Cast Away (2000)
Kernel Score: 88% · 12,102 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
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
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 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.