Key Takeaways:
- Captain Phillips is now streaming on Netflix U.S., but may leave again within months.
- Tom Hanks and Barkhad Abdi deliver award-nominated performances in this real-life hostage drama.
- With upcoming projects on the way, now is the perfect time to revisit this underrated Hanks classic.
Tom Hanks’ gripping biographical thriller Captain Phillips is back on Netflix in the U.S. as of July 1, 2025, giving fans and new viewers alike the chance to revisit one of the actor’s most powerful — yet often overlooked — performances. Directed by Paul Greengrass, the 2013 film tells the real-life story of Richard “Rich” Phillips, the captain of the MV Maersk Alabama, who was taken hostage by Somali pirates in 2009.
Despite grossing a modest $218 million globally on a $55 million budget, the film received widespread acclaim and earned multiple Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations.
A Riveting True Story With Award-Winning Performances
Tom Hanks delivers a masterclass in restraint and emotional depth as Captain Phillips, while Barkhad Abdi’s portrayal of Somali pirate Abduwali Muse was widely praised, earning him a BAFTA Award and nominations across major U.S. award circuits. The film’s real-time intensity and grounded realism helped cement it as one of the most compelling biopics of the decade.
Abdi, who made his acting debut in Captain Phillips, has since appeared in films like Eye in the Sky and Blade Runner 2049, but his breakout role remains his most iconic.
Also read: Marvel’s Spider-Man 3 Reportedly Delayed to 2029, May Be PS6 Exclusive
Limited Streaming Window — Watch It While You Can
Although Captain Phillips is available to stream on Netflix now, history suggests it won’t stay long. The film has been added and removed from the platform three times since its first streaming debut in June 2022. Past patterns indicate it may only be available for about six months, making now the ideal time to catch this gripping drama.
Hanks’ Legacy of Biopics Continues
Captain Phillips adds to Tom Hanks’ long list of transformative biographical roles, including Philadelphia, Sully, Saving Mr. Banks, and A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. With more projects on the horizon, like In the Garden of Beasts and his stage play This World of Tomorrow, Hanks continues to bring real-life figures to the screen with compassion and nuance.
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