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The Impossible

The Impossible

Nothing is more powerful than the human spirit.

2012114 minPG-13Midcredits score: 95th percentile of all films
Director
J.A. Bayona
Starring
Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor, Tom Holland, Samuel Joslin

In December 2004, close-knit family Maria, Henry and their three sons begin their winter vacation in Thailand. But the day after Christmas, the idyllic holiday turns into an incomprehensible nightmare when a terrifying roar rises from the depths of the sea, followed by a wall of black water that devours everything in its path. Though Maria and her family face their darkest hour, unexpected displays of kindness and courage ameliorate their terror.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Impossible?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Impossible streaming on Lionsgate+ via Prime Video and Netflix and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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via Prime Video

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Impossible?

The Impossible earns 13 badges, led by Modern classic and Top 5% of films.

Show 5 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content
  • Cast

Reception

Is The Impossible worth watching?

The Impossible's Midcredits score is the 95th percentile of all films, from 684K ratings across 6 sources. 85% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

95th percentile

Better received than 95% of films

96th percentile among Drama96th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)92nd
Approval (how many liked it)95th

75 /100

92nd percentile of all films

93rd percentile among Drama91st percentile among 2010s

Critics 73 · Audience 76

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A tight consensus around 7.7 — people broadly agree on this one.

85% liked it

95th percentile of all films

95th percentile among Drama95th percentile among 2010s
85% rated it 7–1015% rated it 1–6

Critics 81% · Audience 84%

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

Awards

0 Oscars won · 1 Oscar noms · 25 wins / 69 noms overall

  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
  • NominatedGolden Globes· Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama

98th percentile

683K ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Drama98th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 28% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$45M
Opening weekend$144K
Domestic gross$19M
Worldwide gross$198M

Returned 4.4× its budget — 98th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A technically accomplished, emotionally intense disaster drama that focuses on one family's survival against overwhelming odds.

Fans praised

  • Naomi Watts' harrowing, physically and emotionally committed performance
  • Tom Holland's breakout as a mature, compelling child lead
  • Terrifyingly realistic tsunami sequence with immersive sound and practical effects

Detractors panned

  • Whitewashed focus on a wealthy Western family, ignoring local suffering
  • Manipulative melodrama and contrived near-miss coincidences
  • Privileged happy ending with private jet rescue feels insulting to scale of tragedy

What stands out

TensionDivisive90

Tsunami sequence and aftermath generate sustained fear and anxiety

ActingDivisive85

Watts and Holland praised as outstanding; detractors find Watts' performance overrated and McGregor wooden

Effects and spectacleDivisive85

Realistic tsunami re-creation using miniatures and practical effects

AtmosphereDivisive85

Harrowing immersion in post-disaster chaos and helplessness

Emotional impactDivisive80

Devastating and tearjerking; detractors call it manipulative and unearned

Sound and musicDivisive80

Terrifying sound design during wave; score sometimes overly sentimental

EndingDivisive65

Family reunion is cathartic for fans; detractors find it too neat and privileged

Plot and storyDivisive50

Predictable but engaging survival story; detractors call it contrived and narrowly focused on white family

Preferred by

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

  • Women vs men 5 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 4 points apart
  • Critics vs users 4 points apart
  • US vs non-US even

Watch experience

What is The Impossible 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 for heavy feelings, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It is intense, never lets up and leaves you devastated. Skip it when you want an easy night.

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

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseMelancholicCathartic
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Brutal · 7% of filmsTender · 13% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its harrowing material completely straight, presenting the disaster and its aftermath with unflinching realism and deep emotional sincerity.
The rideThe film sustains high tension from the tsunami's first impact through the struggle to find each other, with brief respite only in the final reunion.
StructureThe film follows a conventional chronological structure, from the family's arrival, through the disaster, to their eventual reunification and departure.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Devastated.

The answer rests on this: Devastating · 3% of filmsHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you overwhelmed by the scale of the tragedy and the family's ordeal, yet uplifted by their miraculous survival and the strength of their bond.
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).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

with Rebirth underneath

Why this archetypeThe family is torn apart by a catastrophic natural disaster and must fight to survive and reunite, making the core a survival ordeal. The journey through chaos and injury also leads to a profound emotional rebirth, particularly for the eldest son.

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 filmsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · 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% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% (this title) · 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% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bondsSurvivalTrauma · 7% of films
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film is centered on a family torn apart and reunified by a natural catastrophe, exploring how love and responsibility are tested when survival is in question.
StanceThe film presents the family's ordeal without moralizing, neutrally observing the bonds that hold and the trauma that scars.

The world

Early 21st centuryRuralDomesticInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score · Fernando Velázquez
Settinga Thai beach resort and surrounding hospitals after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami
MusicThe score swells with mournful strings and gentle piano to underscore both devastation and tender moments.

Content guide

Is The Impossible okay for kids?

PG-13

The Impossible is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for intense realistic disaster sequences, including disturbing injury images and brief nudity” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (91/100), sexual content at moderate (47/100), language at mild (34/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (4/100) and frightening material at severe (93/100). Overall it is heavier than 99% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 20 other countries
  • UK12A
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • Ireland12A
  • South Korea12
  • Brazil12
  • Belgium16
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-12
  • GreeceΚ-12
  • MexicoB
  • Netherlands12
  • Norway15
  • PortugalM/14
  • Russia12+
  • SK12
  • Spain12
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland12
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 85% of all filmsHeavier than 99% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Severe
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 99%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 86%
Profanity
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 29%
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 3%
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.

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 The Impossible have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Impossible?

Cast

At least 3 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen; 2 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Naomi Watts
as Maria
Oscar nominee: Academy Award nomination — Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading RoleTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Ewan McGregor
as Henry
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Tom Holland
as Lucas
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Samuel Joslin
as Thomas
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Oaklee Pendergast
as Simon
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Marta Etura
as Simone
Sönke Möhring
as Karl
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Geraldine Chaplin
as Old Woman
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Ploy Jindachote
as Caregiver
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Johan Sundberg
as Daniel

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Impossible?

Movies like The Impossible include Hours (2013), Train to Busan (2016) and The Lost Bus (2025). Of the 12 closest matches, most are survival ordeal stories, and several are stories about parents and children.

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

11 of these 12 share its story type: disaster survival. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Impossible?

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