Captain Phillips (2013)

Kernel Score: 86% · 7,373 ratings · Rated PG-13

Genres: Action, Drama, Thriller

Released: 2013-10-10

Runtime: 134 minutes

Is Captain Phillips worth watching?

Must-watch. A tense, realistic true story about a cargo ship hijacked by pirates. Tom Hanks is excellent, Barkhad Abdi is a match for him, and the final stretch is almost unbearably tense.

Watch it if you

  • like tense true stories
  • enjoy realistic thrillers
  • want a tense hostage drama

Skip it if you

  • dislike shaky handheld camera work
  • want a clear hero and villain

Best for: Thriller night in

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Captain Phillips

  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-22.

Overview

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.

Captain Phillips parents' guide: ages 11+

Parents need to know that Captain Phillips is a PG-13 thriller depicting a real-life ship hijacking by pirates, with tense, intense situations.

  • Violence & scariness: Moderate — Depicts a tense hijacking by armed pirates based on a true story, including threats and commando action.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like Captain Phillips

If you liked Captain Phillips, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • United 93 (2006) — 81%: Same director, real-time tension with a documentary feel.
  • The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) — 85%: Same director, intense action with a fast pace.
  • The Lost Bus (2025) — 80%: Same director, a real-life disaster survival drama.
  • Hotel Mumbai (2019) — 87%: A terrifying real-life siege.
  • The Bourne Supremacy (2004) — 84%: Another tight, handheld spy thriller.
  • The Fugitive (1993) — 84%: A man on the run, with relentless pacing.

Director

Paul Greengrass

Cast

  • Tom Hanks as Captain Richard Phillips
  • Barkhad Abdi as Muse
  • Barkhad Abdirahman as Bilal
  • Faysal Ahmed as Najee
  • Mahat M. Ali as Elmi
  • Michael Chernus as Shane Murphy
  • David Warshofsky as Mike Perry
  • Corey Johnson as Ken Quinn
  • Chris Mulkey as John Cronan
  • Yul Vazquez as Captain Frank Castellano

Captain Phillips FAQ

Is Captain Phillips worth watching?

Must-watch. A tense, realistic true story about a cargo ship hijacked by pirates. Tom Hanks is excellent, Barkhad Abdi is a match for him, and the final stretch is almost unbearably tense.

Where can I watch Captain Phillips?

In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is Captain Phillips OK for kids?

Captain Phillips is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Captain Phillips is a PG-13 thriller depicting a real-life ship hijacking by pirates, with tense, intense situations.

What movies are like Captain Phillips?

If you liked Captain Phillips, try United 93, The Bourne Ultimatum, The Lost Bus and Hotel Mumbai.