The Finest Hours

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The Finest Hours

PG-13

Released Jan 29, 2016

1h 56m

Adventure

Action

Mystery & Thriller

History

Drama

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Popcornmeter

64%

Tomatometer

200 Reviews

66%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

On Feb. 18, 1952, a massive storm splits the SS Pendleton in two, trapping more than 30 sailors inside the tanker's sinking stern. Engineer Ray Sybert bravely takes charge to organize a strategy for his fellow survivors. As word of the disaster reaches the Coast Guard in Chatham, Mass., Chief Warrant Officer Daniel Cluff orders a daring rescue mission. Despite the ferocious weather, coxswain Bernie Webber takes three men on a lifeboat to try and save the crew against seemingly impossible odds.

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Critics Consensus

Old-fashioned to a fault, The Finest Hours will satisfy those seeking a traditional rescue drama - but may leave more adventurous viewers wanting more.

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Sara Michelle Fetters

MovieFreak.com

A rousing tale of sacrifice, ingenuity and heroism.

Rated: 3/4

Aug 16, 2016

Full Review

Roxana Hadadi

Chesapeake Family Magazine

The Coast Guard gets its big-screen opportunity with The Finest Hours. Its great effects work well to accompany some solid performances.

Rated: 3/5

Aug 2, 2016

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Udita Jhunjhunwala

Scroll.in

This is a by-the-book disaster-rescue saga with elevated moments of drama. The ocean scenes leave you feeling a little bit seasick, but in awe of the bravery of these men.

Jun 21, 2016

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David Griffiths

Subculture Entertainment

This is a far superior film to something like The Perfect Storm… yes Craig Gillespie has somehow managed to create a classy disaster flick that demands a viewing by serious film lovers.

Rated: 4/5

Mar 10, 2025

Full Review

Don Shanahan

Every Movie Has a Lesson

Subdued from the Ahab archetypes of most maritime characters, Pine and Affleck are not completely bland, but neither offers much inspiration or entertaining gravity, two aspects woefully missing from the film as a whole.

Rated: 2/5

Oct 13, 2024

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Its all very familiar and unremarkable filmmaking for an otherwise remarkable story.

Rated: 2/4

Apr 22, 2022

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Les W

Fantastic story of heroism and fearless and resolute adherence to duty and the need to help and save others! What a movie! When a giant ship breaks in half in the seas off a storm beaten Cape Cod, a straight and sure hero rises in the form of Bernie Webber, and those with him who travel out to find and rescue all those that they can. Just getting over the sand bar, is a segment to behold! I cannot imagine a more terrifying task! And then, to go out and find this one half of a ship, and try and gather the survivors....it boggles the mind! And they do it! They make it happen! Based on a true story, The Finest Hours deserves our attention and respect! What heroes! What an amazing tale of triumph!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/27/25

Full Review

Jason P

The Finest Hours is an intense movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Best of all, it’s based on real events.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/02/25

Full Review

Alexis C

This was a spectacular movie not sure why the rating is so low. Definitely deserves a lot more. Acting was superb. Cinematography was great. Storyline was touching. Rewatched this movie four times and cried all four times. Rollercoaster of emotions. If you have the time please watch this you will not regret it. One of my top five movies for sure.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/23/25

Full Review

Thomas R.

I get on any boat if Casey Affleck is on it

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/18/25

Full Review

Max W

As a disaster film, The Finest Hours invests sincerely in its characters and emotional beats — but as a commercial spectacle, its top-tier visuals lack the kind of high-stakes tension that defines Hollywood thrillers, leaving the experience heartfelt, yet ultimately underwhelming.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/13/25

Full Review

Korra N

I personally didn't find The Finest Hours to be outstanding, but it's still got great performances, solid direction and some stunning visuals.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

09/08/24

Full Review

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Craig Gillespie

Director

Chris Pine

Bernie Webber

Casey Affleck

Ray Sybert

Ben Foster

Richard Livesey

Holliday Grainger

Miriam

John Ortiz

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Synopsis

On Feb. 18, 1952, a massive storm splits the SS Pendleton in two, trapping more than 30 sailors inside the tanker's sinking stern. Engineer Ray Sybert bravely takes charge to organize a strategy for his fellow survivors. As word of the disaster reaches the Coast Guard in Chatham, Mass., Chief Warrant Officer Daniel Cluff orders a daring rescue mission. Despite the ferocious weather, coxswain Bernie Webber takes three men on a lifeboat to try and save the crew against seemingly impossible odds.

Director: Craig Gillespie
Producer: James Whitaker, Dorothy Aufiero
Screenwriter: Scott Silver, Paul Tamasy, Eric Johnson
Distributor: Walt Disney
Production Co: Whitaker Entertainment, Red Hawk Entertainment
Rating: PG-13 (Intense Sequences of Peril)
Genre: Adventure, Action, Mystery & Thriller, History, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 29, 2016, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): May 26, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $27.6M
Runtime: 1h 56m

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