The Perfect Storm

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The Perfect Storm

PG-13

Released Jun 30, 2000

2h 9m

Mystery & Thriller

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Popcornmeter

46%

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138 Reviews

64%

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250,000+ Ratings

Based on a true story, the film tells of the courageous men and women who risk their lives every working day, pitting their fishing boats and rescue vessels against the capricious forces of nature. Their worst fears are realized at sea on Halloween of 1991, when they are confronted by three raging weather fronts which unexpectedly collide to produce the greatest, fiercest storm in modern history -- "The Perfect Storm."

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Critics Consensus

While the special effects are well done and quite impressive, this film suffers from any actual drama or characterization. The end result is a film that offers nifty eye-candy and nothing else.

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David Ansen

Newsweek

The discrepancy between the sophistication of the special effects and the rudimentary dramaturgy results in a $140 million film that may raise your blood pressure, but leaves the rest of you distinctly unengaged.

Mar 6, 2018

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Scary and sad are the main concerns here.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 28, 2010

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Rick Groen

Globe and Mail

Think of something with the heart and soul of a Conrad yarn, yet buttressed by very special effects and shrewdly packaged for devotees of the Outdoor Living Network

Rated: 3.5/4

Mar 22, 2002

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...an appealingly old-school drama that boasts a whole host of engaging, attention-grabbing elements...

Rated: 3/4

Oct 27, 2024

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Yasser Medina

Cinefilia

It offers a few miniscule sequences at sea that sometimes leave me hooked in my seat, but unfortunately, it is a disaster drama that ends up sinking in the ocean of conventional formulas. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 6/10

Jul 27, 2023

Full Review

Rob Gonsalves

Rob's Movie Vault

For all its technical advances, "The Perfect Storm" can’t do what Junger did: make you feel what it’s like to work on the sea and die under it.

Rated: C-

Sep 2, 2022

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Monica A

5.4/10 means fine

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

07/12/25

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Jerod S

So many great actors and characters that could've been developed as the storm brewed - but instead we get a hook in a hand and little tension. Great visuals for its time.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

06/18/25

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Geo3 F

I really like this film even-though the cgi is noticeable it does not affect the film that much. The heart of this film is the actors performances they step up and thus film based on a thru story was worth a watch. I loved how director petersen capture thru different scenes the overall power of the storm relying on the emotion rather than cgi storms great job. Overall worth a watch even if you know how it ends.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

06/08/25

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lewis s

Looking at the ratings makes me question this whole RTs BS. This is a great movie, nominated for 2 Oscars, which should have been Best Picture. Oh, but wait, no one had to deal with inner turmoil over their relationship with their dad. Poor baby!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/06/25

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Gordo R

Based on a true story and it could have been entertaining but instead it lacks depth in the characters especially Mark Wahlberg who once again sleepwalks through his role.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

04/09/25

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Jithin K

The visual effects were probably the best part of the movie. You really feel like you are also trapped in that ocean during this storm. The initial setting up, albeit being cheesy worked really well and forms the emotional core of the movie. All the relationships really worked for me and that really carried the whole movie emotionally. Because considering the changes to the true story, this kind of makes the crew look like morons even when the music tells you otherwise. There are so many stupid decisions shown in the movie that are all fiction. Even with all that, the cast was very charming and all the relationship stuff worked really well to make it really enjoyable.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/28/25

Full Review

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Wolfgang Petersen

Director

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Captain Billy Tyne

Mark Wahlberg

Bobby Shatford

John C. Reilly

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Diane Lane

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Synopsis

Based on a true story, the film tells of the courageous men and women who risk their lives every working day, pitting their fishing boats and rescue vessels against the capricious forces of nature. Their worst fears are realized at sea on Halloween of 1991, when they are confronted by three raging weather fronts which unexpectedly collide to produce the greatest, fiercest storm in modern history -- "The Perfect Storm."

Director: Wolfgang Petersen
Producer: Paula Weinstein, Wolfgang Petersen, Gail Katz
Screenwriter: Sebastian Junger, William D. Wittliff
Distributor: Warner Home Vídeo, Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co: Warner Brothers, Baltimore Spring Creek, Radiant Pictures
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 30, 2000, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 1, 2009
Box Office (Gross USA): $182.6M
Runtime: 2h 9m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby Digital, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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