The Hunt for Red October

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The Hunt for Red October

PG

Released Feb 2, 1990

2h 17m

Mystery & Thriller

Action

Adventure

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

88%

Tomatometer

76 Reviews

88%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

Based on the popular Tom Clancy novel, this suspenseful movie tracks Soviet submarine captain Marko Ramius (Sean Connery) as he abandons his orders and heads for the east coast of the United States. Equipped with innovative stealth technology, Ramius' submarine, "Red October," is virtually invisible. However, when an American sub briefly detects the Russians' presence, CIA agent Jack Ryan (Alec Baldwin) sets out to determine Ramius' motives, fearing he may launch an attack on the U.S.

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Critics Consensus

Perfectly cast and packed with suspense, The Hunt for Red October is an old-fashioned submarine thriller with plenty of firepower to spare.

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Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

Clancy is known for writing difficult books, but the movie makes plausible a preposterous situation because of Baldwin's convincing, low-key approach to being a film hero.

Rated: 3.5/4

Feb 11, 2015

Full Review

Sheila Benson

Los Angeles Times

You may not be limp from accumulated tension when this hunt is over, but its cautiously upbeat global message leaves a satisfying glow and it operates with a crackerjack premise.

Feb 11, 2015

Full Review

John Hartl

Seattle Times

An exciting techno-suspense thriller with a hollow center.

Rated: 3/4

Feb 11, 2015

Full Review

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...a consistently watchable yet erratically-paced drama...

Rated: 2.5/4

Jun 22, 2023

Full Review

Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

It's a tad obsolete, but that does not impede it from being tremendously dynamic and entertaining. [Full review in Spanish]

Nov 12, 2022

Full Review

Yasser Medina

Cinefilia

As an espionage thriller, I must say, it has a tension that runs against the clock like a torpedo under the sea as it outlines its plot of diplomacy and naval strategy in the twilight of the Cold War. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 7/10

Aug 25, 2022

Full Review

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Alejandro E

I am not familiar with the original book, but the adaptation fulfils its mission of generating the right amount of suspense. It may not be one of Sean Connery's best performances, but as long as it is acceptable, that is enough.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/13/25

Full Review

Raymond C

Though definitely not the most exciting addition to the franchise, The Hunt For Red October benefits from a few truly suspenseful scenes and standout performances from Alec Baldwin and Sean Connery.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/07/25

Full Review

Gareth v

This isn’t the most pulse-pounding thriller, but it’s thoughtful & well-crafted. Despite some dodgy accents, this is a solid entry in the Jack Ryan universe and a confident piece of Cold War filmmaking.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/06/25

Full Review

R V.

Sean Connery’s portrayal of Captain Marko Ramius in The Hunt for Red October anchors the entire film with a quiet, commanding intensity. Connery brings gravitas to the role as a seasoned Soviet submarine commander disillusioned with his government yet still driven by a moral code. He plays Ramius not as a caricature of Cold War villainy, but as a deeply principled man risking everything to defect. Connery’s physical presence and calculated calm make Ramius believable as both a naval legend and a man willing to gamble on an uncertain future.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/05/25

Full Review

Ryan M

Excellently cast and suspenseful.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/23/25

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Stephen C

2 hours and 17 minutes based on the Tom Clancy novel of the same name!!!!!!!!!!!! All ages admitted. In American English and Russian with English subtitles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/02/25

Full Review

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John McTiernan

Director

Sean Connery

Captain Marko Ramius

Alec Baldwin

Jack Ryan

Scott Glenn

Captain Bart Mancuso

Sam Neill

Captain Vasily Borodin

James Earl Jones

Admiral James Greer

The Hunt for Red October: Official Clip - A Little Revolution

1:46

The Hunt for Red October: Official Clip - You Speak Russian

2:13

The Hunt for Red October: Official Clip - Wrong Conclusions

2:13

The Hunt for Red October: Official Clip - Turbulence

0:38

The Hunt for Red October: Official Clip - Ryan's Plan

2:12

The Hunt for Red October: Official Clip - You've Killed Us

2:13

The Hunt for Red October: Official Clip - Living in America

1:00

The Hunt for Red October: Official Clip - Escaping Torpedoes

2:11

The Hunt for Red October: Official Clip - Another Possibility

1:23

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Synopsis

Based on the popular Tom Clancy novel, this suspenseful movie tracks Soviet submarine captain Marko Ramius (Sean Connery) as he abandons his orders and heads for the east coast of the United States. Equipped with innovative stealth technology, Ramius' submarine, "Red October," is virtually invisible. However, when an American sub briefly detects the Russians' presence, CIA agent Jack Ryan (Alec Baldwin) sets out to determine Ramius' motives, fearing he may launch an attack on the U.S.

Director: John McTiernan
Producer: Mace Neufeld
Screenwriter: Larry Ferguson, Donald Stewart
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Paramount Pictures
Rating: PG
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Action, Adventure
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 2, 1990, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 21, 2010
Box Office (Gross USA): $119.1M
Runtime: 2h 17m
Sound Mix: Surround, Stereo
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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