Apollo 13 (1995)
Ron Howard's gripping true-story thriller follows three astronauts fighting to survive a catastrophic mission failure 200,000 miles from Earth.
Apollo 13 - Movie Information
- Original Title: Apollo 13
- Release Year: 1995
- Directed by: Ron Howard
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, History
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 2h 20m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 30, 1995 (Canada - PG), June 30, 1995 (United States - PG), September 22, 1995 (United Kingdom - PG), October 19, 1995 (Germany - 12), November 8, 1995 (France - TP), October 31, 1995 (India), August 31, 1995 (Australia - PG), September 14, 1995 (Brazil - 12), September 1, 1995 (Mexico - C), October 13, 1995 (Italy - T), September 5, 1995 (Spain - APTA), August 5, 1995 (South Korea - 12)
- Alternative Titles: アポロ13 (JP), 아폴로13 (KR), Απόλλων 13 (GR), Apollo 13: Do Desastre ao Triunfo (BR)
- Production Companies: Imagine Entertainment, Universal Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Apollo 13 - Plot
The true story of technical troubles that scuttle the Apollo 13 lunar mission in 1970, risking the lives of astronaut Jim Lovell and his crew, with the failed journey turning into a thrilling saga of heroism. Drifting more than 200,000 miles from Earth, the astronauts work furiously with the ground crew to avert tragedy.
Apollo 13 - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the tension of humanity's most dramatic space rescue unfold:
"Houston, we have a problem."
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Apollo 13 - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Ron Howard
Main Cast
- Tom Hanks
- Bill Paxton
- Kevin Bacon
- Gary Sinise
- Ed Harris
- Kathleen Quinlan
- David Andrews
- Xander Berkeley
- Christian Clemenson
- Brett Cullen
Writers
- Al Reinert
- William Broyles Jr.
Producers
- Brian Grazer
Apollo 13 - FAQs
What is Apollo 13 about?
Apollo 13 tells the harrowing true story of NASA's 1970 lunar mission that nearly ended in catastrophe. When an oxygen tank explodes 200,000 miles from Earth, astronauts Jim Lovell, Fred Haise, and Jack Swigert must work with Mission Control to survive and return home safely.
Did Apollo 13 really say "Houston, we have a problem"?
Almost — but not quite. The actual transmission was "Houston, we've had a problem," spoken by Jack Swigert and echoed by Jim Lovell. The film tweaked it to the more dramatic present tense. It's one of the most famous lines in movie history, even if history got a slight rewrite.
Where can you stream Apollo 13 right now?
You can watch Apollo 13 for free on BYUtv, or stream it through YouTube TV and AMC+ Roku Premium Channel. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
Did Apollo 13 win any Academy Awards?
Apollo 13 won two Academy Awards — Best Film Editing and Best Sound — out of nine nominations. It was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Ed Harris), and Best Supporting Actress (Kathleen Quinlan), among others. A remarkable awards haul for a historical drama.
Who are the main actors in Apollo 13?
Tom Hanks leads the cast as astronaut Jim Lovell, joined by Bill Paxton and Kevin Bacon as his crewmates. Ed Harris plays the steely Mission Control director Gene Kranz, Gary Sinise portrays grounded astronaut Ken Mattingly, and Kathleen Quinlan brings depth as Lovell's wife Marilyn.
Is Apollo 13 based on a true story?
Yes, entirely. The film is based on the real Apollo 13 mission of April 1970, adapted from Jim Lovell and Jeffrey Kluger's book "Lost Moon." The crisis, the characters, and the nail-biting rescue are all real — making the story even more extraordinary than any fiction could be.
How was Apollo 13 received by critics?
Critics were overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Apollo 13 holds a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers praising Ron Howard's taut direction, the ensemble performances, and the film's ability to generate genuine suspense from a story whose outcome audiences already knew.
What is the age rating for Apollo 13?
Apollo 13 is rated PG, making it accessible for family viewing. Despite the intense survival drama and real-life peril, the film contains no graphic violence or strong language — it's a gripping watch for older kids and adults alike, and a great introduction to space history.
More About Apollo 13
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