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Poster for The Old Man and the Sea

The Old Man and the Sea

Seen it?

1958 | 86 min | Adventure, Drama

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It won an Oscar. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for adventure fans. If you loved Cast Away or The Poseidon Adventure, start here.
The mood
Exciting.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 26 min.
What might put you off
Made in 1958: an older pace and style.

Santiago is an aging, down-on-his-luck, Cuban fisherman who, after catching nothing for nearly 3 months, hooks a huge Marlin and struggles to land it far out in the Gulf Stream.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsSolid

    75% on Rotten Tomatoes, 49 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.5 out of 10

  • AwardsStrong

    Won 1 Oscar: Best Original Dramatic or Comedy Score. Also nominated for 2 more Oscars. Plus 2 other awards.

  • Reach & staying powerSolid

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 39K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by John Sturges

  • Spencer TracyThe Old Man
  • Felipe PazosManolin, the Boy
  • Harry BellaverMartin, the Cafe Bartender
  • Don DiamondCafe Proprietor (uncredited)
  • Mary HemingwayTourist (uncredited)
  • Joey RayGambler (uncredited)
  • Mauritz HugoGambler (uncredited)
  • Tony RosaGambler (uncredited)
  • Don BlackmanArm Wrestler