🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Wolfgang Petersen
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Thriller, Disaster
- Release year: 2006
- Runtime (length): 1h 38min
- IMDb rating: 5.7/10 (113K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 33%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A really big wave ruins everyone’s New Year’s Eve, and some people try to find the upstairs, which is now downstairs, but like, underwater.
🍿 Poseidon: Detailed Plot Synopsis
New Year’s Eve on the Poseidon
The luxury cruise liner Poseidon is sailing across the North Atlantic on New Year’s Eve. Passengers celebrate in the grand ballroom and nightclub. Among them are Dylan Johns, a professional gambler; Robert Ramsey, a former New York City mayor, his daughter Jennifer and her fiancé Christian; and Richard Nelson, a suicidal architect. As the new year arrives, officers on the bridge spot a massive rogue wave approaching. Despite their attempts to steer the ship, the Poseidon is struck broadside and capsizes.

The Upside-Down World
The surviving passengers find themselves trapped in the overturned ship, amidst chaos and rising water. Captain Bradford assures them that help is on the way and urges them to stay put, but Dylan believes their best chance for survival lies in finding their own way out through the bow thrusters. A small group, including Dylan, Robert, Richard, Maggie (a single mother), her son Connor, and the steward Valentin, decides to venture out against the captain’s orders.

Perilous Journey
The group faces numerous obstacles as they navigate the labyrinthine, upside-down corridors of the sinking ship. They encounter explosions, fires, and rising water, leading to tragic losses along the way. Valentin is killed in an elevator shaft, and Lucky Larry is crushed by falling debris after joining the group. The group continues their desperate struggle, facing claustrophobia and dangerous underwater passages. They are driven by the hope of reaching the surface and finding rescue.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Dylan Johns (Josh Lucas): A professional gambler and retired Navy sailor who takes the lead in trying to escape the capsized ship.
- Robert Ramsey (Kurt Russell): The overprotective former mayor of New York who must reconcile with his daughter while fighting to survive.
- Jennifer Ramsey (Emmy Rossum): Robert’s daughter and Christian’s fiancée who fights to survive and gain her father’s acceptance of her relationship.
- Richard Nelson (Richard Dreyfuss): A despondent architect who initially sought suicide but finds a reason to live amidst the disaster.
- Maggie James (Jacinda Barrett): A resourceful single mother determined to protect her son, Conor, and escape the sinking ship.
- Conor James (Jimmy Bennett): The wise-beyond-his-years son of Maggie, who demonstrates surprising bravery and resourcefulness.
- Elena Morales (Mía Maestro): A stowaway who seeks a new life in New York and displays courage but ultimately succumbs to the disaster.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Dylan Johns: “We’re not waiting to die.” – Dylan declares his intention to find a way out rather than waiting for a rescue that may not come.
- Robert Ramsey: “There’s nothing fair about who lives or dies.” – Said by Robert highlighting the randomness and brutality of their situation.
- Richard Nelson: “I’m an architect. Ships aren’t designed to float upside down.” – Stating the obvious danger they are in as they struggle to escape the sinking ship.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $160,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $60,674,817
- Worldwide Gross: $181,674,817
💥 Poseidon Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so ‘Poseidon’ isn’t a cinematic masterpiece, but I still found myself glued to the screen! The special effects are insane, especially when the wave hits the ship – totally breathtaking. I admit I didn’t really care about most of the characters, but Kurt Russell always brings something to the table. There were a few moments that genuinely had me holding my breath. Overall, its a fun ride if you don’t take it too seriously!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of disaster movies”
- “Viewers who enjoy intense action and special effects”
- “Those interested in survival stories”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Intense peril and action sequences”
- “Drowning and death”
- “Some language”
Professional Reviews
- The New York Times: “While the special effects are undeniably impressive, Poseidon lacks the character development and emotional depth that made the original Poseidon Adventure so compelling. The film prioritizes spectacle over substance, leaving viewers with a visually stunning but ultimately hollow experience. The characters felt flat and stereotypical.
- Variety: “Poseidon is a fast-paced, action-packed thrill ride that delivers on its promise of disaster and destruction. However, the film suffers from a weak script and underdeveloped characters, making it difficult to connect with the survivors on an emotional level. The relentless action eventually becomes repetitive.
- RogerEbert.com: “Wolfgang Petersen’s Poseidon is a visually impressive but ultimately forgettable remake of the classic disaster film. The film is filled with stunning special effects, but the characters are thin and the plot is predictable. A missed opportunity to create a truly memorable disaster movie.
Audience Reactions
The capsizing scene was absolutely incredible and visually stunning.: Viewers generally agree that the special effects are the highlight of the movie, making the disaster feel real and intense.
I enjoyed the fast-paced action and the suspenseful escape sequences.: Many appreciate the movie’s relentless pace and the way it keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Overall Consensus: Poseidon is a visually impressive disaster movie with stunning special effects, but it suffers from a weak script, underdeveloped characters, and a lack of emotional depth. It’s a thrilling but ultimately forgettable experience.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Several cast and crew members suffered minor infections due to prolonged exposure to dirty water during filming.”
- “The production utilized a massive soundstage to build elaborate, upside-down sets to simulate the capsized ship’s interior.”
- “Director Wolfgang Petersen also directed ‘The Perfect Storm,’ another high-profile sea disaster film.”
🖥️ How to Watch Poseidon?
Poseidon (2006) is available to stream, rent, or purchase on various platforms. Check services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu for options. Availability may vary by region, so confirm before attempting to watch.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Poseidon, you might like these similar films:
- The Poseidon Adventure (1972): The original disaster film about a capsized ocean liner, providing a direct comparison point.
- Titanic (1997): Another large-scale disaster at sea, focusing on survival and human drama amidst chaos.
- The Perfect Storm (2000): Directed by the same director, Wolfgang Petersen, the movie shows another disaster at sea.
- Deepwater Horizon (2016): A modern disaster film based on a real-life event, showcasing the fight for survival against overwhelming odds.
🛒 Poseidon Related Products
- The Poseidon Adventure (1972) [Blu-ray]: Experience the original disaster classic with Gene Hackman and a compelling story! A must-have for fans of the genre.
- Luxury Cruise Ship Building Block Set: Create your own magnificent ocean liner with this detailed building block set. Perfect for imaginative play and display.
- Disaster Movie Survival Kit: Be prepared for any unexpected disaster with this comprehensive survival kit. Includes essential supplies for emergency situations.
- Poseidon Trident Necklace: Wear this symbol of power and the sea with a stainless steel trident pendant, perfect for fans of mythology and adventure.
🎧 Soundtrack
Poseidon features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Yes, Poseidon (2006) is a remake of the 1972 film The Poseidon Adventure, which was based on Paul Gallico’s 1969 novel of the same name.
The Poseidon capsized after being struck by a massive rogue wave in the North Atlantic Ocean.
The survivors in Poseidon (2006) are Dylan Johns, Maggie James, Connor James, Jennifer Ramsey, Christian, and Richard Nelson.
Principal photography took place primarily in soundstages in Los Angeles. Notable filming locations included the Staples Center, used for scenes depicting the ship’s dance club.
🔥 Bonus Content
The Poseidon Adventure (1972/2005)/Poseidon (2006): Side-by-Side Comparison
Curious about how the different Poseidon movies compare? This video puts them side-by-side for a fascinating look at the evolution of the franchise.
2000 Tourists Trapped In a Sinking Upside Down Cruise Liner, And The Air is Running Out
Need a quick refresher on the thrilling events of Poseidon? This recap has you covered, giving you all the details you need to dive right back into the action.
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