The Impossible
“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.
Where to watch The Impossible in United States
Kanopy
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
Fandango At HomeClick a service to open The Impossible there. Availability last verified on June 23, 2026.
Where is The Impossible streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Kanopy | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| India | — | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube |
| United Kingdom | — | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video |
| Canada | Lionsgate+ Amazon Channels | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo |
| Australia | Stan, ABC iview | — |
| Germany | ArthouseCNMA, Arthouse CNMA Amazon Channel, Lionsgate+ Amazon Channels, YouTube Free | Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube |
| France | Molotov TV, HBO Max, HBO Max Amazon Channel | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, Canal VOD |
| Spain | Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads | Rakuten TV, Google Play Movies, Amazon Video |
| Brazil | Telecine Amazon Channel, Filmelier Plus Amazon Channel, Lionsgate+ Amazon Channels, Mercado Play | Claro video, Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |
| Japan | U-NEXT | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store |
About The Impossible
The Impossible is a 2012 English-language drama, thriller and history film directed by J. A. Bayona. The cast is led by Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor, Tom Holland. It has a runtime of 1h 53m. Viewers rate it 7.4/10 across 6700 ratings. In United States, it is currently streaming on Kanopy.
The Impossible was produced by Apaches Films, Telecinco Cinema, and La Trini and made in Spain and United States of America. It was released on September 9, 2012, and carries a PG-13 certification. Made on a budget of about $45 million, it went on to gross $198 million worldwide.
- Director
- J. A. Bayona
- Writers
- María Belón, Sergio G. Sánchez
- Release date
- September 9, 2012
- Original language
- English
- Age rating
- PG-13
- Status
- Released
- Country
- Spain, United States of America
- Budget
- $45 million
- Box office
- $198 million
- Production
- Apaches Films, Telecinco Cinema, La Trini
The Impossible cast & crew
The Impossible was directed by J. A. Bayona and written by María Belón and Sergio G. Sánchez.
The cast features 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, and Marta Etura as Simone.
Behind the camera, the score was composed by Fernando Velázquez, cinematography is by Óscar Faura, and it was produced by Álvaro Augustín and Belén Atienza.
Is The Impossible worth watching?
The Impossible holds an audience score of 7.4/10 from 6,689 ratings, marking it as well-reviewed drama films.
At 1h 53m, it's a standard feature-length watch.
If you enjoy drama, thriller, and history, The Impossible is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch The Impossible
In United States, you can stream The Impossible on Kanopy, or rent and buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Click any service above to open it directly.
Streaming rights change country by country and month by month, so the options above reflect United States today — switch your country at the top of the where-to-watch section to see availability elsewhere.
Rate & review
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Cast of The Impossible
Naomi Watts
Maria Bennett
Ewan McGregor
Henry Bennett
Tom Holland
Lucas Bennett
Samuel Joslin
Thomas Bennett
Oaklee Pendergast
Simon Bennett
Marta Etura
Simone
Sönke Möhring
Karl Schweber
Geraldine Chaplin
Old Woman
Ploy Jindachote
Caregiver
Jomjaoi Sae-Limh
Red Cross Nurse
Johan Sundberg
Daniel
Jan Roland Sundberg
Daniel's Father
The Impossible — FAQs
▸Where can I watch The Impossible in United States?
The Impossible is streaming on Kanopy in United States.
▸Is The Impossible on Kanopy?
Yes — The Impossible is currently available on Kanopy in United States.
▸What language is The Impossible in?
The Impossible is originally in English, with audio tracks including English, Swedish, Thai. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is The Impossible?
The Impossible runs 1 hours 53 minutes (113 minutes).
▸What is The Impossible rated?
The Impossible is rated PG-13. It holds a 7.4/10 audience score from 6,689 ratings.
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