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Passengers (2016 film)

Passengers is a 2016 American science-fiction romance film directed by Morten Tyldum and written by Jon Spaihts.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Passengers is a 2016 American science-fiction romance film directed by Morten Tyldum and written by Jon Spaihts. It stars Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt as two travellers on an interstellar voyage who awaken from hibernation decades too early. The film received mixed reviews, grossed about $303 million worldwide, and was nominated for two Academy Awards.

Premise

The film follows two passengers aboard the Avalon, a spacecraft carrying thousands of people to a distant colony. After an accident in the ship’s hibernation system, they are awakened long before arrival and must confront the consequences of living aboard the vessel for decades.

Cast and production

Passengers stars Jennifer Lawrence, Chris Pratt, Michael Sheen, Laurence Fishburne, and Andy Garcia. It was directed by Morten Tyldum from a screenplay by Jon Spaihts, and produced as a major American studio science-fiction romance.

Release and reception

The film premiered in Los Angeles on December 14, 2016, and was released in U.S. theatres on December 21, 2016. Critics gave it mixed reviews, while the performances of Lawrence and Pratt were widely noted.

Box office and awards

Passengers grossed about $303 million worldwide against a reported budget of $110–150 million. It received Academy Award nominations for Best Original Score and Best Production Design.

Key facts

  • The story is set aboard the spacecraft Avalon during a 120-year journey to a colony planet.
  • Two passengers wake up about 90 years early after their hibernation pods malfunction.
  • It received mixed critical reviews but was praised for the performances of its leads.
  • The film was nominated for Best Original Score and Best Production Design at the 89th Academy Awards.
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Canadian context

Passengers had a Canadian theatrical release in 2016 and was widely distributed in Canada as a major Hollywood studio film.

Frequently asked questions

What is Passengers about?
It is about two passengers on a long interstellar voyage who wake up decades before the ship reaches its destination.
Who directed Passengers?
Passengers was directed by Morten Tyldum.
Who wrote Passengers?
The screenplay was written by Jon Spaihts.
Who stars in Passengers?
The film stars Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt, with Michael Sheen, Laurence Fishburne, and Andy Garcia in supporting roles.
When was Passengers released?
It was released in the United States on December 21, 2016.
Did Passengers receive any awards recognition?
Yes. It was nominated for Best Original Score and Best Production Design at the 89th Academy Awards.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passengers_(2016_film)
    Supports: Director, writer, cast, premise, premiere date, U.S. release date, reception, box office, and Academy Award nominations
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1355644/
    Supports: Runtime, MPAA rating, director, and writer
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/passengers_2016
    Supports: Synopsis, genre, release date, runtime, and basic cast/crew details
  4. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/passengers-2016
    Supports: Plot context and the early awakening of the lead character
  5. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/80117456
    Supports: Short synopsis and principal cast
  6. YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BWWWQzTpNU
    Supports: Official trailer synopsis and principal cast