The iconic space drama Apollo 13, widely hailed as a cinematic masterpiece, has just arrived for streaming on the ITVX platform. The film, which dramatises one of NASA's most perilous true stories, continues to captivate audiences decades after its original release.
A Box Office Juggernaut
Upon its debut in 1995, Apollo 13 was an immediate commercial triumph. Directed by Ron Howard and led by Tom Hanks alongside Kevin Bacon, Bill Paxton, and Gary Sinise, the film soared to number one at the box office in its opening weekend. It earned an impressive $25 million (£18 million) from 2,347 theatres across the United States alone, dethroning Disney's Pocahontas.
This marked the biggest opening weekend of Tom Hanks' career at the time, surpassing even Forrest Gump. The film's momentum was staggering, generating $38.5 million (£30.3 million) within just five days, making it the second-highest five-day opening in history at that point, behind only Terminator 2: Judgement Day.
Apollo 13 dominated cinemas for four consecutive weeks. By the end of its theatrical run, its global haul reached a monumental $355 million, securing its place as the third-highest-grossing film of 1995, behind Die Hard with a Vengeance and Toy Story.
Enduring Legacy and Critical Acclaim
The film's popularity shows no sign of waning. It returned to cinemas for a special 30th-anniversary IMAX re-release in September 2025, allowing a new generation to experience the tension on the biggest screens. Critics have consistently praised its technical accuracy and gripping narrative.
On Rotten Tomatoes, Apollo 13 holds a stellar 94% approval rating based on over 150 reviews. Critics and audiences alike frequently describe it as a 'gripping masterpiece.' One reviewer, @geo_f, awarded five stars, noting, "I am surprised by its visuals, they hold up to today’s standards... it’s a must-see classic." Another, @marvin_t, called it a "Brilliant masterpiece!! It’s very gripping from start to finish!"
Separating Fact from Cinematic Drama
The film meticulously recounts the harrowing true story of the April 1970 Apollo 13 mission. Astronauts Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise faced a catastrophic onboard explosion just two days into their lunar mission. The subsequent six-day fight for survival, culminating in their safe return to Earth, is portrayed with remarkable fidelity.
Director Ron Howard was committed to authenticity, even enlisting real NASA employees to assist with astronaut training for the cast. This dedication to technical accuracy has been widely applauded, solidifying the film's reputation as one of the greatest true-story adaptations ever made.
With its legendary line, 'Houston, we have a problem,' now etched into film history, Apollo 13 offers a timeless testament to human ingenuity and resilience. It is now available to stream in full on ITVX.
