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The Impossible poster

The Impossible (2012)

“Nothing is more powerful than the human spirit.”

7.4/10 · 6,844 votes 1h 53m pg-13 AdventureThrillerDramaHistory

#25 of 232 films from 2012 #298 of 1617 in adventure

Directed by J. A. Bayona · Written by Sergio G. Sánchez, María Belón

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

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.

Cast

Naomi Wattsas Maria Bennett
Ewan McGregoras Henry Bennett
Tom Hollandas Lucas Bennett
Samuel Joslinas Thomas Bennett
Oaklee Pendergastas Simon Bennett
Marta Eturaas Simone
Sönke Möhringas Karl Schweber
Geraldine Chaplinas Old Woman
Ploy Jindachoteas Caregiver
Jomjaoi Sae-Limhas Red Cross Nurse
Johan Sundbergas Daniel
Jan Roland Sundbergas Daniel's Father
La-Orng Thongruangas Old Thai Man
Tor Klathaleyas Young Thai Man

Facts

Release dateSeptember 9, 2012
Runtime113 min (1h 53m) — about the same as the 2012 average of 103 min
GenresAdventure, Thriller, Drama, History
LanguageEN
Budget$45,000,000
Box office$198,100,000 (4.4× budget)
IMDbtt1649419

More from J. A. Bayona

Society of the SnowSociety of the Snow2023 · ★ 8.0 · 2h 23m A Monster CallsA Monster Calls2016 · ★ 7.3 · 1h 48m The OrphanageThe Orphanage2007 · ★ 7.2 · 1h 45m Jurassic World: Fallen KingdomJurassic World: Fallen Kingdom2018 · ★ 6.5 · 2h 9m

If you liked The Impossible

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In the Heart of the SeaIn the Heart of the Sea2015 · ★ 6.8 · 2h 2m TogoTogo2019 · ★ 8.1 · 1h 53m Along with the Gods: The Two WorldsAlong with the Gods: The Two Worlds2017 · ★ 8.1 · 2h 19m The Imitation GameThe Imitation Game2014 · ★ 8.0 · 1h 53m 191719172019 · ★ 8.0 · 1h 59m Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of WarTae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War2004 · ★ 8.0 · 2h 28m The World's Fastest IndianThe World's Fastest Indian2005 · ★ 7.7 · 2h 7m The FavouriteThe Favourite2018 · ★ 7.5 · 2h 0m

Questions

How long is The Impossible?
The Impossible runs 113 minutes (1h 53m).
Is The Impossible worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.4/10 across 6,844 votes, which places it #25 of 232 films released in 2012 in this index (top 90%) and #298 among 1617 adventure titles.
Who directed The Impossible?
The Impossible was directed by J. A. Bayona. Other well-rated titles by the same director: Society of the Snow (2023), A Monster Calls (2016), The Orphanage (2007).
Who stars in The Impossible?
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.
What is The Impossible rated?
It carries a pg-13 certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for The Impossible?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/36860.

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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.