  • Hungary16
  • ItalyT
  • MexicoB-15
  • Netherlands12
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/12
  • RO18
  • Russia16+
  • SK15
  • Spain12
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland14
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 68% of all filmsHeavier than 97% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 92%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 4%
Profanity
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 42%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 56%
Frightening / Intense
Severe
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 99%

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

The reason to think twice is frightening material and violence. Everything else sits at or below what PG-13-rated 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 Captain Phillips have?

MovieCove's classifier found 5 depicted content warnings in Captain Phillips: Gun violence (severe), Kidnapping or confinement (severe), Torture (moderate), plus 2 withheld here because they would spoil the plot. Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

SevereGun violenceKidnapping or confinement
ModerateTorture

Cast and crew

Who is in Captain Phillips?

Cast

4 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen; 1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor; Barkhad Abdi won the BAFTA for this film.

Tom Hanks
as Captain Richard Phillips
Globe nominee: Golden Globe nomination — Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama
Barkhad Abdi
as Muse
BAFTA win: BAFTA Award — Best Supporting Actor
Barkhad Abdirahman
as Bilal
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Faysal Ahmed
as Najee
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Mahat M. Ali
as Elmi
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Michael Chernus
as Shane Murphy
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.
David Warshofsky
as Mike Perry
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Corey Johnson
as Ken Quinn
Chris Mulkey
as John Cronan
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Yul Vazquez
as Captain Frank Castellano

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Captain Phillips?

Movies like Captain Phillips include United 93 (2006), Dead Calm (1989) and A Hijacking (2012). Of the 7 closest matches, several are captor-and-captive stories, and most are survival thrillers.

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

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

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Captain Phillips?

1.8K other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: captor and captive. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.