The Terminal
Directed by Steven SpielbergVictor Navorski reaches JFK airport from a politically unstable country. Due to collapse of his government, his papers are no longer valid in the airport, and hence he is forced to stay in the airport until the war cools down. He makes the airport his home and develops a friendship with the people who work there until he can leave.
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The Terminal Ratings & Reviews
- Manuel FrangisJanuary 20, 2026I just watched The Terminal and I give it 5 out of 5 stars. This movie moved me in a way I did not expect. I went in thinking it would be a simple story about a man stuck in an airport, but instead I got something emotional, warm, funny, and full of humanity. It reminds you how small acts of kindness can mean everything, especially to someone who feels lost and alone. The Terminal feels like a story about hope and resilience, and it delivers that message gently and beautifully. Tom Hanks gives an incredible performance. He plays Viktor Navorski with so much sincerity that you instantly connect with him. His innocence, politeness, and determination make him one of the most likable characters I have ever seen. Even when he is confused or hurt, he never loses his sense of kindness. You can see the emotion in his eyes during the quiet moments, and that small detail adds so much depth to the story. Tom Hanks brings a softness to the role that makes Viktor feel like someone you want to root for from the very first scene. Catherine Zeta Jones adds warmth and elegance to the film. Her character brings a different type of emotion into Viktor’s world. She is charming, conflicted, and searching for something she cannot quite name. Her scenes with Tom Hanks have a gentle spark that gives the movie sweetness without ever pushing too hard. Their chemistry feels natural and comforting. Even when their characters are unsure of themselves, there is something honest happening between them. The supporting cast brings humor and heart. The airport workers, security guards, janitors, and staff all become part of Viktor’s strange new life. They bring personality and small emotional moments that help shape the story. Some support him, some misunderstand him, and some grow to care about him slowly. Watching these relationships form is one of the highlights of the film. It feels like Viktor builds a community inside a place where he was never supposed to stay. The airport setting is surprisingly magical. Instead of feeling cold or empty, it becomes a world of its own. Viktor learns how to survive there, how to navigate it, and how to create a life inside it. The movie makes the airport feel like a small city full of different personalities, rules, and routines. The way Viktor adapts and finds brightness inside a stressful environment shows the strength of the human spirit. The setting becomes an emotional symbol of waiting, hoping, and refusing to give up. The emotional core of the movie lies in Viktor’s determination. Even when things are unfair or confusing, he remains patient and hopeful. He never stops believing in the purpose that brought him to America, and that gives the story a powerful message. It reminds you that sometimes strength looks quiet. Sometimes strength is just the ability to keep going. The humor in the film is gentle but effective. It comes from misunderstandings, cultural differences, and Viktor’s honest reactions to the chaos around him. The movie never makes fun of him. Instead, it treats him with respect. The humor adds lightness without taking away from the emotional depth. By the time the movie ended, I felt touched and inspired. The Terminal is a beautiful story about kindness, patience, and hope. It completely earned its perfect rating from me.
- mickerdooJuly 14, 2025Charmingly understated film. Shows the power that kindness and patience have over pride and selfishness. Really beautiful. Hanks shines.
- Eric BakkeJanuary 29, 2025The Terminal may not be one of Spielberg’s or Tom Hanks' most memorable films, but it still offers an enjoyable and heartwarming experience. The story, though simple, is charming and entertaining, and Hanks delivers a fun performance of a very likable character with lots of warmth and depth.
- Timeless CinemaJanuary 17, 2026The character driven narrative is good. Unfortunately, the pacing and progression don't hold up as well. Especially during repeat viewings.
- Otacon!January 15, 2026Based on a true story the movie is good but adds to many things because yeah, the true story is not that exiting. Hanks makes a great interpretation as other characters in the movie.
- flavo43December 25, 2025I absolutely loved The Terminal. Tom Hanks brings Viktor Navorski to life with such warmth and sincerity that I was invested from the very first scene. Watching him navigate the absurd situation of being trapped in an airport—caught in bureaucratic limbo—was both funny and unexpectedly moving. What impressed me most was how Navorski survives not through force or luck, but through intelligence, kindness, and an infectious optimism that slowly wins over the people around him. The supporting characters add so much charm, and I enjoyed seeing how this little community forms inside a place most of us think of as cold and impersonal. The film blends romantic comedy with gentle drama in a way that feels effortless, never tipping too far in either direction. For me, The Terminal is one of those rare movies that leaves you smiling long after it ends. It’s absolutely worth watching.
- shmericshmorterDecember 14, 2025This was cute. Tom Hanks being wholesome and whatnot. You don't see movies about a guy stuck in a terminal anymore unless there's like a hostage situation or something. Nope. Just bureaucracy.
- sopulaMay 29, 2025It's castaway but Tom Hanks is lost in an airport (i think its because of the similar reviews in a row that i have to add extra to this review)
- Y0URmessiahNovember 23, 2025It's a great movie that's somewhat based on a true story. It's a feel good movie for the ages.
- supderpbroOctober 17, 2025Thom Hunks doing an Eastern European accent and pretending to barely speak English for 2 hours. I liked it.
- Pray4moneyJuly 30, 2025Heart warming film. Based on a very more tragic true story.
The Terminal Trivia
The Terminal was released on June 18, 2004.
The Terminal was directed by Steven Spielberg.
The Terminal has a runtime of 2h 8m.
The Terminal was produced by Steven Spielberg, Laurie MacDonald, Walter F. Parkes.
The key characters in The Terminal are Viktor Navorski (Tom Hanks), Amelia Warren (Catherine Zeta-Jones), Frank Dixon (Stanley Tucci).
The Terminal is rated PG-13.
The Terminal is a Comedy, Drama, Romance film.
The Terminal has an audience rating of 7.3 out of 10.