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Murphy's War

Murphy's War

World War Two was just ending. World War Murphy is about to begin.

1971107 minGPMidcredits score: 70th percentile of all films
Director
Peter Yates
Starring
Peter O'Toole, Siân Phillips, Philippe Noiret, Horst Janson

Murphy is the sole survivor of his crew, that has been massacred by a German U-Boat in the closing days of World War II. He is rescued, and ends up at a forgotten mission station near the mouth of the Orinoco, and begins to plot his vengeance. He wishes to sink the U-Boat by means of any method imaginable to him, and sets about to make the courageous attempt, assisted by Louis, the administrator of the local oil company.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Murphy's War?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Murphy's War to rent or buy on Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Murphy's War?

Murphy's War earns 2 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Haunting.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood

Reception

Is Murphy's War worth watching?

Murphy's War's Midcredits score is the 70th percentile of all films, from 6.3K ratings across 4 sources. 65% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

70th percentile

Better received than 70% of films

72nd percentile among Drama71st percentile among 1970s
Acclaim (how much people like it)66th
Approval (how many liked it)72nd

66 /100

66th percentile of all films

69th percentile among Drama67th percentile among 1970s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.9 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

65% liked it

72nd percentile of all films

74th percentile among Drama73rd percentile among 1970s
65% rated it 7–1035% rated it 1–6

74th percentile

6.3K ratings across platforms

77th percentile among Drama78th percentile among 1970s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 9% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$5M

What reviewers say

Common ground

A revenge-obsessed sole survivor wages a one-man war against a German U-boat in a remote South American river setting.

Fans praised

  • Peter O'Toole's intense, obsessive performance
  • John Barry's stirring score and Douglas Slocombe's beautiful cinematography
  • Realistic flying sequences and practical effects

Detractors panned

  • Slow pacing and drawn-out middle section
  • Underdeveloped, unlikeable protagonist with thin dialogue
  • Unconvincing submarine model and historical inaccuracies

What stands out

ActingDivisive80

O'Toole's committed, obsessive portrayal widely praised; detractors find over-the-top or unsympathetic

CinematographyDivisive80

Beautifully shot by Douglas Slocombe in Venezuela; lush, oppressive jungle and river visuals

AtmosphereDivisive75

Isolated, oppressive jungle and river setting immersively captured; some find it merely empty

Effects and spectacleDivisive70

Practical plane and submarine stunts praised for authenticity; submarine model called inaccurate and unconvincing

CharactersDivisive60

Murphy a maniacal Ahab-like anti-hero; supporting roles like Noiret's engineer shine, but Phillips' doctor underwritten

TensionDivisive60

Final cat-and-mouse chase praised; overall inconsistent due to pacing and low stakes early on

Plot and storyDivisive55

Simple revenge tale often compared to 'The African Queen' and 'Moby Dick'; called thin and predictable by detractors

PacingDivisive40

Sluggish middle section and padded flying sequences bore many; some fans forgive as deliberate build-up

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Critics vs users 4 points apart
  • US vs non-US 7 points apart

Watch experience

What is Murphy's War like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark and unsettling: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It is intense, takes its time and leaves you haunted. Skip it when you want an easy night or you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings and patience.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseMelancholicDread
Heaviest: late
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Bleak · 8% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its material with somber seriousness, portraying the futility of revenge in a brooding manner.
The rideThe film builds a sustained tension around Murphy's mission, with a melancholy backdrop of war's futility, and reviews note that the emotional weight culminates in the climax and final words.
StructureThe story follows a straightforward timeline from Murphy's survival to his quest for revenge.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Haunted.

The answer rests on this: Haunting · 14% of filmsUnsettling
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's portrayal of obsessive revenge and its tragic implications lingers, leaving a somber and unsettling aftertaste.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Tragedy
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9% (this title): Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% (this title) · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Tragedy: A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin. · Obsession: A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).

9% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeMurphy, sole survivor of a U-boat attack, becomes obsessively determined to sink the German submarine in a personal vendetta, even after learning the war has ended.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfRevengeMorality
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3% (this title)
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16% (this title): Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% (this title) · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% (this title) · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Morality

Revenge · 4% of filmsObsession · 3% of films: A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).War · 1% of films
Mourns its theme: Grieves its theme, or what has been lost of it.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on Murphy's single-minded pursuit of vengeance against the U-Boat crew, but reviews emphasize how this quest becomes obsessive and ultimately reflects the dehumanizing impact of war.
StanceThe film presents revenge as a futile, dehumanizing obsession, mourning the loss of humanity in war rather than celebrating or satirizing it.

The world

Mid 20th centuryWildernessInstitutionalRuralRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score
SettingRiver Orinoco delta, South America, during the closing days of World War II
MusicComposer information is not confirmed from the provided data; likely a period-appropriate orchestral score.

Content guide

Is Murphy's War okay for kids?

GP

Murphy's War is rated GP. As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (67/100), sexual content at minimal (0/100), language at intense (67/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (50/100) and frightening material at mild (33/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 7 other countries
  • UK12
  • Germany12
  • FranceU
  • Brazile 12
  • Hungary16
  • Netherlands12
  • Portugale 12
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Intense
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Profanity
Intense
too few votes to rank (4 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Mild
too few votes to rank (2 votes)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (12 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Murphy's War have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Murphy's War?

Cast

Peter O'Toole
as Murphy
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Siân Phillips
as Hayden
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Philippe Noiret
as Brezan
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Horst Janson
as Lauchs
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
John Hallam
as Ellis
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Harry Fielder
as German Sub Crewman
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
George Roubicek
as U-Boat Crewman
Bob Simmons
as member of German sub crew
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Ingo Mogendorf
as Voght
John Clifford
as Submarine Crewman

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Murphy's War?

Movies like Murphy's War include The Old Gun (1975), White Tiger (2012) and Cross of Iron (1977). Of the 12 closest matches, several are stories of obsession, and most are military films.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

5 of these 12 share its world: World War II. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Murphy's War?

386 other films share the rarest tag below, up against: soldier. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.