The Terminal poster & wallpaper
Get movie widget Recommend it Add to Favorites

Tom Hanks, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Stanley Tucci, Chi McBride, Diego Luna ... see more see more... , Barry Shabak-Henley , Barry Shabaka Henley , Kumar Pallana , Zoe Saldana , Eddie Jones , Jude Ciccolella , Corey Reynolds , Guillermo Díaz , Rini Bell , Stephen Mendel , Valery Nikolaev , Michael Nouri , Benny Golson , Carl Alacchi , Carlease Burke , Robert Covarrubias , James Ishida , Mik Scriba , Terry Haig , Mark Ivanir , Ana Maria Quintana , Cas Anvar , Bob Morrisey , Kevin Ryder , Jeff Michael , John Eddins , Kenneth Choi , Stephon Fuller , Carlo Allen , Dan Finnerty , Anastasia Basil , Dusan Dukic , Scott Adsit , Kevin Mukherji (II) , Michelle Arthur , Sasha Spielberg , Susan Slome , Lydia Blanco , Lee Joseph Davis , Tonya Ivey , Conrad Pla , Danette Mackay , Ian Finlay , Janique Kearns , Eddie Santiago , Matt Holland , Buster Williams , Mike Ledonne , Dilva Henry , Thinh Truong , Sandrine Kwan , Tanya Van Blokland , Evelyne De La Cheneliere , Laurie Meghan Phelps

Shot almost entirely on a two-and-a-half-story recreation of a full-size operating airport terminal, this romantic comedy from director Steven Spielberg revolves around an Eastern European man by the ... read more read more...name of Viktor Navorski (Tom Hanks), whose plans of immigrating to New York were hastened by a violent coup in his home country. Unfortunately, Viktor finds himself on the wrong end of a nasty technicality while en route to America: His passport was issued from a country, which, during its upheaval, ceased to exist in an official capacity. Unauthorized to leave Kennedy Airport upon his arrival and unable to return home, Viktor finds himself exiled inside the terminal's international transit lounge. Though airport official Frank Dixon (Stanley Tucci) views Viktor as an annoying bureaucratic glitch, other airport employees -- including a beautiful flight attendant by the name of Amelia (Catherine Zeta-Jones) -- come to see him as a welcome, if unofficial, addition to their numbers. As the days stretch on into months, the terminal transforms from an intimidating atmosphere of forced assimilation into a country within itself, complete with culture, ambition, status, complex diversity, and the need for love. The supporting cast includes Diego Luna, Chi McBride, Kumar Pallana, Zoe Saldana, Eddie Jones, and Jude Ciccolella. ~ Tracie Cooper, Rovi

Flixster Users

72% liked it

376,685 ratings

Critics

60% liked it

199 critics

PG-13, 2 hr. 8 min.

Directed by: Steven Spielberg

Release Date: June 18, 2004

Invite friends to see

DVD Release Date: November 23, 2004

Stats: 18,940 reviews

report incorrect info

Photos

Catherine Zeta-Jones in The Terminal (2004) Steven Spielberg, Catherine Zeta-Jones in The Terminal (2004) Scene from The Terminal (2004) The Terminal (2004) Diego Luna, Steven Spielberg in The Terminal (2004) Catherine Zeta-Jones, Tom Hanks in The Terminal (2004) Scene from The Terminal (2004) The Terminal Catherine Zeta-Jones, Kumar Pallana, Tom Hanks in The Terminal (2004) Scene from The Terminal (2004) Diego Luna, Tom Hanks, Kumar Pallana, Chi McBride in The Terminal (2004) Scene from The Terminal (2004) The Terminal poster 4 terminal The Terminal Diego Luna, Tom Hanks, Kumar Pallana, Chi McBride in The Terminal (2004) Corey Reynolds, Tom Hanks, Barry Shabaka Henley, Stanley Tucci in The Terminal (2004) Diego Luna, Tom Hanks, Chi McBride, Barry Shabaka Henley, Zoe Saldana in The Terminal (2004)
Upload a Photo | View All The Terminal Photos

Your Rating


clear rating

Flixster Reviews (18,940)

  • fb1463751009
    December 6, 2011
    fb1463751009
    A feel-good comedy that is very different. I highly recommend watching it!
  • TheDudeLebowski65
    October 23, 2011
    TheDudeLebowski65
    The Terminal is a good drama film with a good cast. The film is good, and the cast definitely make it worth watching. Tom Hanks gives a great performance here, and the cast starring opposite him, deliver good performances as well. The Terminal is s different style of film for Ste... read moreven Spielberg and he does a fine job. The Terminal blends drama and comedy very well, and though the film isn't perfect, I found it quite entertaining. The Terminal isn't one of Spielberg's best, but for what it is, it's definitely not his worst. The film is enjoyable, has a good story, good acting and good cast. This is a change of direction for Steven Spielberg, and he does pull it off, however, of the films I've seen of his, The Terminal is one of the weaker efforts he's directed. If the film wouldn't have the good cast it has, maybe the film wouldn't be as good as it is. Luckily like with every one of Spielberg's films, he always picks a good cast, and he chose wisely with Tom Hanks. Hanks is the best part of the film, and he's amusing to watch on-screen. The film is good for what it is, but it's nothing extraordinary or phenomenal as what many critics have said about the film. I enjoyed this film for what it is, and I enjoyed the fact that Steven Spielberg directed something different. This is a good film with a good amount of drama and comedy, and it definitely is a must see film.
  • DreamExtractor
    October 2, 2011
    DreamExtractor
    The Terminal was funny and a incredible film. Viktor Navorski (Tom Hanks) is a foreigner from the fictional land of Krakozhia, and he has come to America with nothing but a map and can. While he was on his plane his country had a coup, and is now no longer considered a country... read more, so Viktor has his Visa revoked and he may not leave the Airport Terminal. In his time there he makes frieends, falls in love with workaholic woman (Catherine Zeta Jones, and show the world you can make anywhere a home, even a man without a country. This film is a great turn for Tom Hanks, the plot is so original and sweet that it was made into an amazing movie. This is my favorite Spielberg movie besides saving Private Ryan and Shindlers List. The Terminal was a genius piece of work that had me laughing the whole time and crying at the end. I am a man, and I am telling you, get yourself checked if you didn't enjoy this because people, only Hanks can take something as annoying as living in an airport and make it look awesome. The Terminal is one of those classic that for me, will always be incredible.
  • blkbomb
    August 6, 2011
    blkbomb
    Amelia: Are you coming or going? 
    Viktor Navorski: I don't know. Both. 

    "Life is waiting"

    I watched The Terminal for the first time in about 5 years and I don't know why I liked it so much. I remember really enjoying this movie the first time I saw it; but now it's just irritat... read moreing. The accent is annoying, the Indian janitor is annoying and most of all, Catherine Zeta-Jones is annoying. This is just to dull not be considered one of Spielberg's worst movies. I'm not saying it is the worst, as I still think that belongs to The Lost World.

    There are a couple things I like about the movie I love that it was shot on location. The airport is actually the best the thing about the movie. I also liked the performances from Stanley Tucci and Zoe Saldana. Most of the time I can take or leave Tucci, but in The Terminal he is really good. As for Saldana; I always enjoy watching her.

    I guess you could get away with saying the movie is charming and touching. But I just don't see it that way. I just see it as another lame attempt at making an original romantic comedy; that failed. After the fact that a foreigner is trapped inside an airport; nothing about it is original. It's still a formula driven romantic comedy. It does have a few likable moments, but "few" is the key word.

    The other Spielberg-Hanks team ups might be what makes this movie look so bad to me. I've seen what they can do as a team and offering the audience this less than satisfactory movie is just as annoying as the film. They could have done way better.
  • xXGiNoBiLiPRXx
    August 6, 2011
    xXGiNoBiLiPRXx
    Life is waiting.

    Saw it again! Excellent Film! The story and the script was just perfect. Tom Hanks easily could have been nominated for an Oscar for his amazing role. The movie had comedy, drama, romance, had it all! Steven Spielberg did it again! I loved The Terminal for many... read more reasons, but one big reason is it's simplicity. And more importantly, because it is good at being simple. It doesn't contribute anything new to movies, it doesn't try to. It is what it is. A great, feel-good film. Something that is getting rarer and rarer these days. Sometimes you'll want to see a gritty, wrenching melodrama, but other times you'll want to see The Terminal. Amazing film everyone should watch and delightfully enjoy.

    Former Krakozhian Viktor Navorski is almost in New York City for the first time in his life. "Former" and "almost"?: while Viktor is flying to JFK Airport, Krakozhia has been overthrown as a country with no nation recognizing the new regime, therefore all government papers such as passports, visas and currency issued by Krakozhia are also not recognized internationally. With only these papers in hand when Viktor arrives at JFK, he is not allowed entry into the United States. All air service in and out of Krakozhia has been suspended and thus Viktor cannot even be sent back until Krakozhia's situation is resolved. Frank Dixon, Director of Customs and Border Protection at JFK, allows Viktor to stay in the international lounge until the problem is resolved. Dixon gives Viktor enough meal vouchers to last for a day or two, with Dixon expecting Viktor to secretly escape the lounge into the outside world. Viktor, however, wants to be as proper as possible and decides to stay in the lounge. Viktor poses a problem for Dixon, as Viktor may be the black mark in his promotion to head of the department. Their relationship becomes an antagonistic one, where Dixon will now do whatever he can to prevent Viktor from ever entering the country even if he ever did learn the heartbreaking reason for Viktor's visit. As Viktor stays in the lounge, he only has limited resources on which to live and a limited understanding of the English language. Viktor's encounters with lounge employees is also initially antagonistic, but they all learn to live in harmony and friendship as Viktor's stay increases. The one person Viktor would like to meet and know is United Airlines flight attendant Amelia Warren, who is in transit through JFK every few weeks and who seems to be dealing with her own personal demons.
  • cosmo313
    July 27, 2011
    cosmo313
    Overall, this is not one of Spielberg's best, but it's hardly his worst. It's not really a plausible or realistic story, but that's okay. If you come to it treating it as a fantasy in a real world, you'll be just fine.

    It's funny, quirky, and pretty charing, despite all of the... read more ridiculous product placement. Even though the story is ludicrous, it is a funny concept to think about. I mean, a guy is trapped in an airport termina ldue to some nutty redtape and loopholes. There's a lot of material here for schtick, satire, and fun. ost of which is taken advantage of.

    The performances are good. Hanks isn't the most credible foreginer, but he's still charming, classy, and funny. Stanley Tucci is great as the easily annoyed guy who trieds to do his best to keep Hanks' character from getting out of line and getting the best of him. Zeta Jones isn't bad, but maybe could have been a little better (just my opinion).

    For a goofy but fun movie, this isn't too bad. It's kind of somewhere in the middle of Spielberg's filmography as far as quality goes, so take that as some sort of indication of whether or not you may like it. Saying that might not help, but you never know.
  • rjayhutchinson
    July 19, 2011
    rjayhutchinson
    "The Terminal" gets so many things right. Tom Hanks and Catherine Zeta-Jones deliver solid performances. The story is unique and well-paced. The film is highly enjoyable. Sure, it has its minor flaws. It misses the mark on a few small details. All in all, though, this is a fine f... read moreilm.
  • murphmann93
    June 23, 2011
    murphmann93
    Tom Hanks was exceptional in this film. A must see!
  • jennifxu
    May 30, 2011
    jennifxu
    Tom Hanks's faux foreign accent is downright embarrassing.
  • StarCrossedVoyager
    May 11, 2011
    StarCrossedVoyager
    A lovely and heartwarming film of a man trapped in limbo. Brilliant direction from Spielberg and a great character for Hanks to play. He captures your heart and is a little too nice for his own good. A nice happy ending.

View All The Terminal Reviews

Critic Reviews

Peter Rainer
August 7, 2004
Peter Rainer, New York Magazine

It's an odd fable: Viktor is the mysterious visitor who shows us what the American Dream is all about-in the movie's terms, compassion for others -- without ever wanting to become an American himself. Full Review

David Denby
August 1, 2004
David Denby, New Yorker

Even in the desolation of an airport lounge at midnight, Viktor is too pure, we realize, to entertain the ghost of a dirty thought.

Rex Reed
June 24, 2004
Rex Reed, New York Observer

A feel-good film of such originality and sweetness in a summer of otherwise derivative sequels and remakes that it practically qualifies for miracle status. Full Review

Andrew Sarris
June 24, 2004
Andrew Sarris, New York Observer

The concept was there; the production abilities were there. It's the execution that fell apart. Full Review

Richard Roeper
June 21, 2004
Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper

This is the first time in my life I wanted to spend more time in an airport terminal, and Spielberg is just such a brilliant filmmaker; the things he does with light and with motion and some amazing t... Full Review

Charles Taylor
June 19, 2004
Charles Taylor, Salon.com

Probably the worst-directed film Spielberg has ever made. Full Review

Desson Thomson
June 18, 2004
Desson Thomson, Washington Post

Delicately funny and inventive. Full Review

Stephen Hunter
June 18, 2004
Stephen Hunter, Washington Post

Discordant, unsatisfying, sometimes emotionally incoherent. Full Review

Peter Howell
June 18, 2004
Peter Howell, Toronto Star

The small joys it has to offer are wholly dependent on the willingness of the audience to indulge in the proverbial suspension of disbelief. And believe me, much indulging is necessary. Full Review

Mick LaSalle
June 18, 2004
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

I'm not in love with The Terminal, but I liked every minute in it. Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Cast

More Like This

Click a thumb to vote on that suggestion, or add your own suggestions.

  • Cast Away
    Cast Away (74%)
  • Up in the Air
    Up in the Air (85%)
  • Forrest Gump
    Forrest Gump (70%)
  • Modern Times
    Modern Times (11%)

More Movies like The Terminal

Facts

Submit a Fact | View All
    • Delores Torres: Let me ask you something, Mr. Navorski. Why do you wait here two hours every day when I've told you there's nothing I can do for you - that your new visa will not arrive until your country is recognized by the United States?
    • Viktor Navorski: You... you have two stamp. One red, one green.
    • Delores Torres: So?
    • Viktor Navorski: So, I have chance go New York, 50-50.
    • Delores Torres: Yes, that's a beautiful way to look at it. But America doesn't work that way.
    • Frank Dixon: I'm just curious. You are the kind of woman who can get any guy she wants. Why Viktor Navorski?
    • Amelia Warren: That's something a guy like you could never understand.
    • Viktor Navorski: Medicine is for goat.
Submit a Fact | View All

The Terminal : Watch Free on TV

The Terminal Trivia

  • This actress has been stuck in Traffic and at The Terminal. She can be seen hanging out in Chicago and is a friend to Zorro. Who is she?   Answer »
  • In what movie does Tom Hanks come from the country Krakozia?  Answer »
  • The events of the following movies are in a plane except one, Which one ?  Answer »
  • NAme the movie about this person stuck in the airport and in the end, he fufils his fathers wish   Answer »
More The Terminal Trivia

Movie Quizzes

Create a Quiz |

All Quizzes

Video Clips

No video clips yet. Want to upload one?

Meet Other Fans

Add The Terminal to favorites

Recent News

No recent headlines. Got one?

Recent Lists

Make a List |

View All Lists

Most Popular Skin

No skins yet. Interested in creating one?