On the Beach (2000): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2000, On the Beach is a drama and science fiction film directed by Russell Mulcahy, running about 195 minutes.

What it’s about. The world has finally managed to blow itself up and only Australia has been spared from nuclear destruction and a gigantic wave of radiation is floating in on the breezes. One American sub located in the Pacific has survived and is met with disdain by the Australians. The calculations of Australia's most renowned scientist says the country is doomed. However, one of his rivals says that he is wrong. He believes that a 1000 people can be relocated to the northern hemisphere, where his assumptions indicate the radiation levels may be lower. The American Captain is asked to take a mission to the north to determine which scientist is right.

Who’s in it. On the Beach stars Armand Assante as Cmdr. Dwight Towers, Rachel Ward as Moira Davidson, Bryan Brown as Dr. Julian Osborne and Jacqueline McKenzie as Mary Davidson Holmes, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.0/10, On the Beach has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch On the Beach page.

If you liked it. Fans of On the Beach tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.