The Impossible (2012)

Kernel Score: 82% · 6,587 ratings · Rated PG-13

Genres: Drama, Thriller, History

Released: 2012-09-09

Runtime: 113 minutes

Is The Impossible worth watching?

Worth watching. A harrowing true-story drama about a family caught in the 2004 tsunami. It's intense and emotionally draining, and Naomi Watts and the young actors are excellent.

Watch it if you

  • want a powerful survival drama
  • like true stories about families
  • don't mind being shaken up

Skip it if you

  • are sensitive to disaster scenes
  • want a light evening

Best for: Solo night in

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

Where to watch The Impossible

  • Stream: Netflix, Angel Studios
  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Fandango At Home
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Fandango At Home

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

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.

The Impossible parents' guide: ages 11+

Parents need to know that The Impossible is an intense disaster drama depicting a tsunami and its traumatic aftermath on a family.

  • Violence & scariness: Strong — Depicts a devastating tsunami with graphic injuries, chaos, and characters in mortal danger.

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

Movies like The Impossible

If you liked The Impossible, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Society of the Snow (2023) — 90%: True survival story with emotional weight.
  • Thirteen Lives (2022) — 88%: Rescue drama based on real events.
  • Hotel Mumbai (2019) — 87%: Tense, true-story drama about people in danger.
  • A Monster Calls (2016) — 82%: Same director, an emotional story about grief and family.
  • The Orphanage (2007) — 82%: Same director's haunting story about a mother and son.
  • United 93 (2006) — 81%: Real-time disaster drama based on a true event.

Director

J. A. Bayona

Cast

  • Naomi Watts as Maria Bennett
  • Ewan McGregor as Henry Bennett
  • Tom Holland as Lucas Bennett
  • Samuel Joslin as Thomas Bennett
  • Oaklee Pendergast as Simon Bennett
  • Marta Etura as Simone
  • Sönke Möhring as Karl Schweber
  • Geraldine Chaplin as Old Woman
  • Ploy Jindachote as Caregiver
  • Jomjaoi Sae-Limh as Red Cross Nurse

The Impossible FAQ

Is The Impossible worth watching?

Worth watching. A harrowing true-story drama about a family caught in the 2004 tsunami. It's intense and emotionally draining, and Naomi Watts and the young actors are excellent.

Where can I watch The Impossible?

In the US you can stream The Impossible on Netflix and Angel Studios and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and Fandango At Home.

Is The Impossible OK for kids?

The Impossible is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that The Impossible is an intense disaster drama depicting a tsunami and its traumatic aftermath on a family.

What movies are like The Impossible?

If you liked The Impossible, try Society of the Snow, Thirteen Lives, Hotel Mumbai and A Monster Calls.