7.5
Where can I stream The Impossible legally?
You can watch it free with ads on Mercado Play. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Apple TV Store, Claro video, and Amazon Video. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Impossible fingerprint
High energy, big heart, no humor.
Energy
Epic and thrilling
Fast from start to finish.
- Spectacle9
- Adrenaline8
- Tension8
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos10
- Family Dynamics10
- Melancholy8
Humor
Serious throughout
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Situational Comedy0
- Physical Comedy0
World
A real life story, family, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion10
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout performances, direction, and storytelling
- Acting10
- Direction9
- Narrative Structure8
Style
Standout cinematography, sound design, and editing
- Cinematography9
- Sound Centrality9
- Editing8
Energy
HighEpic and thrilling
Fast from start to finish.
The Impossible is epic, thrilling, and tense.
All energy traits
- Spectacle9Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline8High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare7Frightening moments and scares.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighDeeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, melancholic, and hopeful. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Pathos10Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics10Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness8Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis8Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance6Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age6Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Nostalgia0Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
NoneSerious throughout
Expect almost no humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumA real life story, family, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around a real life story, family, and everyday modern life. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion10Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity1Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Biographical10Lives of notable figures.
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
HighStandout performances, direction, and storytelling
The performances, direction, and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting10Performance craft and presence.
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
HighStandout cinematography, sound design, and editing
Look and sound: the cinematography, sound design, and editing stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography9Visual composition and camera work.
- Sound Centrality9Sound design as core element.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality8The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Spectacle9Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
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About
Nothing is more powerful than the human spirit.
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.
Disaster SurvivalTrue StoryHeart-Wrenching DramaFamily ResilienceHope & PerseveranceEmotional JourneyHuman ConnectionIntense & HarrowingOutstanding Performances
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Impossible
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Impossible worth watching?
77
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 77/100 (IMDb 7.5, Rotten Tomatoes 81%, and Metacritic 73). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Impossible rated?
PG-13Disturbing imagery
It's rated PG-13 in the United States. Content advisories: disturbing imagery.
How long is The Impossible?
1 h 53 min
The Impossible runs 1 h 53 min.
Is The Impossible based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Impossible?
Critics77
Audiences79
Yes. Critics average 77 and audiences 79 out of 100, so both groups see The Impossible much the same way.
Was The Impossible a box office hit?
Budget$45 million
Box office$198 million
Yes. It cost about $45 million to make and earned $198 million worldwide, 4.4 times its budget.
What language is The Impossible in?
EnglishSwedishThai
It was made in English, with some Swedish, Thai. Produced in Spain, United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Impossible?
95
+81
+81GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Impossible in 95 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Impossible use?
Bad VibrationsCommon TongueInformed Self-DiagnosisComforting ComforterForeboding Fleeing FlockNightmare SequenceChekhov's GunShell-Shock SilencePlot-Driven BreakdownBody HorrorWaking Up ElsewhereBased on a True Storyand 48 more
TV Tropes lists 60 storytelling tropes for The Impossible, including Bad Vibrations, Common Tongue, Informed Self-Diagnosis.