The Commander (2023)

Kernel Score: 73% · 211 ratings

Genres: War, History, Drama

Released: 2023-10-31

Runtime: 120 minutes

Where to watch The Commander

  • Free with ads: Tubi
  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

One dark night during the early phases of WWII, the Italian Royal Navy submarine Cappellini sinks an armed merchant ship sailing with lights out. At that moment, its commander Salvatore Todaro makes a decision that was destined to go down in history: to save the 26 shipwrecked Belgians who otherwise would have drowned in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and disembark them at the nearest safe harbor. To make room for them on board his submarine, he is forced to navigate on the surface of the water for three days, visible to the enemy forces and endangering his life and that of his men.

The Commander parents' guide: ages 11+

Parents need to know that The Commander is a WWII drama about an Italian submarine commander who risks his mission to save shipwrecked enemy sailors.

  • Violence & scariness: Some — Wartime naval combat includes the sinking of an armed merchant ship during WWII.

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

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Director

Edoardo De Angelis

Cast

  • Pierfrancesco Favino as Salvatore Todaro
  • Massimiliano Rossi as Vittorio Marcon
  • Johan Heldenbergh as Georges Vogels
  • Silvia D'Amico as Rina Todaro
  • Arturo Muselli as Danilo Stiepovich
  • Giuseppe Brunetti as Gigino Magnifico
  • Gianluca Di Gennaro as Vincenzo Stumpo
  • Johannes Wirix as Jacques Reclercq
  • Pietro Angelini as Ivano Leandri
  • Mario Russo as Salvatore Minniti

The Commander FAQ

Is The Commander good?

The Commander has a 73% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 211 audience ratings.

Where can I watch The Commander?

In the US you can watch it free with ads on Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is The Commander OK for kids?

Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that The Commander is a WWII drama about an Italian submarine commander who risks his mission to save shipwrecked enemy sailors.

What movies are like The Commander?

If you liked The Commander, try Greyhound, Diplomacy, Lifeboat and Tora! Tora! Tora!.