---
title: "Captain Phillips"
year: 2013
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/captain-phillips-2013"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 109424
imdb_id: "tt1535109"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 134
community_rating: 7.5
vote_count: 7560
content_rating: "PG-13"
---

# Captain Phillips (2013) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/captain-phillips-2013

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Captain Phillips is a 2013 film that recounts the true story of Captain Richard Phillips and the 2009 hijacking of the MV Maersk Alabama. The production focuses on the events surrounding the seizure of the United States-flagged cargo ship by Somali pirates. This incident marked the first time an American cargo vessel had been hijacked in two hundred years. The narrative explores the tense situation faced by the crew and the captain as they confront the maritime threat. By documenting the experiences of those on board, the film provides a dramatized account of the international crisis that unfolded at sea. The story highlights the historical significance of the event, emphasizing the rarity of such a hijacking in the context of modern American maritime history. Through its depiction of the standoff, the film illustrates the challenges encountered during the confrontation between the ship's personnel and the pirate group. The project serves as a cinematic exploration of the real-life ordeal experienced by Captain Phillips during his time in command of the vessel.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A tense true story of an American cargo ship hijacked by Somali pirates in 2009."

### Why Watch
- Powerful true story based on real events
- Strong central performance by Tom Hanks
- Authentic portrayal of maritime crisis

### Caveats & Content Note
- Some scenes may be stressful for sensitive viewers
- Tone & Suitability: Suitable for mature audiences due to intense maritime peril and brief strong language.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: intense, realistic, suspenseful, dramatic, gripping

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | fuboTV, Philo, YouTube TV, AMC, Sony Pictures Core Amazon Channel | None | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Sky Go, Now TV Cinema | None | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | Crave, Starz Amazon Channel, Crave Amazon Channel, Sony Pictures Core Amazon Channel | None | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo |
| **Australia (AU)** | Stan | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Paul Greengrass
- **Networks / Studios**: Columbia Pictures, Michael De Luca Productions, Scott Rudin Productions

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Tom Hanks** as *Captain Richard Phillips*
- **Barkhad Abdi** as *Muse*
- **Barkhad Abdirahman** as *Bilal*
- **Faysal  Ahmed** as *Najee*
- **Mahat M. Ali** as *Elmi*
- **Michael Chernus** as *Shane Murphy*
- **David Warshofsky** as *Mike Perry*
- **Corey Johnson** as *Ken Quinn*
- **Chris Mulkey** as *John Cronan*
- **Yul Vazquez** as *Captain Frank Castellano*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Is this movie based on a true story?
Yes, it's based on the real 2009 hijacking of the MV Maersk Alabama by Somali pirates.

### Q: What happens to the captain in the end?
The synopsis doesn't reveal specific plot outcomes or character fates.

### Q: Are there any big action scenes?
The film focuses on the realistic portrayal of a maritime crisis situation.

### Q: Is this movie historically accurate?
It's based on real events from 2009 involving an American cargo ship.

### Q: Does it have a happy ending?
The synopsis doesn't disclose specific plot resolutions or character outcomes.

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*