Cast Away (2000)
Kernel Score: 88% · 12,102 TMDB ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Adventure, Drama
Released: 2000-12-22
Runtime: 143 minutes
Is Cast Away worth watching?
Must-watch. Tom Hanks carries almost the whole film as a man stranded alone on an island. It's a stirring survival story, and the loneliness feels real. It runs long, but the payoff works.
Watch it if you
- like survival stories
- enjoy strong solo performances
- want an emotional adventure
Skip it if you
- dislike slow pacing
- want a lot of dialogue and action
Best for: Solo night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Cast Away
- Stream: Philo
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-11-12.
Overview
Chuck Noland, a top international manager for FedEx, and Kelly, a Ph.D. student, are in love and heading towards marriage. Then Chuck's plane to Malaysia crashes at sea during a terrible storm. He's the only survivor, and finds himself marooned on a desolate island. With no way to escape, Chuck must find ways to survive in his new home.
Cast Away parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Cast Away involves a plane crash, isolation, and a suicide attempt reference.
- Violence & scariness: Some — A traumatic plane crash and survival struggles are depicted; a suicide attempt is referenced.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Cast Away
If you liked Cast Away, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Into the Wild (2007) — 89%: True-life story of a man alone in the wild.
- The Red Turtle (2016) — 86%: Wordless, beautiful story of a man on an island.
- Forrest Gump (1994) — 97%: Another Zemeckis film with Hanks in a story about life and luck.
- Castaway on the Moon (2009) — 89%: Funny, strange story of a stranded man.
- Walkabout (1971) — 82%: Survival adventure about surviving in the wilderness.
- Back to the Future (1985) — 95%: Zemeckis' delightful time-travel adventure.
Director
Cast
- Tom Hanks as Chuck Noland
- Helen Hunt as Kelly Frears
- Chris Noth as Jerry Lovett
- Paul Sanchez as Ramon
- Lari White as Bettina Peterson
- Leonid Citer as Fyodor
- David Allen Brooks as Dick Peterson
- Semion Sudarikov as Nicolai
- Peter Von Berg as Yuri
- Dmitri S. Boudrine as Lev
Cast Away FAQ
Is Cast Away worth watching?
Must-watch. Tom Hanks carries almost the whole film as a man stranded alone on an island. It's a stirring survival story, and the loneliness feels real. It runs long, but the payoff works.
Where can I watch Cast Away?
In the US you can stream Cast Away on Philo and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Cast Away OK for kids?
Cast Away is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Cast Away involves a plane crash, isolation, and a suicide attempt reference.
What movies are like Cast Away?
If you liked Cast Away, try Into the Wild, The Red Turtle, Forrest Gump and Castaway on the Moon.